'We need to show what we're made of' - Keith Long targets derby win as Bohs look to turn around early-season form

Keith Long has challenged his Bohemians side to ‘show what we’re made of’ ahead of tonight’s Dublin Derby in Tallaght.

The Gypsies travel to their crosstown rivals following an indifferent start to the season that’s seen them pick up just seven points from six games.

Tuesday night’s 3-1 reverse at home to Sligo Rovers was the Phibsboro side’s third defeat of the season, having been beaten away to Finn Harps and at home to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Long felt his side were unfortunate to lose to high-flying Sligo, having overcome the concession of a first-half goal to control the second half.

Bohs looked the more likely of the two sides to fashion a winner as the final 15 minutes approached, only to be hit by two clinical counter-attacks.

Substitute Keith Ward missed a great chance to tie the game up for a second time at 2-1, and the Bit o’ Red delivered the decisive third goal moments later.

“We can’t quibble about the result. We switched off a little bit for the second goal – it was bad decision-making, bad defending,” Long told extratime.ie.

“We played well, I feel. It’s probably the best we’ve played this year, certainly at home. We’ve had chances and we should equalise.

“Keith Ward should equalise, and he knows that. He can’t miss chances like that. We can’t give up chances like we conceded in the second half.

“But we always knew, in transition, when we’re on attack we’re susceptible to the counter-attack and Sligo have some good offensive players and they’ll hurt you in those moments.”

Long admitted the early season form has been far from ideal but, while costly mistakes have cost them at crucial teams, he hasn’t been too disheartened by the performances.

Tuesday night saw Long made several changes to rest his part-time squad, with younger players like Jack Moylan, Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney all impressing as they came into the side.

“We’ve lost three games out of six, so what can you say? It’s early days,” Long said.

“People don’t want to hear me talking about early days, but the reality is we should have got something out of the game tonight and we’d be bouncing into Friday.

“But we have to suck it out, come out and work hard, believe in what we do, which we will do. There’s no hiding places – we have to go out on the pitch and put in good displays.”

The visit to Tallaght is perhaps the ideal opportunity to turn their form around, though form invariably goes out the window in Ireland’s most competitive derby.

“Friday is great – it’s the Dublin Derby and we’re looking forward to it. Rovers, I’m sure, will come into it buoyed by their start to the season.

“They’re a good side – they’ve got quality players – and it’s a tough place to go to, Tallaght. We need to put in a good display, show what we’re made of a little bit and try and bounce back.”