Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians
- Alan Smith
- Fri, Apr 09 2010
It’s certain to be fast and furious at Tallaght tonight when Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians collide (kick-off, 7.45pm), as the home side look for just their second win of the season against their bitter rivals.
Bohs are second in the table coming into the game but they have been held to three draws on the bounce, scoring just once in that time, and it means both sides are even more desperate for the win as the two biggest rivals in the league meet for the first time the season.
Rovers’ poor form has been counter-balanced by the depleted nature of Michael O’Neill’s squad, with up to eight players out of action for tonight’s game. Their two biggest goalscoring threats, Gary Twigg and Dessie Baker, remain sidelined though the former has returned to training.
“Gary Twigg started back training with us on Monday,” says O’Neill. “But it would be unrealistic to think he’s going to play tomorrow night; it just wouldn’t be fair to put him in that situation. We need to get bodies back, without losing anyone else. But we could definitely see that progress is being made.”
O’Neill values the first derby of the campaign important but it won’t be make or break if the Hoops are dealt their third defeat of the season. “It’ll be a huge boost for us if we can get the win. But it’s certainly not a make-or-break game, as some people are saying. Getting the win would be more important for us in terms of what it would do for the team in terms of us pushing on.
“There should be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere in Tallaght on Friday, and everyone is really looking forward to the game. Bohs have had a good start to the season, but we are confident that we can pick up three points tonight and kick start our season.”
The game will be the third in seven days for Pat Fenlon’s side and although they are unbeaten in the league so far, they have drawn their last three. St Pat’s was the latest of those draws and Fenlon was relatively happy with the point. "I'm pleased with the performance. Obviously, I'm disappointed to drop points at home but I think that's going to happen over a regular occurrence over the season for a lot of teams.”
However, he knows that the trip to Tallaght will be a different prospect to Tuesday night’s game as the Gypsies go in search of their first win at the Hoops’ new ground. “It’s going to be tough. Going to Tallaght is always difficult because everyone expects a big game. We are going into the game in decent form so we’re happy enough,” Fenlon said.
Fenlon will be pleased at the fact that, unlike O’Neill he has a full squad at his disposal. Anto Murphy and Steven Gray had picked up knocks but they are training fully and will be fit for the encounter. That should be enough to see the tie swing in favour of the away side.
Venue: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
Paddypower.com Odds: Shamrock Rovers 11/5, Draw 21/10, Bohemians 5/4
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)
Shamrock Rovers:
Suspended: none
Innjured: Gary Twigg (calf), Dessie Baker (arm), Pat Sullivan (knee), Stephen Bradley (wrist)
Doubtful: Paddy Kavanagh (hamstring), Pat Flynn (hip), Craig Sives (calf) and Sean O’Connor (knee)
Bohemians:
Suspended: none
Injured: none
Doubtful: none
Extratime Prediction: 1-2
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90.