Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds says his side need to go the extra mile to turn draws into wins.
Ten games into the 2026 campaign and Reynolds’ men remain the only unbeaten team in the division but after four draws in a row, he feels they have left points on the table.
Reynolds said: “At the start of the season, any team would have taken being joint top of the table and unbeaten 10 games in but our players are frustrated with themselves because we feel that we have left points behind us in recent weeks and we want to rectify that.
“In our most recent two games in particular, against Drogheda United last Friday and Waterford on Monday, we created enough chances to win so we were really frustrated that we didn’t do enough to get winners.
“We have watched back both games and there was plenty to be positive about, a lot of our play was good, but it’s clear we needed to push ourselves further, be more clinical, and go that extra mile to turn those draws into wins.
“We’ve built ourselves a strong platform, we have generally defended very well in games, but it’s important now that we need to stand tall when we are in possession and in good positions, and be hungrier and greedier in front of goal as well.”
8 April 2026; Patrick Hickey of Bohemian FC sits for a portrait with his SSE Airtricity / SWI and and Bohemians FC Player of the Month Awards for March 2026 at Dalymount Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
One of the main architects of those strong foundations has been Patrick Hickey, one of Bohs’ star men this season since his arrival from Galway United. His form saw him named the SWI/SSE Airtricity Player of the Month for March and the Des Kelly Interiors Bohemians Men’s Player of the Month as well.
When he joined in November, there was an assumption that Hickey was signed as a midfielder, where he operated at Galway United and where his performances in that position also earned him an SWI/SSE Airtricity Player of the Month Award in 2024.
Instead, he has made his mark at centre-back, thriving alongside fellow new signing Sam Todd, in a team that to date boasts the best defensive record in the division, as well as helping himself to goals against Galway United and Dundalk last month.
Reynolds said: “He has been first class since he came to the club. He’s someone I admired since he first came to the league with Athlone.
“His height is obviously an advantage but he has so many other great qualities as well. He is an intelligent footballer, he’s good with his feet, and he has been brilliant alongside Sam Todd in the heart of our defence. He wants to keep improving, and he is a real team player.
“We’re delighted that he won the award as it is no more than he deserves. We were a bit disappointed, having had three nominees last month, that one of them didn’t win it, so it is deserved recognition this time around for Patrick for the performances he’s put in week in week out this season.
“He’s a great personality as well. He’s not the kind of player who will get an award one minute and put his feet up the next. He’s really determined, he’s here because he wants to be a success here. That’s the mentality I want in our players.”
Another key man for Bohs again this season has been captain Dawson Devoy, who will sit out tomorrow’s game through suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.
Reynolds, who himself will watch from the stands as he sees out the final game of his three-match touchline ban, said: “Every manager in the country would love to have Dawson Devoy in their team so losing him for this game is a big blow.
“But we have talented midfielders and some strong options in that position who we have great confidence in, so they need to look at this as their opportunity to assert themselves and really grab the challenge of playing without Dawson by the scruff of the neck.”
While Devoy sits this one out, one man Reynolds hopes is nearing a return is striker Douglas James-Taylor.
He said: “We have had to be patient with Dougie. He is a really important player for us, and made a big impact for us when we brought him in last summer. We all want our best players to be in our squad every week but the injury he has had has been a niggly one.
“We don’t want to get fans’ hopes up by ruling him in or out. He’s been close to playing on a couple of occasions but you have to manage players properly when they are carrying those kinds of injuries.
“You could throw him for a big game hoping for the best and only worsen the injury, setting all the progress he has made back further so we have to be patient. He is making progress, we are constantly assessing him, and we think he’s not too far away now.”
Bohs came out 4-0 winners in their last meeting with tomorrow’s opponents, back in February in the Showgrounds, but Reynolds has warned against taking John Russell’s side lightly.
He added: “That feels like a long time ago now. It was the second game of the season and teams were still gelling. The vast majority of Sligo’s games since have been tight affairs so we are expecting a different kind of game this time around.
“Sligo came to Dalymount last season and knocked us out of the cup so we know how good they can be. John Russell is a good young manager and Sligo he has built a good team who work really hard for one another.
“We’re unbeaten but we have left points behind us and want to get back to winning. We didn’t make home advantage count on Monday, we allowed Waterford to take the lead and have something to cling on to, so we have to be better than that.
“We need our supporters to make home advantage count too. It’ll be a longer trip than usual for the Sligo fans making it to Dalymount so they’ll be fired up, we need our fans fired up and behind us right from the start too.”
Team news
Captain Dawson Devoy is suspended having accumulated five yellow cards this season, Senan Mullen (illness) is a doubt, Douglas James-Taylor (knee) remains a doubt, while Dayle Rooney (knee) is definitely ruled out.
Travel disruption
Supporters are advised of travel disruption across Dublin city as a result of ongoing protests, and to plan their journey to Dalymount Park accordingly.
At the time of writing, public transport links across the city and to Dalymount Park are severely disrupted, and it is anticipated that these disruptions will continue tomorrow.
With O’Connell Street and other city centre arteries impassable, cross-city Dublin Bus routes serving Dalymount Park are currently only operating from Parnell Square, while the Luas Green line is currently only operating from Dominic Street.
Supporters are advised to check Dublin Bus and Luas websites for the latest service information before planning their journey.
Matchball sponsors
We are delighted to have three matchball sponsors for tomorrow’s game. Firstly, we welcome four Swedish visitors — we hope the lads enjoy their trip and their time at Dalymount.
We are also pleased to have George Mullen as a matchball sponsor. George is associated with Revive, the UK’s largest SMART repair company, specialising in mobile repairs for minor paintwork and alloy wheel damage.
Lastly, we thank former Labour TD Joe Costello for his continued and long-standing support and sponsorship of our club. Originally from Sligo, we hope he does not have any split loyalties tomorrow night!