LOI preview: Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians desperate for derby points

Shamrock Rovers have more than revenge on their minds as Bohemians visit Tallaght Stadium for a rare Monday night derby in the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division.

The sides met just three weeks ago for a Sunday morning kick-off when Bohs came from behind to finally end the tale of woe in their league season.

Prior to that, the Gypsies eliminated their arch-rivals from the FAI Cup on their way to a semi-final berth.

A controversial penalty denied the champions the chance to close in on Shelbourne on Friday in what felt like a huge moment in the title race.

Stephen Bradley fumed at the decision to award Derry the spot-kick after Patrick McEleney went down, describing it as "disgraceful".

The difference in the table was enormous with the Candystripes maintaining their four-point cushion and leaders Shelbourne only seeing their advantage on the Hoops cut to seven points, rather than five.

With just six matches remaining, there can be no more slip-ups for Bradley’s men.

They are beginning a run of three home games against their Dublin neighbours Bohs, St Patrick’s Athletic and Shelbourne.

Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds was hoping his side could finish the league campaign strongly, with the FAI Cup the chance for redemption in an otherwise poor year.

Defeat to Drogheda United last Friday raised the possibility of being dragged into the relegation play-off.

Leaving Tallaght with a positive result tonight would at least undo some of the damage.

"We have shown we can beat them and we will be going to Tallaght very much in that mindset," said Reynolds ahead of the derby.

"On the pitch and in the stands we have risen to the occasion against the Dublin clubs over the past month but we are under no illusions that this is going to be