LOI Preview: Limerick -v- Bohemians

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, Jul 04 2014




LIMERICK FC

In what was a far from ideal return from the break for the Super Blues, Limerick will look to get back to winning ways against a Bohemians side who knocked them out of the FAI Cup in early June.
 

A tame defeat against Munster rivals on Friday night wasn’t helped with the news that Scottish winger Danny Galbraith, formerly of Hibernian, has left the Club. It’s a big blow to Stuart Taylor’s side, leaving them with a rather thin looking attack and with only teenager Ross Mann the only recognised winger in the squad.  
 

Manager Taylor was full of praise for his compatriot, telling Limerickfc.ie “It has been a great year-and-a-half with Danny, I know I can speak on behalf of the players and the backroom team staff that it was a pleasure working with him. He was a role model for every single player and young player that was at the club. In terms of how he went about his job, he was a professional, on the pitch and off the pitch.”

 

Though a sizeable loss may have occurred, it has since emerged that Ian Turner looks set to be joining the Blues on-loan, from high-flying Cork City.
 

The hosts will have a full squad to choose from, with the exception of Shane Tracy, who may be absent once again, as Limerick chase three home wins for the first time since last October, where they beat three Dublin clubs. A win on Friday would also be a hat-trick over Dublin sides.

While Limerick may have a decent defensive record thus far, it would be foolish to think that this can be a means of catapulting the side higher up the table, as with an average of a goal per game, Limerick have been far too shy in front of goal this season for a Club with respectable ambitions.
 


BOHEMIANS
The Dalymount Park outfit were the only side to rise in the table last week, that despite missing a late penalty to take all three points against lowly Athlone Town. Bohs have been the nearly men of this season so far, narrow defeats home and away as well as less than satisfactory draws have Owen Heary’s men too close to the relegation places for comfort.
 

Much like their opponents, they have yet to be defeated heavily and goal difference is quite favourable in comparison to Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers and UCD, something which could prove to be crucial come October.
 

Philly McCabe, Andy Mulligan, Lee Murphy, Darragh Reynor and Stephen Traynor have all been released in recent weeks by Bohs, with all five having been on amateur contracts. But attacker Adam Evans, formerly of Inverness CT and Burnley, has been added to the ranks. The 20 year-old is from Dublin and was capped at u19 level for Ireland.
 

Elsewhere, Derek Pender returns from quad injury while Kilkenny native and club captain Dave Mulcahy (hamstring) remains out. Aidan Price (ankle) is doubtful. 

 

Referee: Tomas Connolly (Dublin)

 

MATCH STATS

Limerick have won each of the last four League meetings between the sides, with three of them being by a 1-0 scoreline.


This will be Limericks 2000^th League game, having played games as Limerick FC, United, City and Limerick 37 since 1937.
 

Bohs are in search of back-to-back away League victories for the first time since April 2012, when they beat UCD and Dundalk.


The Dubs have not won a League game in Munster since 2009, when they beat Cork City 2-0. (L4 D2)
 

BETTING

Limerick 29/20 Draw 11/5 Bohs 19/10

 

PREDICTION

A game that could determine the rest of both sides seasons, Limerick 2-1 Bohemians

 

  

Limerick FC

Injured: Shane Tracy (foot)
Suspended: none


Bohemians

Injured: Dave Mulcahy (Hamstring)
Doubtful: Aidan Price (ankle)