THEIR PLACE in a third successive FAI Cup final secured after a victory at the same venue last Sunday, Sligo Rovers return to meet Bohemians at Dalymount Park tonight, eager not to see their slim title aspirations finally slip away in Dublin.
Defeat for second-placed Sligo tonight – and Derry failing to win at St Patrick’s Athletic – would see champions Shamrock Rovers retain the league championship, even before their visit to the UCD Bowl on Monday night.
“We have a record number of points and we want to try to get as many as possible before the season ends,” said Sligo manager Paul Cook, who makes a change at right-back in the absence of the suspended Alan Keane.
Having given Sligo more than a match in last Sunday’s FAI Cup semi-final Bohemians are bolstered by the return from suspension of central defender Liam Burns and strikers Christy Fagan and Anto Flood.
Third in the table Derry City travel to St Patrick’s Athletic confident of securing the point that would secure qualification for Europe. “Europe would be a huge prize for the players,” said manager Stephen Kenny.
Midfielder Ruaidhri Higgins returns for Derry, but winger Gareth McGlynn and right back Eddie McCallion remain out with calf strains along with midfielder Owen Morrison. Defender Stewart Greacen is a doubt due to a shoulder injury, while the McEleney brothers, defender Shane and striker Patrick, need to prove their fitness.
Right back Derek Pender, midfielder Dave Mulcahy and Anto Murphy return from suspension for St Patrick’s. Chris Bennion comes into goal for Gary Rogers, who is suspended having been sent off in the semi-final replay defeat against Shelbourne, while a hamstring strain has brought winger Seán O’Connor’s season to a premature end.
Defender Dean Bennett and midfielder Greg Bolger return from suspension for Dundalk, who will be looking to end a five-match losing streak with a derby win over Drogheda United in their final home match of the season. Drogheda United have central defender Alan McNally back from suspension.
Bray Wanderers, hoping to cement sixth place which should bring Setanta Sports Cup qualification next season, wait on goalkeeper Darren Quigley (elbow) and defender Shane O’Connor (hip), for their trip to bottom side Galway United.
“I’ve exactly 12 players,” lamented Galway manager John Brennan. “I’ve got seven injuries, two of which are long-term, and one player suspended. There will be a couple of under-19s on the bench.
Premier Division:(7.45 unless stated) Bohemians v Sligo Rovers, Home 15/4, Draw 12/5, Away 8/11; Dundalk v Drogheda United, Home 8/11, Draw, 13/5 Away 10/3; Galway United v Bray Wanderers, Home 11/1, Draw 7/2, Away 2/7; St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City, Home 15/8, Draw 11/5, Away 11/8. First Division: Cork City v Longford Town, Home 1/6, Draw 5/1, Away 12/1; Monaghan United v Limerick FC (8pm) Home 6/4, Draw 11/5, Away 13/8; Waterford United v Mervue United, Home 8/15, Draw 11/4, Away 9/2.
