Live Updates - Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers

BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS LIVE UPDATES

BOHEMIANS

Bohs will be looking to bounce back after last Friday’s defeat to Cork City in the St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday early afternoon clash with Shamrock Rovers. The Gypsies led at half-time in Cork thanks to veteran Owen Heary’s header but conceded two goals in the second half.

"I thought it was a good performance overall, obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted,” said Bohs boss Aaron Callaghan. “The intensity they came out with in the second half we couldn’t cope with it. We conceded two sloppy goals, I think their second one was a bit lucky with someone miscontrolling it. But we got back into the game in the last 15 to 20 minutes so I was delighted with the performance individually and collectively."

These Bohs-Rovers Dublin derbies are normally very tight affairs but not last season’s game in Dalymount Park. Bohs tore Rovers apart 4-0 much to the delight of the home fans. When the sides last met in September, the Bohs 1-0 win in Tallaght precipitated the sacking of Stephen Kenny as Rovers boss. Callaghan is looking for three wins on the trot over the Hoops even if he isn’t overly relying on the past results for an indication of Monday’s outcome.

"It’s not just a game – it’s a big Dublin Derby against our biggest rivals. Last year we were set up quite well for those games but we definitely need to perform at our best to get a result. I think last year is history to be honest. They’ve strengthened, they have a new manager, and a new set of players. They’ve started the season well so it’s a good test for us – but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Callaghan’s team opened their league campaign with a 2-1 win over UCD and the players know that Monday’s game against bitter rivals Rovers has more than just three points at stake.

"They know the importance of the game for themselves first of all, but also for the fans. They need to make sure they put in a performance individually, and then collectively I think we’ll be good.

 "I think there’s going to be a really good crowd. The fact we moved it forward and that they’ve started well, I think there could be four or five thousand at it, and I know our fans will come out in force."

Bohs may have to face Rovers without defender Stephen Paisley and midfielder Kevin Devaney. Both are doubts due to illness.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops travel to Dalymount Park for Monday afternoon’s Dublin Derby confident after Friday night’s 3-0 win over St. Patrick’s Athletic in another derby game. Monday’s match is the only league fixture of the day, so a win would put Trevor Croly top of a very early league table.

The Rovers boss was pleased with the performance against the Saints following the Hoops’ sluggish start to the league campaign in the 0-0 draw in Dundalk. Ciarán Kilduff, Gary McCabe and the influential Ronan Finn were all on the scoresheet in Tallaght in the win over Pat’s played out in front of a crowd in excess of 3,000. Rovers have already sold out their allocation of away tickets over the weekend for this game against Bohs.

“After our 3-0 win over St Pat’s on Friday night, and the manner of the performance, confidence is high among the players,” said Trevor Croly, “and they’re all looking forward to the game.”

“But it’s another big test for us, just as Friday’s night was. It’s a big game for the fans too, and as a Dublin derby I’m sure the support will be great on the day.”

Pat Sullivan is a slight doubt for Rovers with a dead leg and there will be late fitness tests for Ronan Finn (calf) and Jason McGuinness (ankle). If McGuinness is unavailable, former Gypsy Ken Oman is likely to start at centre-half. Croly will be able to call on Mark Quigley who has returned to the Rovers squad after a recent calf injury.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Ciarán Kilduff is in fine goalscoring form for Rovers having netted five times in five games already this season.

Bohs 4-0 win over Rovers in Dalymount Park last June was their biggest win over the Hoops in 35 years.

Rovers have played seven competitive games this season and have conceded just three goals. Last season they conceded 56 goals in 47 games.

BETTING

Bohs 15/4; Draw 12/5; Rovers 8/11.

PREDICTION

An away win; 2-1.

Bohs Injury News: Dave Mulcahy.

Bohs Suspension News: None. 

Rovers Injury News: None.

Rovers Suspension News: None.