Cup Preview – Bohemians vs Derry City

Bohemians  vs Derry City – Friday 4th October 2024 – KO 7.45pm – Dalymount Park

Sports Direct FAI Cup – Semi-Final

Ruaidhri Higgins has heaped praise on his players this week as the Candystripes prepare for Friday night’s Sports Direct FAI Cup semi-final against Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

The Limavady man said he knew how hard the entire squad has worked this season and how much it would mean to them to bring success to the club and the city.

“We’re right in the thick of it in both competitions as we head into the last few weeks of the season and that’s a real testimony to the squad that we have here” he said.

“I care deeply about this group and it would mean so much to every one of them to bring success to our supporters.

“It goes without saying of course that our only focus at the minute is the cup semi-final on Friday night.

“Dalymount Park has been a decent ground for us down through the years- every time we visit, I’m reminded of Mark Farren who scored a lot of goals there- and obviously I hope we can get another positive result on Friday.

“Bohs have improved recently and have a way of playing now that suits them, so I’m well aware we’ll have to be at our best to win.

“The cup is obviously a huge competition for us and in my opinion our win in 2022 changed a lot of things for us as a club. We took well over 20,000 supporters to the Aviva and I believe that was the catalyst for the new stand that is currently being built at the Brandywell.

“It also brought us a new generation of Derry City fans and hopefully there will be plenty more days like that for them to enjoy.

“Obviously with Alan Reynolds and Stevie O’Donnell in charge now, they’ll know plenty about how we want to play and we know the same about them.

“They’re both very good friends of mine but we know the rules, and that will count for nothing until after the game.

“They’ll probably look to throw in something we’re not expecting and we’ll try to do likewise, but ultimately, football is about players.

“We can look after the preparation and the approach but when they cross the white line, the players have to be brave on the ball and they have to work harder than our opponents.

“When we get both sides of the game right, we’re a smashing team.”

On the personnel front, the City boss said he wouldn’t be in any rush to name his team until Friday afternoon.

“Pat Hoban has had a tough week with a family bereavement so we’ll give him a couple of days and see how things are.

“Will Patching and Ben Doherty both missed the game in Drogheda last Friday having picked up knocks, but they’re both pushing for a place this weekend, so we’ll wait and see.”

The game kicks off at 7.45 and is being screened live on RTE 2.

Coverage

You can also follow the match via our social media presence.

Follow our Twitter for live updates, like us on Facebook for the full-time post or follow the action on our Instagram story.

As usual, both Drive105 and Radio Foyle will be providing live commentary coverage of the game.