Alan Reynolds says his Bohemians players need to build on the character they showed over last weekend to start turning draws into wins.
Bohs came from behind in last Friday’s game against Derry City and again in Monday’s game against Shelbourne to draw both games.
While those results halted Bohs’ run of three defeats in a row, they extended to nine games their run without a win.
Reynolds, whose side remain in third place in the table despite faltering form, sees green shoots, and also sees a determination in his team to get back to winning ways.
He said: “We weren’t happy with either result – we left points behind us in both games, we were at home for both, and our form needs to improve.
“But there were positives too – we followed up a really good second half against Derry with the perfect start against Shels, with Adam McDonnell scoring early and giving the place the lift we needed.
“We were frustrated with the goals we gave away – we didn’t defend well enough, they were cheap goals to give away, and we have to eradicate those kinds of mistakes or we will be punished.
“But we performed well for long periods. We dominated possession, particularly in the second half, and we got the very least of what we deserved from the game when Harry Vaughan got the late equaliser.
“I was asked after the game whether I was relieved that we salvaged a point or disappointed that we didn’t go on and win it, and obviously it’s the latter. We need to get back to winning.
“But we were a goal down with a minute to go so we showed character – a bit of guts – under pressure, so we need to take that character and build on it.”
Another positive from the game was the introduction of Harry Vaughan as a substitute with the midfielder, on loan from Hull, claiming his first goal for the club in the 89th minute.
Reynolds said: “I spoke before Monday’s game about us needing to take the shackles off a bit and to play without fear and I think that’s exactly what we saw from Harry when he came on.
“When I talk about us needing to give young players time, there are players like Harry who have never played senior football before or have played very little of it – others like Senan Mullen, Markuss Strods, Zane Myers and Leigh Kavanagh the same.
“Whether they’ve come through the academy system here at Bohs, have come back from U23 football in England, are here on loan, that’s a big step up and you’re learning on the job all the time, playing in important positions.
“We’re talking about really good young players but players who have a lot of expectation on them despite not having played a lot of first-team football.
“Harry has great ability, we saw it pre-season and we’ve seen it in flashes but he’s still developing as well. That step up to first-team football is a difficult one for any player.
“But I felt when he came on against Shels that he really showed what he was capable of. He took the shackles off and showed what he could do in a pressurised game, so we’re really delighted for him.
“It was a great finish, and a great move too – incredible run from Dawson, who was brilliant again all game, and a quick pass from Dougie to Harry.
“The fans gave Harry a great reception too, chanting his name, and it’s moments like that which young players in particular cherish and gives them confidence to kick on further, so it was a special moment for him getting to celebrate with the fans and his team-mates with such an important goal.”
Bohs travel to Oriel Park tomorrow to take on a side level on points with them, and who caused real problems when the sides last met, a 1-1 draw in Dalymount Park in March March.
Reynolds added: “Dundalk recruited well and have a brilliant young manager in Ciarán Kilduff. They came to Dalymount earlier in the season and really put it up to us.
“It’s a really tough league this season, extremely competitive. You look at Monday’s games as a case in point, four of the five games ending in draws.
“But we are focused on ourselves – we’ve dropped too many points over the past six weeks and we are going to have to dig deep to turn that around. Our players believe in what we are trying to do and we are going up to Oriel with confidence and belief.”
Team news
Bohemians are without Jordan Flores (ankle) while Markuss Strods (leg) and Senan Mullen (hamstring) are doubts.