League Preview: Derry City -v- Bohemians

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Sep 20 2019




DERRY CITY

A six-pointer in the race to secure third place and the final guaranteed European spot takes place at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm – buy tickets here).

The Candystripes were left devastated after losing out on retaining their EA Sports Cup crown in a penalty shoot-out against Dundalk last week.

David Parkhouse and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe put Derry twice into the lead but they were pegged back each time by Derry native Michael Duffy and Sean Gannon.

At 2-2 after extra time, Derry having played 60 minutes with ten men after Grant Gillespie was sent off, Ally Gilchrist missed his penalty in sudden death.

Declan Devine’s side have little time to dwell on the disappointment, however, as they have arguably an even more important game in the context of their season.

"We had to move on very quickly, which is what we've done in every game this season- win, lose or draw" he told the club’s media team.

"There are six games left- four of them here-including a couple against our nearest challengers in the race for Europe.

“The boys have worked so hard this season and that would be a fitting reward. It's going to be very tough. We haven't beaten Bohs this season, so we know we'll have to be at our very best."

"I do think if we can create a similar atmosphere to what we had against Dundalk it would really lift the players.

“We've gone toe-to-toe with the best team in the country four times now and that has given these players real belief."

Darren Cole will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate injury and Gillespie is suspended, but Greg Sloggett and Conor Davis both trained.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to get their league form back on track after back-to-back defeats when they make the trip north to Derry City.

Keith Long’s side followed up the derby defeat to Shamrock Rovers two weeks ago with a 2-1 loss at home to Waterford last Friday.

Ross Tierney had drawn the Gypsies level following Rory Feely’s early opener, but a late strike against the run of play from Tom Holland saw the Blues to three points.

While Bohs did manage a 2-0 win over Crumlin United in the FAI Cup on Monday to set up a semi-final with Rovers, Long has been forced to use a lot of inexperienced players.

Teenagers Dawson Devoy, Tierney and Andy Lyons have all played prominent parts, while Scott Allardice has stepped to the fore.

“We’re at the business end of the season when results matter more than development but with the injuries we have at the moment, our hand [has been] forced,” Long told the club’s media team.

“A lot of the players unavailable are across midfield. It’s a big step-up from U19s to first-team football and it takes players a while to adapt but the lads who have played [have done] very well.

“They tired a bit towards the end but that is to be expected. They are not yet used to the tempo and intensity of first-team football.

“Scott Allardice [has been] excellent too. He’s had to be patient to get a chance in the team but he showed what he is capable of [against Waterford].”

Bohs are without Darragh Leahy (ankle), Danny Mandroiu (hip), Keith Buckley (hamstring), Keith Ward (knee), Conor Levingston (groin), Dinny Corcoran (ankle) and Cristian Magerusan (cruciate).

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

This is the fourth and final meeting between the two sides this season, with Bohs holding the slight edge in results to date.

Both meetings at Dalymount Park have ended in draws, a 1-1 stalemate in March and a scoreless draw in July.

Bohs won the previous meeting at the Brandywell 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Danny Mandroiu and Dinny Corcoran.

BETTING

Derry City 5/6; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 11/4.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 – 1 Bohemians

Derry City

Injured: Darren Cole (cruciate).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Grant Gillespie.

Bohemians

Injured: Darragh Leahy (ankle), Danny Mandroiu (hip), Keith Buckley (hamstring), Keith Ward (knee), Conor Levingston (groin), Dinny Corcoran (ankle), Cristian Magerusan (cruciate).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.