Conor McCarthy, UCD AFC Media Officer with match preview of tonight’s game
Match Preview: Bohemian FC vs UCD AFC
Kick-off: 7.45pm, Dalymount Park, Friday 16 August
Friday night sees us return to SSE Airtricity League Premier Division action as we face a trip across Dublin to face Bohemian FC in Dalymount. Last week saw us have a break from league action as we faced Letterkenny Rovers in the first round of the Extra.ie FAI Cup. After a disappointing first half, which saw Letterkenny Rovers take a 1-0 lead into the break, Collie O’Neill’s side sparked into life in the second half, creating plenty of chances and turning the tie around to run out comfortable 5-2 winners, with two goals from new signing Liam Kerrigan, and a goal apiece from Yoyo Mahdy, Richie O’Farrell and Jason McClelland.
“I was disappointed with our first half display against Letterkenny. We had worked on some things in training, and for whatever reason we didn’t quite click in the first half. However, we looked to speed things up in the second half, and Yoyo’s goal showed exactly that with some brilliant one touch passing around the edge of the box. I was pleased with our response in the second half, and obviously it is great to be in the second round now with a tough tie to come next week against St Patrick’s Athletic.”
Collie O’Neill is expecting a tough test on Friday night against a strong Bohemian FC side who will be looking for revenge after we beat them just a few week’s ago in a narrow 1-0 win in the UCD Bowl.
“Of course it’ll be fresh on their minds, and they’ll be up for it. They’ll be confident coming into the game after a brilliant late comeback last weekend against Shels in the cup and will be looking to put on another good showing in front of what will likely be another bumper crowd for them. We know we will be up against it, and will have to be at our very best if we are to have any chance of coming away with a result from the game. ”
Evan Osam will be missing for Friday night’s game, as he continues his recovery after rupturing his achillies on the eve of the season. Meanwhile, Josh Collins and Sean McDonald are continuing their recoveries from injury and are likely to remain out for a number of weeks. Mark Dignam remains a doubt and faces a late fitness test ahead of the game.. Collie will also be without Conor Kearns who is suspended after being sent off in the aftermath of our previous game against Bohemian FC. Jack Keaney will also be suspended for the game after picking up five yellow cards. Collie will be boosted however by the return to fitness of Dara Keane after he made his return as a substitute in last week’s game against Letterkenny.
Injured: Evan Osam, Josh Collins, Sean McDonald
Doubtful: Mark Dignam
Suspended: Conor Kearns, Jack Keaney
For more information contact:
Conor McCarthy
Media Officer
UCD AFC
