Bohemians Match Preview

Galway United will look to bring their impressive recent away form back home to Eamonn Deacy Park when the Tribesmen face Bohemians in League action on Friday night. Kick-off: 7.45pm.

United made the perfect start to the second series of games, beating Derry City 2-0 at the Brandywell with an understrength, injury-hit squad.

First half strikes from Padraic Cunningham and Jake Keegan made sure of the points on a night where Galway United were deserved winners at a difficult venue for the club.

Now Tommy Dunne’s men face Bohemians twice in a row at Eamonn Deacy Park in League and EA SPORTS Cup action and Dunne is hoping his players can improve on their last outing against the Gypsies, which ended in a 2-0 defeat at Dalymount Park.

DUNNE WARY OF BOHEMIANS THREAT
“Bohemians have enjoyed a solid start in the first series of games. As a club, they’ve done really well and they’re a top 4 side on merit at the moment so we understand it will be a difficult task against them.

“In our last meeting against Bohemians, I felt there wasn’t a huge amount in the match itself. Bohemians have showed they’re a good side and they play to their strengths.

“In that game, we conceded twice from set plays so that’s something we’ll be conscious of going into the game. We’re at home against Bohemians so we’re looking to do the best we can, we’d love to pick up another positive result in the league.

“I think Bohemians have shown that they’re a very well organised, hard-working team, that has quality sprinkled all over the pitch so we have to be competitive and match them on the night.

“I think we’ve improved in recent weeks ourselves. We’ve won 3 out of 5 games so for us, the next step is to start picking up results against the top teams in the country. We feel we’re not that far away.”

TEAM NEWS
Gary Shanahan required stitches to his forehead after a collision with Derry City goalkeeper Shaun Patton. He is due to have his stitches removed at the end of the week and his return will depend on a medical review of his wound.

Jason Molloy is recovering well from a fractured bone in his foot. He has returned to light training and is expected back in action inside 2 weeks.

Marc Ludden’s also returned to light training this week as he recovers from a knee ligament injury. He is expected back in full training next week.

Conor Barry strained his hamstring tendon last week and has only trained lightly this week. He is expected to return to full training next week.

Kilian Cantwell took his place on the bench against Derry City on Friday night but he’s still recovering from his knee injury. He’s expected to train fully in the next week.

Andy O’Connell suffered a set back in his recovery from an ankle injury and he will undergo a scan on his ankle this week. The timeline for his rehabilitation will be determined following the results.

Sam Oji has a hip injury which he picked up against St Patrick’s Athletic. He is going for a scan this week and the medical staff are confident that nothing will show up. He’s expected to return to light training next week.

REFEREE
Anthony Buttimer (Cork)

GALWAY UNITED LEAGUE GOALSCORERS
Enda Curran – 6
Jake Keegan – 2
Padraic Cunningham – 2
Sam Oji – 1
David O’Leary – 1
Gary Shanahan – 1
Ryan Connolly – 1