General
- Friday August 21st, 2020 @ 17:20
TEAM NEWS: Bohs Vs ST PAT'S (Saturday, 2pm)
St Patrick's Athletic head into a second Dublin derby in six days when they make the short trip to Dalymount Park on Saturday afternoon to face Bohemian FC (kick-off 2pm).
The Saints will hope to build on last week's draw with Shamrock Rovers with Stephen O'Donnell's men denting the league leaders 100% winning record after they had recorded seven previous league wins.
In team news, head coach Stephen O'Donnell has a fully fit squad to select from, however he will be without the services of Shane Griffin who serves a one match suspension following his red card last week against the Hoops.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com, O'Donnell spoke of his satisfaction at last week's battling display in tough circumstances, but also at the need for his side to further improve.
"Delighted with the attitude and application of the boys after going down to 10 men so early in the second half. We had a good shape about us and they really dug in and defended their box very well and restricted Shamrock Rovers for the whole of the second half to minimal chances. We had to deal with a defend a few crosses into the box which you would expect, but the boys dealt with that brilliantly and showed a great desire to keep a clean sheet.
"I felt in the first half we could have been better on the ball, and they are the levels we want to get to. If a team is pressing us, we want to play out around it. That's the challenge that we have given the players and that is what we work on in training day in, day out. The players have given me everything and I have been delighted with them pre-COVID and post-COVID and their attitude is first class. They are great bunch of people to work with, so we're really enjoying it."
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— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) August 21, 2020
Head Coach Stephen Oâ€â„¢Donnell has been talking all things Dublin derbies!
Reaction here to Sundayâ€â„¢s draw with Shamrock Rovers & a look ahead to tomorrowâ€â„¢s clash with Bohemians
The game will be live on #WATCHLOI here https://t.co/cGlerhWrY1
KO is at 2pm#Saints2020 pic.twitter.com/7GHGzoF0M7
Looking ahead to Saturday's all Dublin clash, O'Donnell admitted he was expecting another difficult test with second placed Bohemians showing good form lately.
"It's another Dublin derby and it's another game you want to be involved in as a player. Bohemians will be delighted with their form post the COVID break. They will be very happy with where they are at the minute, and they are in a rich reign of form right now. We have to be ready for what will be a very tough encounter, but it's one we have prepared well for and it's one we are looking forward to."
