Murphy focused on Sligo challenge
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Bohemians go into Friday’s game against Sligo Rovers knowing that if results go their way they could be crowned league champions for the second year in a row. However, Bohs full-back Anto Murphy insists this won’t be something on the players’ minds come 7.35pm on Friday night.
“No, it won’t be on our minds. We said at the start of the season that we wanted to retain the title and going into the last two games knowing if we win them both we’ve won the league is great. All we’re thinking about at the moment though is our own results and not about what happens elsewhere.”
Bohs have played Sligo six times this season resulting in two wins, two draws and two losses. Sligo has been a thorn in Bohemians' side all season and Murphy is fully aware just how difficult Friday night’s game will be. "It won’t be easy against Sligo, they’re fighting for their lives and are on a bit if a high after reaching the cup final,” Murphy explained.
“They (Sligo) seem to be our bogey team this season. They’re well organised and are very hard to break down. When we played them in the cup they defended in numbers and tried to catch us on the break. When they get chances they take them.”
Having played at centre back against Galway last Friday night and with Bohs’ injury crisis at the moment, Murphy knows he may be called upon to play there again. “I’ll fill in anywhere,” declared Murphy. “To lose Ken (Oman) for the rest of the season is a blow, but I’m happy to fill in. Obviously it was difficult for Glen Cronin as well having to fill in at right-back against Galway. So it’s a bit of a makeshift back four at the moment.”
If Murphy is indeed called upon to play at centre back again on Friday he will come up against Sligo maestro Rafael Cretaro. Having played with Cretaro during his time with The Bit O'Red, Murphy knows the threat the "Tubbercurry Tornado" poses. “He’ll be a hell of a threat. I know from being at Sligo that he gives 100% in every game. He’s like a little fly around you at times,” Murphy said.
Murphy was full of praise for the Sligo striker. “Everyone can see the progress he’s made this season and, with no disrespect to Sligo, with their league position, to score over 20 goals is an amazing achievement.”
“No, it won’t be on our minds. We said at the start of the season that we wanted to retain the title and going into the last two games knowing if we win them both we’ve won the league is great. All we’re thinking about at the moment though is our own results and not about what happens elsewhere.”
Bohs have played Sligo six times this season resulting in two wins, two draws and two losses. Sligo has been a thorn in Bohemians' side all season and Murphy is fully aware just how difficult Friday night’s game will be. "It won’t be easy against Sligo, they’re fighting for their lives and are on a bit if a high after reaching the cup final,” Murphy explained.
“They (Sligo) seem to be our bogey team this season. They’re well organised and are very hard to break down. When we played them in the cup they defended in numbers and tried to catch us on the break. When they get chances they take them.”
Having played at centre back against Galway last Friday night and with Bohs’ injury crisis at the moment, Murphy knows he may be called upon to play there again. “I’ll fill in anywhere,” declared Murphy. “To lose Ken (Oman) for the rest of the season is a blow, but I’m happy to fill in. Obviously it was difficult for Glen Cronin as well having to fill in at right-back against Galway. So it’s a bit of a makeshift back four at the moment.”
If Murphy is indeed called upon to play at centre back again on Friday he will come up against Sligo maestro Rafael Cretaro. Having played with Cretaro during his time with The Bit O'Red, Murphy knows the threat the "Tubbercurry Tornado" poses. “He’ll be a hell of a threat. I know from being at Sligo that he gives 100% in every game. He’s like a little fly around you at times,” Murphy said.
Murphy was full of praise for the Sligo striker. “Everyone can see the progress he’s made this season and, with no disrespect to Sligo, with their league position, to score over 20 goals is an amazing achievement.”
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Frankie Lally writes for a number of publications. You can contact Frankie on Twitter at @FrankieLally
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