Bohemians bring a one goal advantage over F91 Dudelange to the Aviva stadium on Thursday as they aim to progress to the Third Qualifying Round of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League. The Gypsies sold-out their 8,000 tickets in 90 minutes and
Bohemians bring a one goal advantage over F91 Dudelange to the Aviva stadium on Thursday as they aim to progress to the Third Qualifying Round of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League.
The Gypsies sold-out their 8,000 tickets in 90 minutes and are hoping to treat those in attendance to a similar show as their 3-0 victory over Icelandic side Stjarnan in the round one. Bohemians may welcome the drop in temperature but will hope for a continuation of the cool finishing from Georgie Kelly and Co. at the Aviva on Thursday.
The prize on offer for progression is a match-up against Greek side PAOK in Qualifying Round Three.
The match kicks-off at 7.45pm and is available to watch for €10 on LOITV.
First Leg
Bohemians came away from the first leg with a hard fought 1-0 victory courtesy of a Ross Tierney goal in the 11th minute. The goal came from a defence splitting pass from Dawson Devoy to Ali Coote with the ball breaking to Tierney who slotted home.
The home side last week did create chances as the clock wound down but Keith Long’s men held out for a memorable away win. Dudelange perhaps showed signs of their frustration with six yellow cards in the game.
Weekend Action
The Gypsies followed up their victory in Luxembourg with an impressive 5-0 win away to Cork amateur side College Corinthians in the FAI Cup first round. Keith Long continued to place his faith in youth with recent Bohemians-St. Kevin’s Boys academy graduates Sean Grehan, Aaron Doran, Jamie Mullins and Robbie Mahon all in the starting XI. Goals came from five different scorers with Dawson Devoy, Jamie Mullins, Keith Buckley, Keith Ward and Aaron Doran all chipping in.
Dudelange remain in pre-season and will be fully focused on Thursday’s game.
Aviva Advantage
Bohemians will be hoping to recapture their stunning performance in the last round at the Aviva Stadium. The 3-0 victory over Stjarnan. FAI data analysis partner Wyscout provided some impressive stats on Bohs last appearance at the national arena. Bohemians had 52% possession and outscored their Icelandic opposition on pass accuracy (87%), attacks per minute (0.45), recoveries per minute (0.32) and expected goals (2.58).
Individual players stood out with Dawson Devoy going on eight dribbling runs and completing seven while also having five touches in the penalty area which was one fewer than frontman Georgie Kelly.
Dudelange in Dublin
Dudelange visited Dublin to take on UCD AFC in the UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round in 2015. The Students qualified as a First Division side after the League of Ireland was awarded an extra European place courtesy of the UEFA Fair Play League. A historic 1-0 victory in Belfield was followed by a 2-1 defeat in Dudelange. Away goals counted and the students sealed a famous progression.
UCD goals were scored by former Bohemians man Ryan Swan who now lines out for Warrenpoint Town alongside another ex-Bohemian Luke Wade-Slater.
Bohemians will not benefit from away goals but hope to build on their Aviva form and ensure it is not the last European night in Dublin.
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