FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Derry City

BOHEMIANS 

Bohemians will be looking to reach their third FAI Cup final in four years when they host Derry City in Friday’s semi-final at Dalymount Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm with the game on RTE 2). 

The Gypsies have lost their two most recent deciders but know this season is a huge opportunity to arrest that devastating run if they advance.

But they must overcome Derry City first to return to Lansdowne Road.

And boss Alan Reynolds has called on his side to rise to the occasion.

“We haven’t had the season we want in the league, so this is a massive opportunity for us to achieve something this year,” he said.

“This is where we want to be, and want to be regularly; in high-pressure games against the best teams in the league with prizes on the line. That is what we are all working towards and we have to seize the opportunity that is in front of us tomorrow.

“To do that we need to be at our very best from the first whistle. Against a team as good as Derry, we need to be ruthless in possession, in winning back possession, and show a killer instinct in front of goal that has evaded us too often this season.

“Our players go into this game with that determination. We know how good Derry are but we have shown that when we are at our very best, and have that vocal backing of our supporters, that we are capable of beating the best teams in this league.”

Bohemians will remain without Keith Buckley, Robert Cornwall and James McManus through injury on Friday. Jordan Flores returns while Leigh Kavanagh, Alex Greive and James Akintunde are doubts.

DERRY CITY 

Double chasers Derry City visit Dublin 7 on Friday evening knowing they can take a huge step towards achieving that aim if they advance against Bohs.

There is now an expectation on the Candystripes to deliver, having come close in recent years to dominating all before them.

And boss Ruaidhri Higgins has called on his side to prove their class.

“We know there’s an expectation now,” he said, as quoted by the Irish Independent.

“It wasn’t that long ago when we were rock bottom of the table. Expectation grows and it grows fast and that is what has happened here. You have to stick your chest out and embrace that.

“You have to accept the criticism when it comes and it can come quite regularly here but that's part and parcel of this job. We aren't in too bad of a position, we’re in a Cup semi-final and a chance to win our first league title in 27 years. I sit here quite comfortably.

“Dalymount has been a good ground for us for a long time and hopefully that continues on Friday. We know Bohs have improved and have a certain way of playing. We will have to be at our best to win the game.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

PREDICTION 

Bohemians 0-2 Derry City

Bohemians 

Injured: Rob Cornwall, Keith Buckley, James McManus.

Doubtful:James Akintunde, Leigh Kavanagh, Alex Greive. 

Suspended:None.

Derry City

Injured: Daniel Kelly.

Doubtful:Ben Doherty, Will Patching.

Suspended:None. 

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— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) October 3, 2024