Preview: Bohemians vs UCD
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Bohemians have the opportunity to reclaim top spot in the eircom Premier League when they take on fourth-from-bottom UCD at Dalymount Park on Friday night (kick off 19.45).
Pat Fenlon's men currently trail St Patrick's Athletic by one point at the top of the table, but with the leaders not in action until Saturday, a victory will take them back to the summit.
The Gypsies go into the game on the back of some hugely impressive form in the league. Since losing to St Pat's in the second week of the season, Bohs have gone 15 league games unbeaten and picked up 37 points from a possible 45.
UCD on the other hand have endured a difficult time of it so far this season. The Students are involved in a four-way fight for survival at the bottom of the table along with Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps and Galway United. UCD have struggled for goals this season and had to try rely on an injury time header from goalkeeper Matt Gregg to grab a point in last week's game against Cobh.
On paper, this should be a routine victory for the home side. While UCD have managed just five goals on their travels this season, Bohs boast the meanest defence in the league and have conceded just four times in their seven home league fixtures so far.
Nevertheless, Bohs' manager Pat Fenlon is expecting a tough game. He said: "UCD are a difficult side to play against. They have caused problems for all the so-called bigger sides down the years and although the expectations of the supporters may be high, I foresee a competitive encounter. UCD have pace up front and wide on the right and that is something we have to be wary of."
Fenlon has been given a major boost ahead of the game by the news that Jason Byrne, Ken Oman and Mark Rossiter are all available for selection again, having recovered from injury. However, midfielder Glenn Cronin remains sidelined with a knee injury, while John Paul Kelly and Jason McGuinness are suspended.
UCD boss Pete Mahon, meanwhile, is faced with something of an injury crisis for the trip across the city. The Students are missing defenders Alan Mahon, Brian Shortall and Ian Bermingham, midfielder Brian King is also ruled out. Midfielder Shane Fitzgerald and striker Paul Byrne both face late fitness tests.
Despite Gregg's heroics in attack last weekend, Mahon laughed off suggestions that the former Bohs 'keeper could be moved up front for the game at Dalymount. He said: "I think you have a better chance of seeing me going in goals than that happening."
On a more serious note, Mahon is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his side, particularly with so many key players ruled out through injury. “We’re going to give some of our younger players a chance. We haven’t got that many choices. It’s not the ideal situation to put young players into a game like this but it happened last season with Ian Bermingham up in the Brandywell and he played a stormer that day.”
