Shelbourne -v- Bohemians

SHELBOURNE

Following the break from league action last weekend for the FAI Cup, Shelbourne return to the battle for survival in the Premier Division on Friday night with a huge game against fellow strugglers Bohemians. 

Shelbourne are, at present, bottom of the league table, one point behind Bray Wanderers and two behind Bohemians, but importantly have a game in hand over both.

Shelbourne were the only one of the bottom three in FAI Cup action last week, unfortunately for the Reds getting trounced 5-1 by Dundalk.

Over the last six series of league games played, Shelbourne have won two, drawn one and lost three resulting in seven points. Bohs have won one, drawn two and lost three resulting in five points and Bray have collected two points, from two draws and four losses.

This is a huge weekend for all three clubs, with Bray having to travel to The Brandywell.

The two games played this season between Shels and Bohs, ended in three points each, Bohs winning 1-0 at Tolka Park and Shels winning 3-0 at Dalymount. Last season's results were much the same - a win each, with the third game ending in a draw.

For this game, Shelbourne will once again be without long term absentees, Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery and they are joined in the stands by Robert Bayly who has a knee injury.

Robert Cornwall is suspended following his red card against Shamrock Rovers last time out.  Lee Murphy and Jamie McGlynn return to action, having been cup-tied for the Dundalk game.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians meet nearest-neighbours Shelbourne in a match that could have a big bearing on both clubs’ efforts to avoid relegation.

Bohemian assistant manager Owen Heary is keen to play down notions that Friday’s game is the ultimate decider.

“There are still 18 points to play for. This is a big game but it’s no different from the games of last week, the week before or next week,” he said. “It’s not the be-all and end-all for either team, win, lose or draw. But we’ll certainly be closer to our goal of staying up if we win.”

Heary sees it as his responsibility to keep his players “doing what they have done for the last few weeks” when the team kept their composure in big games and performed well.

He expects Shelbourne to come to Friday’s match very determined to recover the winning form of July and to put last week’s cup defeat behind them. “You can’t read too much into that cup result. They have good players and a good manager. We’re expecting them to be looking to bounce back,” said Heary.

Bohemians have found many positives to take from their loss two weeks ago to Sligo Rovers when they created as many scoring opportunities as in any game this season and earned the praise of Sligo’s management team.

The fans also saluted Bohemians’ efforts that night and Heary expects the fans to be a big factor in Friday’s clash with Shelbourne.

“The relationship between the clubs is friendly rivalry, with a good deal of banter, and no aggression,” he said. 

“If our fans do as they did in Inchicore and in Tallaght and really get behind the lads they can give them a lift. There is no better feeling for a player than when the fans are roaring you on. That can help you produce that extra couple of per cent.”

The honours are even between the sides in this year’s league encounters: Bohemians won in Tolka Park in April but lost at home in June.

For Friday Bohemians have a full squad to choose from. The two-week break since the last league match has helped some players with “niggling injuries” to recover fully. The most recent signing Neil Yadolahi has trained to full match fitness and is available for selection.

Bohemians go into the last six games of the season with a new management team. Bobby Browne has joined the club as first-team manager on a short-term arrangement. Browne managed Monaghan United and Drogheda United in the past, and most recently was with Drumcondra FC.

Referee: Paul Tuite.

MATCH STATS

Gypsies new boy Neil Yadolahi has plied his trade as far away as Bucaspor in Turkey before settling down in Phibsboro’

Shels’ who have not won in the league since a 2-1 victory away to UCD in July will be looking to bounce back from their 5-1 mauling at the hands of Dundalk last week.

With both clubs looking to escape the drop it promises to be an exciting encounter, as Bohemians having never played outside the top flight and Shels’ only recently regaining their Premier Division status.

BETTING

Home 8/5  Draw 11/5 Away 8/5

PREDICTION

1-1 Draw

Shelbourne

Injured: Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech, Jack Memery and Robert Bayly.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Robert Cornwall.

Bohemians

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.