Rovers return to league with big Bohs clash

By Stephen Leonard

ONE of the most anticipated fixtures of the Airtricity League season takes place tonight (Friday) as Shamrock Rovers entertain bitter rivals Bohemians in Tallaght Stadium.

Following a turbulent period in which they bowed out of the UEFA Europa League and parted ways with manager Pat Fenlon, the Hoops, under caretaker manager Stephen Bradley, will be looking to steady the ship with a victory over the Gypsies.

Because of their Euro-pean commitments Rovers have not played a league match since holding Cork City to a scoreless draw in Tallaght on June 24.

The result denied the Leesiders a ninth straight win and Rovers will be hoping for an even better performance against Bohs to whom they dished out a 4-0 defeat in Dalymount Park back in April.

It has been a stop-go season so far for tomorrow night’s visitors to Tallaght, having been held to a 0-0 draw by Bray Wanderers in their last league outing after having edged out Longford Town a week before.

Prior to that they had to settle for a share of the spoils with Galway United as they constantly struggled to garner some momentum, consequently leaving them ninth in the table.

Rovers meanwhile sit fourth, but face a 17-point gap between themselves and current leaders Dundalk, albeit having played two games less.

Like their arch rivals Bohs, the Hoops have been on a rollercoaster ride throughout much of the season and will be eager to bag all three points especially with a trip to Dundalk coming up a week later.

In between, Rovers will play Leeds in a friendly in Tallaght on Saturday and tickets will be available to purchase on matchday at the club ticket office.