Alan Reynolds says his Bohemians team are full of confidence but in no doubt of the threat posed by in-form Dundalk when they come to Dalymount Park tomorrow.
Bohs’ early form of five wins and two draws sees them top of the table and the only remaining unbeaten team in the division, keeping an impressive six clean sheets in the process.
But in Ciarán Kilduff’s side, they are facing a Dundalk team who have only lost one of their opening seven games, and have won their last two.
Reynolds said: “We are coming into this in good form which has given our players great confidence but we are playing against a good Dundalk team who have lost just once.
“Games are coming thick and fast and we can’t take our foot off the pedal if we want to keep our positive start going.
“Last week, we needed to have our wits about us and showed great determination not to give up against a Galway side who were extremely hard to break down.
“Set-pieces are important in games where it’s hard to get past teams set up to defend, so we were delighted that Pat Hickey scored from a corner a week after Sam Todd did likewise down in Waterford. We got a bit of luck not to concede at the end to hold on for the win, but it was no more than we deserve for what was a great team effort.”
Last week’s game saw Bohs’ bench help swing the game back in their favour.
Reynolds said: “I was delighted with the impact of our players off the bench who gave us a fresh momentum when we needed in – in particular Markuss Strods with a great corner for the goal, and Zane Myers who made an immediate impact on his debut and got the crowd going as well.
“Zane is a young player who hasn’t played a lot of senior football and is still learning. But he impressed again in his first start against Shelbourne on Monday, and was a constant thorn in their side, particularly in the first half, in a game where we felt we left points behind us.”
There was a sense of frustration among the Bohs management and players that they couldn’t turn the screw during Monday’s derby away to Shels to nick a win in a game they shaded, and Reynolds says his side will need to be more clinical up front against in-form Dundalk.
Reynolds said: “It’s a testament to the mentality of the squad that they left Tolka Park frustrated with a 0-0 draw.
“The positive start we have had, the connection and the celebrations with fans that have come with all of that – that has given our players a taste of what is possible, so they don’t want to let up and don’t want to drop points.
“But it was a frustrating game in parts. It was a little bit flat in patches but we worked very hard, we had the better chances and we worked their keeper more than they did ours.
“I felt we could have nicked it but Shels had a great chance too so we will take the point, be happy with another clean sheet, and move on to tomorrow’s game looking to win.
“To do that, we will need to be more clinical against a good Dundalk team. Ciarán Kilduff has proven himself to be an excellent manager, building on what was already a good squad that won the First Division.
“He has recruited well, bringing in some great experience, including the familiar faces of Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall.
“They are fourth in the table, which is a great start for a team just promoted and they are improving too – coming into this game on the back of two great wins against Sligo Rovers and Waterford with two clean sheets, so we know that they are a side to be reckoned with and that we will need everyone performing to their very best.
“Again, we are at home and we need our fans to get behind us. The game against Galway threatened to peter out at times but when our fans really got behind us and the Jodi got rocking in those final minutes of the game, that spurred our lads on to win it.
“Our players thrive when our fans are right behind them, so we ask for more of the same and more again.”
Team news
Bohemians are without Dayle Rooney (knee) and Douglas James-Taylor (knee).
Match sponsor: Doyle’s Corner
Doyle’s Corner, the home for live sports and music in Phibsboro, showing all Bohs matches, is proud to sponsor Bohemian FC this season and we look forward to continuing to support the club in future seasons.
Match ball sponsor: Peiter-Jan Schilderwerken
A self-employed Dutch painter with over 45 years of craftsmanship, to deliver high‑quality interior and exterior painting for homes, shops, and offices.