LOI preview: Dublin rivals clash at Dalymount Park

Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers go into tonight's Dublin derby after making good strides in their respective targets in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division last Monday.

As always with these fixtures in north Dublin, the attendance could easily be treble of the just under 4,000 it will be this evening.

The Hoops welcomed 13,000 supporters between their two home games over the Bank Holiday, and more importantly added six points to the table courstest of 1-0 victories.

With Derry only adding a solitary one, the gap at the top is just one ahead of this round of games.

1-0 was also the scoreline in the last derby fixture when Rory Gaffney’s goal was enough against a Bohs side who didn’t reach their potential on the night.

That has the been the case for quite a bit of the season so far. However, the 4-1 demolition of Shelbourne on Monday showcased the attacking talent at Keith Long’s disposal.

Some clinical finishing helped Bohs and while they did give up chances, Long will be delighted by how his side put the game to bed, given they conceded an equaliser to a team with nine men just days earlier.

This match brings an altogether different task. At least now they bring confidence a base to build on.

A win could really transform the outlook at Dalymount Park. While Derry and the Hoops have opened up an advantage, the teams in behind continually take points off each other.

A home victory would cut the gap on Stephen Bradley’s side to five points. Bradley feels he can see his side finding their groove and the results also match that belief.

A win here would solidify their position and having faced two tricky home games, it would really hanker up the heat on Derry City.

The shock defeat to Shels did bring a response from Derry. They were unable