by Luke Flanagan

Bohemians visit Eamonn Deacy Park to face Galway United this Friday, as the race for European football continues with just four games remaining this season.

Bohs currently sit third in the table on 50 points, one point behind second place Derry City, three ahead of Drogheda United in fourth and four points ahead of St. Patrick’s Athletic and Shelbourne in fifth and sixth. The league is the only route to Europe still available to Bohs, after being knocked out of the FAI Cup in the third round by Sligo Rovers in August.

It seems to be a question of when, not if Shamrock Rovers win the league, so a second or third place finish is required to book a place in the Europa Conference League first qualifying round. Bohs’ destiny is in their own hands with their last three games of the season coming against fellow Europe-chasing St. Pats’, Shelbourne and Drogheda United.

Galway have struggled in the goalscoring department as of late, with just four goals in the last five league games. They’ve had issues in attack since the departure of star striker Moses Dyer. The Kiwi scored 10 goals for the Tribesmen before departing for Cambodian side Phnom Penh Crown at the end of June, having only arriving in Galway in January. Despite being almost four months removed from the league, Dyer is still the joint-third top scorer in the league.

On the contrary, Bohemians have not been as solid defensively since Seán Grehan returned to Crystal Palace after spending the first half of the season on loan in Dublin 7. His absence has been felt, with Leigh Kavanagh and Rob Cornwall both struggling with injuries this season, while Alex Lacey is still yet to make his debut due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out since arriving at the club. Grehan was the hero the last time Bohs visited Eamonn Deacy Park, scoring an equaliser and 97th minute winner as Bohs won 2-1.

Bohs have not lost at Eamonn Deacy Park in almost 10 years, with their most recent defeat there being way back in September of 2016, when goals from Armin Aganovic and former Bohs man Kevin Devaney saw Galway win 2-0. The two sides have faced off three times so far this season, with Galway winning the first at Dalymount Park while Bohs were victorious on both other occasions.

Speaking a head of the game, Bohs fan Paul spoke about the importance of the four games remaining this season:

“It’s absolutely vital to get the maximum amount of points from these last few games, such is how close the race for Europe is this season. Each game needs to be treated like a cup final, all it will take is one slip up and the other teams will be ready to pounce.”

“Last season was really disappointing, being closer to the bottom of the league than the top. If we were to miss out on Europe it would be such a big blow because we’ve been so much better this season. There have been so many great moments, last-minute winners; to have nothing to show for it at the end would be a disaster. It has been a good season and the club gave (Alan) Reynolds a new contract because of that, but they would probably look a bit stupid if we don’t go and get Europe now.”

Fellow Europe-chasers Derry City, Drogheda United, Shelbourne and St. Pat’s are also in action on Friday night. Derry City are away to Waterford, Drogheda welcome Cork City to Sullivan and Lambe Park, Shelbourne host Sligo Rovers and St. Pat’s take on Shamrock Rovers.