League Preview: Galway United -v- Bohemians

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, May 14 2015




GALWAY UNITED

United will be looking to record back to back league wins for the first time this season when they welcome high flying Bohemians to Eamon Deacy Park on Friday night.

 

The Tribesmen have looked strong in their last couple of games on the road and will be looking to translate their performances on the road into their home fixtures.

 

Last Friday night saw United attain a 2-0 credible win away to Derry City, while their previous away game saw them thrash Bray Wanderers 5-0 at The Carlisle Grounds.

 

"I think we've improved in recent weeks ourselves," United boss Tommy Dunne said ahead of Friday night's tie.

 

"We've won 3 out of 5 games so for us, the next step is to start picking up results against the top teams in the country. We feel we're not that far away,” he furthered.

 

Friday night's opponents Bohemians lie fourth in the Premier Division table after picking up 24 points from the 36 available. A position that Bohs are well deserved of according to Dunne.

 

"Bohemians have enjoyed a solid start in the first series of games," the ex-Cork City boss explained.

 

"As a club, they've done really well and they're a top 4 side on merit at the moment so we understand it will be a difficult task against them.

 

"I think Bohemians have shown that they're a very well organised, hard-working team, that has quality sprinkled all over the pitch so we have to be competitive and match them on the night," the Dublin native concluded.

 

Midfielder Gary Shanahan is a doubt for Friday's tie after receiving stitches following his clash with Derry City goalkeeper Shaun Patton last Friday. 

 

Jason Molloy and Marc Ludden are recovering well from respective injuries, but neither will be ready for Friday night.

 

Killian Cantwell was on the bench for last weekend's trip to Derry.  However, the defender is yet to return to full training and therefore won't start on Friday night.

 

Andy O'Connell has suffered a setback during his recovery from an ankle injury, Sam Oji is likely to miss out with a hip problem, while Conor Barry will miss the game after straining his hamstring last week.

 

 

BOHEMIANS

Bohs head into this one on the back of a positive week, which saw the Gypsies beat Limerick to maintain fourth position in the league and defeat Newtown United to qualify for the Leinster Senior Cup semi-finals.

 

Bohs boss Keith Long was impressed with his side's results, but admits that he expected a better performance at home to Limerick.

 

“Against Limerick last Friday we got the desired result and we’re pleased with that," Long said.

 

"But we switched off at times and Limerick came more and more into it. 

 

"The equaliser woke us up and we created quite a number of chances in the last 15 minutes,” Long furthered.

 

League of Ireland veteran Jason Byrne was responsible for capturing all three points last Friday, as the second half substitute netted six minutes from time to record the club's seventh win of the season.

 

“I’m very pleased for Jason because he’s had limited game-time," Long explained.

 

"That goal will be good for his confidence, which he needs, even with all the experience he has,” he continued.

 

Long is expecting an improvement this Friday night, but is also expecting a tough tie at Eamon Deacy Park.

 

“We’ll have to play better in Galway," the former Athlone boss insisted.

 

"We will go there aiming to give a good account of ourselves and looking to pick up the three points. But we know it will be a difficult game," Long concluded.

 

The Bohs boss has the rare selection headache of having a full squad to pick from for Friday night's trip.

 

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have conceded just one league goal on the road so far this season.

 

With eleven goals, Galway have conceded the joint most home goals so far this campaign. Bray, Limerick and Drogheda have also shipped eleven goals at home.

 

Bohemians have lost just once in their last five trips to Eamon Deacy Park.

 

 

BETTING

Galway United 10/3; Draw 12/5; Bohemians 17/20.

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 0-1 Bohemians.

 

 

Galway United

Injured: Jason Molloy, Marc Ludden, Conor Barry, Andy O'Connell, Sam Oji..

Doubtful: Gary Shanahan, Killian Cantwell.

Suspended: None.

 

Bohemians

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.