Keith Long: 'It's a great win but we've got to back it up on Friday'

Bohemians manager Keith Long praised the work rate and desire of his player’s following Monday night’s 1-0 win over Limerick at the Markets Field.

Long spoke with extratime.ie after watching Dinny Corcoran score the Gypsies’ winning goal for the second successive match, a result which propels the Dubliners into seventh place in the Premier Division standings.

“We’re four games into the season. We can’t get carried away because we’re going to have highs and lows throughout the year and we’ve got to make sure that we remain on an even keel and stick to what we’re trying to do on the training ground,” Long said.

“The players have bought into this and they’re working extremely hard for the jersey and the club and that’s hugely important to all involved at Bohs.”

The win is Bohs’ first league three points away from home since defeating St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park in August 2016, and is something that Long feels was very important, especially on the back of their opening league win of the campaign last Friday night

“It’s a great win on the back of the victory against Bray.

“We dug deep, especially in the second-half when Limerick threw everything at us so to come away with a 1-0 win down here. I don’t think many people would have predicted that so we’re really pleased.

“Our defenders defended well and I thought throughout the course of the game we were dangerous on the break.

“Limerick try to plan an expansive style of football and sometimes they can leave themselves exposed and, although we could have capitalised on it a bit more, overall we can be really pleased with the lads and the result.

“The quality we showed at times was good. We’re a new group of players, having won two and lost two, so it’s very important that we go again in Dalymount on Friday night and follow tonight up with the right result.”

The Dalymount outfit’s rear-guard was excellent but Long decided to focus more so on his younger players post-match and in particular on-loan Dundalk midfielder Georgie Poynton and former Shelbourne winger Jamie Doyle.

“Georgie has been fantastic for us in the four games and he still has a lot of learning to do. He’s still developing and has got a lot of education ahead of him in terms of learning the game.

“We do have some experienced players along with some young players. Players coming through from the First Division like Jamie Doyle and the lads are doing really well. They’re trying their best and giving it everything that they have and as a manager that’s all you can ask for.”

The scene surrounding Bohs’ start to the season has taken quite a turn for the better recently, with two quick fire victories lifting the early season pessimism around the club.

Long feels that the criticism his team faced was unwarranted, particularly considering the opposition they faced in the opening two fixtures.

“I think the language was a little bit strong. It doesn’t really bother me what people think, say or do, I can’t really control that but it was two games into the season. Yes, we lost heavily at home to Derry but the scoreline flattered them and they have beaten Dundalk tonight so they’re a good side.

“We lost narrowly away to Shamrock Rovers but I think the performances have been there. Even the goals we gave away against Bray were avoidable but tonight we didn’t give any away and kept a clean sheet so we were always in with a chance of winning the game and thankfully we did that.”

Looking ahead, Bohs host winless Galway United in Phibsborough on Friday seeking a third league triumph on the trot, although they may have to make do without Ian Morris, who limped off 26 minutes into proceedings last night.

“We have won tonight, got the three points on offer and you can’t look any further than Galway at home on Friday. If we do our business properly hopefully we can get the right result there.

“I’m not sure (about the extent of Morris' injury). It’s probably too early to tell. Ian went off early tonight but we have to assess him and see where we are at for Friday.

“With the squad that we have it’s very important that we keep our key players, every player fit.”