LEAGUE OF IRELAND:BOHEMIANS WILL rise to the challenge of their blip in results over the first half of the month with defender Brian Shelley insisting they remain in a strong position to defend their title.
Last season’s double winners have seen their lead at the top of the table reduced to just one point after successive league defeats, while their grip on the FAI Cup ended midweek with their quarter-final replay defeat at Sligo Rovers.
“I don’t think the performances have been that bad, but we probably haven’t played consistently well for 90 minutes, like on Tuesday, (when) we conceded two poor enough goals,” said 27-year-old Shelley, who was yesterday named the Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for August.
“I don’t think there is any cause to panic. When you’re up there and are champions, you’re there to be taken down. But we’re there to rise to the challenge and hopefully things kick on now.”
Second-placed Shamrock Rovers don’t play until tomorrow, thus giving Bohemians the added incentive of going four points clear with victory over Dundalk at Dalymount Park tonight.
Matt Gregg comes into Bohemians’ goal tonight for the suspended Brian Murphy, while midfielder Gary Deegan is also banned. And though central defender Jason McGuinness is out having suffered injury in Sligo on Tuesday, captain Owen Heary and fellow defender Ken Oman have been passed fit.
Dundalk, who’ve failed to score against Bohemians in their five meetings this season, will be without key defender Liam Burns, midfielder Michael Daly and striker Darren Mansaram, all suspended; left-sided players Kevin McKinlay and Michael McGinlay are doubtful with food poisoning and midfielder Paul McAreavey may be out for personal reasons.
Their capitulation to Waterford United in Tuesday’s FAI Cup quarter-final replay has left St Patrick’s Athletic with only a battle to steer clear of relegation to concentrate on. Former club Galway United won’t hesitate in trying to heap the pressure on manager Jeff Kenna at Terryland Park tonight.
Suspensions and injuries scarcely help Kenna’s hand. Defenders Damian Lynch and Dave Partridge are banned, while fringe player Andy Haran (knee) joins defender Jamie Harris (hamstring), midfielder Garreth O’Connor (knee) and striker Mark Quigley (hamstring) on the sidelines. The one plus is the return of Declan O’Brien up front as he was cup-tied against Waterford.
Galway, two points clear of St Patrick’s in sixth place, have midfielders Dave Cooke, Seán Kelly and Cian McBrien suspended along with striker Jason Molloy, while wingers Derek O’Brien and Shane Fitzgerald, as well as defender Mark O’Toole, need to prove their fitness.
With top two Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers now out of the FAI Cup, it means third place in the league becomes even more precious in relation to Europa League qualification. Doubtless something not lost on current incumbents Derry City ahead of their trip to Drogheda United.
Suspensions to Clive Delaney and Steven Gray leave manager Stephen Kenny stretched in defence, while midfielder Kevin Derry (ankle) and James McClean (thigh), along with striker Sammy Morrow (ankle) are out injured.
Drogheda, a point off bottom side Bray Wanderers with a game more played, are ravaged by suspensions which sees James Chambers, Eric McGill, Paul Shiels and William Woods banned.
Striker Robbie Farrell is in contention to start following his recent return from a knee injury.
Tonight's fixtures
(7.45pm unless stated)
Premier Division– Bohemians v Dundalk, Drogheda United v Derry City; Galway United v St Patrick's Athletic (live on TG4).
First Division– Kildare County v Sporting Fingal (8pm); Monaghan United v Mervue United (8pm); Shelbourne v Limerick (8pm); Wexford Youths v Longford Town (7.30pm).
