League Preview: St Patrick’s Athletic -v- Bohemians

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC 

St Patrick’s Athletic boss Stephen Kenny is hoping his side can build on their late win over Shamrock Rovers before the mid-season break when they host Bohemians. 

The Saints came from 1-0 down to defeat the Hoops 2-1 at Richmond Park with two late goals. 

And they will be confident that they can repeat the feat against Bohemians as they look to build some much-needed momentum ahead of the last few months of the season.

“It was an important win for the team against Shamrock Rovers,” Kenny said. “It was a real squad effort, with Ruairi Keating coming on and getting a terrific equaliser and Brandon Kavanagh coming off the bench to get a big winner in the 95th minute.

“The week off was as we had planned it. We've been back this week, and one Dublin derby leads into another with Bohemians on Friday.

“It's an important game for both teams and we want to make sure we are ready. It's a big few weeks for us.

“The game tomorrow I think will be a much better game of football (than the last meeting).

“There's a lot of skilful players on both teams and we have to try and utilise that to our advantage to get the victory that we need.”

BOHEMIANS

Alan Reynolds reckons Bohemians have it all to do when they visit Inchicore on Friday night. 

Bohs were defeated 2-1 by Derry City before the mid-season break and now sit eighth in the table. 

But they have added Ross Tierney to their ranks from Motherwell, while Martin Lilander, Sten Reinkort and Bart Kukulowicz have left the club. Defender Luke Matheson has returned to parent club Bolton Wanderers after his loan at Dalymount Park.

“Stephen will have St Pat’s well prepared but we will be as well,” Reynolds said. We have our own game-plan and we have worked on a lot of things.

“Richmond Park is a great place to play football and there should be a great atmosphere, so everyone is looking forward to it after last weekend off.

“St Pat’s had a good result, scoring in the last minute, so they went into the break thriving on that so I’m sure Stephen will be looking to build on that.”

But Bohemians head into Friday’s game without a host of first-team stars through injury. 

Wingers Dylan Connolly and Declan McDaid have joined Brian McManus, James McManus, Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley on the treatment table.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin. 

PREDICTION 

St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Bohemians 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Ryan McLaughlin. 

Doubtful:None. 

Suspended:None. 

Bohemians 

Injured: Declan McDaid, Dylan Connolly, Brian McManus, James McManus, Rob Cornwall, Keith Buckley.

Doubtful:None. 

Suspended:None.