How they stand

P W D L F A Pts

Shelbourne 27 14 10 3 39 20 52

Bohemians 26 13 8 5 43 29 47

Cork City 29 11 12 6 39 25 45

Shamrock Rvrs 28 10 9 9 34 30 39

St. Patrick's 26 8 12 6 35 31 36

Waterford Utd 29 9 9 11 36 52 36

Longford Town 27 8 10 9 38 36 34

Drogheda Utd 28 7 7 14 27 39 28

Derry City 27 5 12 10 27 39 27

UCD 29 4 9 15 18 35 21

Paul Buttner

Blotting next Tuesday's top-of-the-table clash with leaders Shelbourne from their minds is paramount for Bohemians as they focus on taking three points against Derry City at Dalymount Park tonight.

"We've got to keep the momentum with us," insists Bohemians captain Kevin Hunt. "We've won eight of our last 11 games and we have to keep it going. We're aware of the Shels game next week, but we must concentrate on getting the three points against Derry."

That, coupled with another favour from arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers, who beat Shelbourne 2-0 just 11 days ago, would be the lift the champions desire ahead of their penultimate game with their chief rivals for their title.

"That would be nice," said Hunt. "Though we shouldn't expect too many favours from Rovers. All we can do is make sure we win. We'll check the other result later."

Hunt is one of four Bohemians players hoping to shake off the 'flu which prevented him, Glen Crowe, Stephen Caffrey and Jason McGuinness from training yesterday.

Relegation-threatened Derry will play a big part in Bohemians' hopes of retaining the title as this is the first of three meetings between the sides before the end of the season.

Gavin Dykes's revitalised side took four points from their two games last week, including Saturday's 0-0 draw with Shelbourne.

"Our performances have improved so much it's unreal," said Dykes who welcomes defender Peter Hutton and striker Michael Holt back from suspension. "We did very well against Shels on Saturday and I'll be looking for more of the same at Dalymount."

Derry captain Eamonn Doherty will be absent, as he sees a specialist today on the calf injury that forced his retirement at half time on Saturday. Liam Coyle is again unavailable due to a calf injury.

Shelbourne have striker Stephen Geoghegan back from the bout of 'flu which kept him out of the Brandywell game, but Dessie Baker won't feature as he's now got the bug.

"Rovers are one of the best footballing sides in the country," accepts Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon. "They haven't had a lot of luck, but I expect the game to be just as tight as our two previous meetings this season."

Rovers have central Stephen McGuinness back following suspension. "We're unbeaten in six games, and with eight to go, we still have an awful lot to play for," said Rovers' manager Liam Buckley.