Bohs Preparing For Lightning To Strike For A Third Time

Bohemians begin the defence of their Premier Division title with a tricky Dublin derby against FAI Cup-holders Sporting Fingal. Bohs have played all of their eight new signings in the pre-season games, which included competitive matches in the Leinster Senior Cup (v Bluebell United) and Setanta Sports Cup (v Coleraine). “We’re looking forward to the start of the season,” Bohs manager Pat Fenlon said. “It’s been a long pre-season but the Coleraine game helped us. We have brought in a few players, but they are all experienced players at this level and shouldn’t take long to gel together. “We’re really looking forward to the game. Fingal have a good squad and in fairness to them they always have a go at teams.”

Bohemians will be without defender Ken Oman who is definitely out with a knee injury, while Jason Byrne is doubtful for the opening match. He came off before half-time in last Saturday’s match against Coleraine. Paddy Madden, who has been impressive in pre-season matches, scoring regularly, looks a likely starter on the day after his 20th birthday (4th March 2010).

Sporting Fingal won promotion last season after defeating Bray Wanderers in a play-off. In Liam Buckley, they have an experienced manager, who has managed to strengthen an already impressive team. Shane Barrett, Ger O’Brien, Kenny Browne and ex-Bohs star Glen Crowe are among those who have joined for this season.

Bohemians’ line-ups in their last three matches have been:

v Shelbourne (friendly, 19th February, 2-0): Chris O’Connor, Owen Heary (Jason McGuinness, 60), Brian Shelley, Steven Gray, Mark Rossiter, Mark Quigley, Glenn Cronin, Paul Keegan (Ryan McEvoy, 70), Killian Brennan (Anto Murphy, 60), Raffaele Cretaro (Jason Byrne, half-time), Paddy Madden

v Bluebell United (Leinster Senior Cup, 23rd February, 1-0): Barry Murphy, Owen Heary, Conor Powell, Jason McGuinness, Steven Gray, Mark Quigley (Anto Murphy, 75), Glenn Cronin, Paul Keegan (Ruaidhri Higgins), Killian Brennan, Jason Byrne, Paddy Madden (Aaron Greene, 65)

v Coleraine (Setanta Sports Cup, 27th February, 3-1) : Barry Murphy, Owen Heary, Conor Powell, Brian Shelley, Jason McGuinness, Anto Murphy, Glenn Cronin, Mark Rossiter, Killian Brennan (Aaron Greene 74), Mark Quigley (Gary Burke 84), Jason Byrne (Paddy Madden 34)

This Week Sportspeak’s Chief Soccer writer Daniel “Pitchside” Pitcher exclusively spoke to Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon.
 

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.