UCD -v- Bohemians

UCD manager Martin Russell will be without the services of injured trio Mick Leahy, Ger Barron and Chris Mulhall as his side aim to record a third home win in four attempts at the UCD Bowl on Friday evening.

 

Coming into this match the Students lie three points ahead of their visitors after collecting seven points from their opening six games; the last of which saw them hold Derry City to a goalless draw at the Brandywell last weekend, a result Russell was eager to emphasize: “Taking a point at the Brandywell is no mean feat. We go into the Bohs game looking to build on that performance and the boost to our confidence.” 

 

The return of Paul Corry and Gary Burke to the squad will provide an additional tonic. Speaking ahead of Friday’s match, the UCD boss acknowledged that their opponents are a different proposition having broken their league duck last weekend: “We recognise Bohs will be buoyed by their recent win against Cork, we know they will have high expectations and they will be keen to climb up the league but we will do all we can to stop that.”

 

Bohemians come into this match on the back of a morale boosting first win of the season after they overcame Cork City 1-0 at Dalymount Park last Friday, thanks to a 45th minute Dinny Corcoran goal.

 

The UCD Bowl will provide a familiar setting to many of the Bohemians personnel as they bring a wealth of former UCD players and staff to the Bowl. Aaron Callaghan and Terry Butler will lead a squad that includes former UCD players Evan McMillan, Peter McMahon, Dwayne Wilson and Keith Ward.

 

After a tough opening few games, Bohs now come into a run of fixtures that they will endeavor to take points from if they are to push on from that opening victory. “I know we’ve already played the top four or five on paper, but there are no easy games in this league and UCD will be a very tough game. Everybody on their day can beat anybody in this league. You only have to look at Shamrock Rovers’ result last week,” said Bohemians manager Aaron Callaghan.

 

Bohs will be without the suspended Dave Scully, and have doubts over Roberto Lopes and John O’Connor who are both suffering from stomach bugs. Otherwise, Aaron Callaghan hopes to have a fully fit squad at his disposal.

 

Referee: James McKell.

 

 

Bohemians have won on three of their last four visits to the UCD Bowl. This match is Bohemians’ fourth Dublin derby of the season so far, but they have only claimed one point from their three previous all-Dublin clashes. (A scoreless draw with St Patrick’s Athletic).

 

UCD striker Graham Rusk currently sits joint third in the Airtricity Premier Division scoring charts on three goals, two behind early leaders Danny North and Gary Twigg.

 

UCD 13/8; Draw 21/10; Bohemians 13/8.

 

Bohemians will hope their 3-4-3 formation will deliver again but UCD look a better bet to exploit any gaps in the Gypsies’ rearguard. UCD 2-0 Bohemians.

 

UCD Injury News: Mick Leahy, Ger Barron, Chris Mulhall.

UCD Suspension News: None.

 

Bohemians Injury News: None.

Bohemians Suspension News: Dave Scully.