“We’ve got to carry that same energy into the Pat’s game”- Bolger

“We’ve got to carry that same energy into the Pat’s game”- Bolger

By Stephen Leonard

SHAMROCK Rovers midfielder Greg Bolger has called on his team mates to carry the same form they have shown in their last two games against Derry and Cork into Friday night’s much anticipated Dublin derby against St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park.

The Hoops had to settle for a scoreless draw with the Candystripes in the Brandywell on Friday night but got their just rewards three days later when they beat defending champions Cork City 3-0 in Tallaght Stadium.

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Graham Burke opened the scoring with a stunning long range effort after just three minutes before defenders Ethan Boyle and Roberto Lopes also turned the ball in as Rovers drew to within ten points of the top two, albeit having played a game more.

Yet Bolger insists, Rovers need to deliver again against near neighbours Pat’s tomorrow night  in order to generate much-needed momentum in the league.

“It was a very good win [against Cork] to help us get up the table a bit,” he told The Echo.

“We knew if we kept doing the right things and produced that energy that we showed in Derry that we could go and beat them.

“Now we need to kick on and bring that same energy into the Pat’s game.

“They [Pat’s] are a good team with good players and they’ll be really up for it especially after their heavy [5-0] loss to Dundalk on Monday. To be 0-0 at halftime and then to concede five in the second have was not nice at all.

“They’ll want to rally, but we’ve just got to focus on our own performance and play like we have been doing over the last two or three games. If we can do that, I’m sure we’ll do well.

“Against Bohs we didn’t play well and against Bray we made a bad mistake and the sending off didn’t help either.

“But against Derry we played really well and that was good, especially away from home because we haven’t being doing too well away.

“So the confidence was up with the champions coming to Tallaght. Getting the early goal was good- a great strike from Graham [Burke], but getting the second goal was so important.

“Too often we’ve been defending 1-0 leads so we really needed to get that second and I felt we were worthy winners on the night.

“We’ve got to keep that energy and try and keep everyone fit. I know a couple of the lads took knocks, so hopefully they can come through that and be ready for the match against Pat’s.”

Friday night will see Bolger return to the ground where he enjoyed league and cup success, but, while he has fond memories of his time with the Saints, he will be looking to help the Hoops deny them three points for the second time this season.

“I enjoyed my time at St Pat’s. We had a lot of success there, but I’m a Rovers player now and I want to do well with them.

“Hopefully I don’t get too much stick, but I’m ready for it,” he laughed.

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