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Bohemians -v- Derry City
- Gordon Hunt
- Thu, Apr 28 2011
Gareth McGlynn and Ruaidhri Higgins return to Dalymount Park on Friday to face their former club after both caught the train to Derry following Bohemians’ financial fallout during the close season. (Kick off, 7 45pm)
The Candystripes currently sit third in the league, ahead of Bohs on goal difference, however with this clash ahead of another game on Monday – when Bohs face Bray Wanderers and Derry head to Sligo Rovers – the table could be much changed very soon.
Bohs’ slim squad will be called into question over the next few days, something Pat Fenlon acknowledged when speaking ahead of the game, saying his squad faces a “real test because of the squad we have and because of the games we have”.
Bohemians will have to manage without Glenn Cronin and Christy Fagan on Friday night while Mark Rossiter is also a doubt.
Fenlon noted that the mainly amateur team that was defeated on Monday in the EA Sports Cup against Shelbourne had failed to defend well enough, notably at set pieces. “Some of the younger lads have got to learn. We switched off from set pieces. These are things we are hoping with a bit of experience that they can pick up on,” he said.
Derry have injury concerns over both James McClean and Patrick McEleney for Friday night. McClean is struggling with a shin complaint and McEleney sustained a dead leg in Monday’s EA Sports Cup win over Mervue United. “I'm hopeful that James will be ok – he’s a crucial player for us and gives us great width and balance,” said Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny.
“Bohemians are a formidable team who don't concede many goals,” warned Kenny. “They have players with a lot of experience, seasoned professionals and they keep it tight while offering a major threat at set-pieces. If we believe in ourselves we have nothing to fear - we must show the pace and quality which we have shown in recent weeks and try to get a victory,” added Kenny.
Bohemians
Injured: Christy Fagan (hamstring) and Glenn Cronin (knee).
Doubtful: Mark Rossiter.
Suspended: None.
Derry City
Injured: Ruairi Harkin and Barry Molloy.
Doubtful: James McClean (Shin) and Patrick McEleney (Dead leg).
Suspended: None.
Referee: Padraig Sutton.
Paddy Power Odds: Bohs 11/8; Draw 11/5; Derry 15/8.
Extratime prediction: 1-0 Derry.
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block.