• General

  • Friday September 7th, 2012 @ 12:22

Preview: Bohs Vs Saints

The Saints face the first of two Dublin derbies in the space of four days as they travel to Dalymount Park to take on Bohemians this Friday.

Following their convincing 3-0 win against Derry City last Monday, third placed Pats will be hoping to close the gap to league leaders Sligo Rovers and second placed Drogheda United with a win against the Gypsies.

The Saints secured a dramatic 2-1 win after top scorer Christy Fagan bagged a 94th minute winner against his former club in the last meeting between the sides, while the previous fixture in Dalymount saw the sides play out a scoreless draw. However Pats are unbeaten in their last seven games against the Gypsies in all competitions, the last league defeat for the Saints in Phibsborough coming in 2009.

The Saints' forward options are soon to be bolstered as manager Liam Buckley confirmed that Dean Kelly and Stephen O'Flynn have returned to training following groin and rib problems respectively.

Buckley's side is further boosted with news that Darren Meenan returns from suspension for Friday's Dublin derby, while Brazilian Hernany Macedo is available for selection after his registration was completed.

Mark Rossiter however remains on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee injury.

Speaking to stpatsfc.com, the Saints' manager commented on the challenge that Bohemians would present his side, noting that the two past games could have easily have gone in Aaron Callaghan's side's favour.

"We're really coming into the final stretch of games and there's still a lot to play for so we're all looking forward to the run-in.

"Bohs will be tricky opponents as they've shown in the previous two games this season.

"They got a great goal and led for most of the game against us in Richmond a few months back, so we know what they're capable of.

"Aaron Callaghan will have his side well set-up so we'll have to put in a good performance to win."


Following his return to the starting eleven for the first time in a month last Monday, Pats' midfielder John Russell told stpatsfc.com of his relief in returning to the pitch and his eagerness to ensure that the Saints continue on from their win against Derry City.

“I hadn't played since the away game against Hannover in the Europa League, and there's nothing worse for a player to be in the stand and watching a game you can't influence.

It was great to get back out on the pitch on Monday, especially as we won.

Hopefully we can keep up the level of play we produced on Monday against Bohs this week, as any game between the two sides is always a big game.”

“That being said, they're all big games from now until the end of the season.

The squad realise that and we're all hungry and ready to go and try and go out and win as many games from now till the end of the season to put pressure on the sides ahead of us.”

Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
Team Pld Pts
Shelbourne616
Derry City611
Sligo Rovers69
Waterford FC68
Galway United FC67
Bohemian FC57
Shamrock Rovers56
St Patrick's Athletic66
Drogheda United54
Dundalk52

St Patrick's Athletic FC

Founded in 1929 the 'Saints' are the current FAI Cup holders and play in the Premier Division of the SSE Airtricity League at Richmond Park, in Inchicore Dublin 8, Ireland.

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