Tiernan Lynch hopes it all ends in cheers at Celtic Park

​The Candy Stripes play a fifth and final League of Ireland fixture at the home of Derry GAA when Bohemians arrive on Foyleside as the league resumes following a much-needed midseason break for Lynch's misfiring troops.

Derry is unbeaten in their previous four games at the Lone Moor Road venue which sits 400 yards from their traditional base at Brandywell Stadium.

They've won just once - that memorable opening game against Shamrock Rovers which attracted in excess of 7,000 supporters - and have drawn the following three including two forgettable scoreless draws against St Pat's and Shelbourne.

Derry fans have largely turned against their manager after a miserable first half of the campaign where they've picked up just four wins from 20. However, the Belfast man is hoping to turn the boos into cheers as they attempt to sign off from Celtic Park with a notable victory to kickstart their season.

Lynch said he didn't need the break to reflect on what has been a disastrous campaign so far but he's come back determined to give the City fans 'something to be proud of' as he tackles ‘16 cup finals' to salvage their season.

"I think about nothing else unfortunately other than the difficult position we're in," he said. "We haven't done the things we should've done and needed to do. We have 16 cup finals left in the league - we're well aware of that.

"We need to give our fans something they can be proud of and cheer about rather than boo about. I'm fully aware that I take that responsibility very much on my shoulders.

"We just have to keep believing and hopefully this tide turns for us because there's so many good things that are happening on and off the pitch. I think there's more exciting days ahead."

With Mark Connolly returning to the club as Director of Football, the return to Brandywell Stadium and its stunning hybrid pitch on the horizon and the Uefa Europa League draw next week, these are exciting times indeed.

However, Lynch knows the on-pitch matters simply need to improve quickly.

"We have to press the reset button and we have to go out there and be on the frontfoot. We have to get our fans behind us and show them that we're better than what we're showing. That's our intention."

Bohemians are fighting for the title and come into the game in terrific form with four wins from their last five. The Gypsies have scored 13 goals in those last five games in contrast to Derry's struggles in front of goal - scoring three in their last five matches!

In some ways Lynch reckons the visit of Bohs is the perfect test for his team.

"I think they have four wins from five and are scoring a lot of goals, playing a lot of good football and a lot of free-flowing football. Their confidence is high.

"This is a great opportunity for us and our job is by no means to undermine their threats or qualities but very much concentrate on the things we're good at.

"The last couple of games at Celtic Park against Pats and Shels, I thought on both occasions we were excellent on the night. Our Achilles heel was we never put the ball in the back of the net. Hopefully we can start putting that right. "