Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch wants a repeat of Dalymount thriller
TIERNAN Lynch admits he would love a repeat of Derry City's last visit to Dalymount Park where the Candy Stripes edged out Bohemians 4-3 with 10 men in a dramatic clash last September.
The Belfast man revealed he actually still watches re-runs of that thrilling encounter and uses the analysis of their performance that night to show his troops exactly what he wants from them.
Derry went behind after nine minutes following a penalty from Douglas James-Taylor, but goals from Michael Duffy and Adam O'Reilly put them 2-1 ahead going into the break.
Jordan Flores pegged them back in the 66th minute, but O'Reilly netted his second of the night to put Derry back in the driving seat less than 90 seconds later.
James-Taylor scored again in the 71st minute before Dipo Akinyemi scored what proved to be the winner three minutes later.
"I'd definitely take that right now," admitted Lynch who has guided Derry to two wins, one draw and one defeat from four trips to the capital so far this season.
"I'd give my right arm for that one right now. We actually still use the analysis of that game because the boys were excellent that night.
"The shape we had, the bravery we showed, the goals at good times, and how well we defended – I'd very much take that," he smiled.
Derry boasts an impressive record at Dalymount recently, winning six of their last nine visits to the Phibsborough venue. Lynch knows his team must replicate the performance which saw them defeat Shamrock Rovers last weekend at Celtic Park if they're to continue that run of form.
"We try not to look over our shoulder too much and keep focussing on what's ahead of us," he said. "You're only as good as your last game.
"As long as these boys keep giving 100 per cent and every time they pull that shirt over their heads it means as much to them."
Alan Reynolds’ side flew to the top of the league standings with a 10 match unbeaten run at the start of the season but suddenly find themselves seven games without a win going into Friday's fixture having lost the last three.
Derry also went seven games without tasting success, however, the Foylesiders travel south after back-to-back wins and a four game unbeaten run, showing how quickly fortunes can turn in the League of Ireland top division.
"It's definitely one of those sports where two wins and you feel on top of the world and two defeats you're looking up wondering where it all went wrong and we know that better than anybody," reflected the City boss.
"We have to concentrate very much on us. Over the last few games, you're starting to see more from the players we brought in, who some people perhaps felt were slow starters. You can see their confidence growing, and hopefully we can build on that." Lynch isn't reading too much into Bohemians' recent results, expecting a tough night.
"I've obviously watched a lot of Bohemians this week. They're not getting the results but they are getting performances. They went to Tallaght and dominated. “Played Pat's and dominated so they're not looking like a team that's struggling too much for confidence at the moment. They're still very brave. They want on the ball and still want to play.
“They're obviously not getting the results they want but we won't take anything for granted going down there where a team is a wounded animal.
"Yes, they haven’t been getting results and we know what that feels like.
"We've got to be very aware of their threats and they have good players in their team.
"We also need to be aware of where we can implement our game and hopefully take advantage of their disadvantages. That's very much at the forefront of our minds.”