Sport

Premier Division

Bohemians manager Turlough O'Connor was left with more than the dropping of two points to mull over after last week's 1-1 draw…

Thu Sept 18 1997 - 01:00

Bohemians manager Turlough O'Connor was left with more than the dropping of two points to mull over after last week's 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park. His team's injury jinx, prevalent for much of last season, appears to have struck again. Bohemians are without four players with a fifth doubtful for tonight's meeting with O'Connor's former club Dundalk at Oriel Park.

Definitely out are Derek Swan (knee), Tony O'Connor (thigh), Maurice O'Driscoll (groin) and Derek McGrath (foot) while Brian Mooney is struggling with a hamstring.

Bohemians are playing some of the best football in the Premier Division so far this season and have been unlucky to have dropped four points already.

"The most disappointing thing about last week wasn't losing two points but the injuries," said a philosophical O'Connor.

READ MORE

"But I'm delighted with the way we're playing, especially our fitness and attitude. I have been more pleased with the way we've played so far this season than during the good start we had to last season."

Impressive teenage striker, Graham Lawlor, should start up front, while Tommy Byrne can expect a recall in midfield.

Dundalk dropped two points by giving away a goal in what manager Jim McLaughlin described as the "last kick of the game" in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Sligo last Saturday.

"We were 2-0 down after five minutes and that's normally enough licence for players to surrender. But we showed great character and fought back to lead 3-2."

McLaughlin still believes he is a few weeks away from settling things down after his sudden re-introduction to management at Oriel and is relatively pleased with his progress.

Dundalk pick from the same panel as played in Sligo with the addition of 18-year-old reserve team striker, David Ward.

Last season: Bohemians 3 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 0 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 0 Dundalk 0.

League Cup/League form: Dundalk: WW/LDD; Bohemians: LW/DWD.

Leading league scorers: Dundalk: Byrne, Hoey, Melvin (one each); Bohemians: Doolin, Lawlor, Swan (two each).

Betting: Home: 3-1, Draw: 9-4, Away: 5-6.

Referee: Paul McKeon (Dublin).