Final Dublin derby of the season

TWO of the biggest clubs in the country go toe-to-toe in the latest chapter of the intense capital rivalry under Friday night lights at Tallaght Stadium this week.

It is a clash that never fails to deliver but the Hoops have the bragging rights in 2023, having won it twice and shared the spoils on the last occasion.

Friday is the last Dublin derby fixed for the year and it is also a precarious one if history is anything to go by.

Such is the occasion, the players should have no issue getting up for the match and supporters will bring their usual boisterous energy to the stands of Tallaght Stadium.

It is the first time that the last Dublin derby of the year will take place in front of supporters at Tallaght Stadium since 2019.

Stephen Bradley’s men won the game in 2020 but it was a Covid year, so the stands were empty.

Shamrock Rovers captain Ronan Finn

Over the previous two seasons, the iconic Dalymount Park was the host venue for the last derby of the season and the Gypsies ended both years with the bragging rights.

2021 brought a typical raucous atmosphere, with former Bohs player Danny Mandroiu netting for the Hoops and the former running out 3-1 victors.

In the run-in to the final derby of 2022, Rovers had beaten Bohemians in the three preceding ties.

Another former Bohs player left his mark on the final game, this time it was Dylan Watts, and it was for the wrong reasons.

Watts was shown a red card, and a Liam Burt goal made the difference as Bohemians ended Rovers six-game unbeaten run.

So far this year, Rovers ran out 2-0 victors twice and drew 2-2 in their most recent meeting, which came in June.

That game had all the hallmarks of a proper Dublin Derby.

Rovers got on top after two rapid fire goals just after half-time, through a lovely Neil Farrugia header and a Markus Poom bullet.

However, the Hoops surrendered the two-goal advantage when Tallaght native Jonathan Afolabi gave them a lifeline and James Clarke drew level, which was how it ended.

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