League Preview: Bohemians -v- Shelbourne

• Patrick O'Connor
• Fri, Jun 17 2022




BOHEMIANS

The mid-term report card for Bohemians after the conclusion of the first half of the season is certainly in the ‘must do better’ category.

They occupy seventh place in the table but have only recorded one win in their last five matches and have conceded 24 goals in 18 matches. Their points total of 23 however still allows them to still be very much in contention for a top four place, as the current fourth place team St. Patrick’s Athletic are only five points better off on 28 points.

Their results leading to the mid-season break will be of concern to manager Keith Long with the solidity of their defence being the area that most requires attention.

The departure of record goal scorer Georgie Kelly at the end of last season was anticipated to be Long’s biggest headache for the 2022 but having still managed 24 goals at the half way stage this season, it is the departure of key defenders which has turned out to be their biggest issue this season.

Rob Cornwall, Andy Lyons and Anto Breslin all departed Dalymount Park during the close season and they have never looked fully secure at the back with the various combinations that Long has tried this season.

Bohs have been busy during the mid-season break, with Sam Packham and Ryan Cassidy leaving the club at the end of their loan periods and three new signings arriving in Dublin 7.

Midfielder John O’Sullivan has come in from Accrington Stanley, left back Ryan Burke joins from Mansfield Town while Scottish centre back Josh Kerr has left Airdrie to become a Gypsy.

Promise Omochere was on media duty for Bohemians this week and he said the he and his team mates are ready for the second half of the season. 

“It was good to get a break and good to regroup now,” said Omochere who has five goals to his name in the league this year. 

“All of us have trained well since we came back and are looking forward to the rest of the season. The aim for the second half of the season is to pick up more points, get a consistent level of performance and I think the results will follow after that.”

Specifically in relation to the Shelbourne game, he said: “Shels are a good team, they are flying at the moment but we just have to concentrate on our own performance. 

“The fixture speaks for itself, it’s sold out, it should be a good game and a good atmosphere’’

SHELBOURNE

After a very rocky start to the season when they only accumulated six points out of a possible 18, Shelbourne have really steadied the ship in the lead up to the mid-season break.

They are now well positioned in sixth place on 24 points at the half way stage of the season.

Although they lost 2-0 to league leaders Shamrock Rovers in their last game before the break, they had been on an excellent four game winning streak prior to that and pulled well away from the relegation zone to a comfortable mid table position.

The Reds have been very quiet during the transfer window with the only movement so far being the ending of the loan spells for Lewis Webb and Jordan McEneff.

Shelbourne boss Damien Duff spoke to shelbournefc.ie. in advance of Friday’s game and said there’s “no better game” to come back to tomorrow evening than a North Dublin Derby. 

“We’ve had a mini-preseason if you will so the lads are ready to go and get right back into it,” he said.

“The lads know it’s a derby so there’s always those things to tap into but we’ll be ready to go.”

Shelbourne will be without Sean Boyd through suspension after he accumulated a number of yellow cards in the first half of the season. 

The Reds, however, welcome back Brian McManus and Adam Thomas into the frame for squad selection after their recent injuries while Sean McSweeney nears full fitness having missed the first half of the season. 

“We’re halfway through the season now and I’d like to think the fans can identify with the team now. They’ve been amazing for us and the lads get that with some amazing nights so far,” Duff said. 

“Everything we do is to be inclusive for the fans, the Club, the staff and players and we have built that togetherness. So we’re ready to go,” he added. 

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

The two sides did not meet in 2021 as they operated in different leagues so the only two matches of relevance are those played earlier in the 2022 season.

Bohemians have fared well in both of these matches, drawing the home leg 1-1, and winning the away match on a 4-1 score line. Liam Burt, Dawson Devoy, Kris Twardek and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe were their goal scorers while Sean Boyd netted for Shels.

BETTING

Bohemians 17/20; Draw 11/5; Shelbourne 3/1

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1 - 1 Shelbourne

Bohemians

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended:  Tyreke Wilson

Shelbourne

Injured: Sean McSweeney

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Sean Boyd

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