Super Saints are on song ahead of Dublin derby with Bohemian

ST PATRICK’S Athletic, who are keeping apace with league leaders Shamrock Rovers in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title race, turn their attention to a Dublin Derby clash with Bohemian FC this Friday night.

The Saints have been bolstered by the reintroduction of captain Joe Redmond to the starting line-up, with the Kilnamanagh native returning after a protracted lay-off.

Redmond returned to the heart of St Pat’s defence in their first win in four attempts over Sligo Rovers, leaving The Showgrounds with a 2-0 win and a vital three-points on the table.

A hamstring injury that required surgery has kept Redmond out of action since April, and his return to action will be a massive boost to manager Jon Daly for the second half of the season.

The massive addition at the back comes a week after the Inchicore outfit had their firepower dampened by the mid-year retirement of striker Eoin Doyle two-weeks-ago.

However, the Richmond Park offensive were out in force against Sligo, with Chris Forrestor converting from the penalty spot and Sam Curtis finding the net.

Former Crumlin United youth player Jake Mulraney and Anto Breslin were also back into the starting line-up against Sligo and will provide a serious challenge for their county counterparts on Friday night.

Despite a wobble in the Europa Conference League, the defeats in that competition have not had much of an impact on the Saints’ league form.

Since slipping to a 3-2 defeat against Shamrock Rovers in May, Daly’s side have amassed 26 points from a possible 33, winning eight, drawing twice and losing once.

Friday night could prove to be a massive one for the title race, with the Saints four points off top-spot and Bohs just one point behind them in third.

In their previous two meetings in the league this season, the teams have won a game each with Pat’s having a man sent off in both games.

In the previous meeting at Richmond Park, Bohs ran out 2-0 victors with Tallaght man Jonathan Afolabi on the scoresheet.

The former St Mark’s Community School student is the second-highest active scorer in the league this season on 10-goals and will be crucial to stop if the Saints are to have any success on Friday.

Luckily, Jon Daly can call upon the services of sharpshooter Chris Forrestor, who is top-scorer with 12- goals this season.

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