Bohemians 2 – Lucan United 0
Jonny Stapleton
Lucan United will take a lot of confidence from their performance against League of Ireland opposition going into their maiden LSL Senior Sunday season, according to manager John Doyle.
The newly-promoted side put in a solid performance against Bohemians at Dalymount Park in the last 16 of FAI Senior Cup last weekend.
The progressive club were unable to cause a famous cup upset but their manager was more than happy with how the team acquitted themselves nonetheless.
In fact, such was the display in a tie that doubled up as one of the biggest in the club’s history and a final preseason warm-up, that Doyle believes it will stand them.
“I thought we started well and were unlucky not to take the lead. We knew we would not have much of the ball, so we were prepared for that and didn’t panic,” he began when reflecting on the big cup tie.
“It’s hard when you’re in preseason playing a team in the middle of their season. On top of that, you’re playing a full-time professional team. So all things considered we are delighted with our fitness levels and the player attitude at this point.
“We were disappointed with the first goal we felt he was a yard offside but overall we will take a lot of confidence out of the game going into the new season, which starts at home against a very good Maynooth.”
The bookies seem to think the Maynooth game will be the start of a very good season for Lucan, the newly promoted side are deemed third favourites despite being new to the top flight. However, Doyle suggests punters should wait a few weeks before placing any bets on his side’s potential season fortunes, claiming there is some acclimatizing to be done.
“Obviously as it’s our first time in the top division the aim is to find our feet. Ask me in two months and I will give you our target!”
Last weekend’s cup tie wasn’t just about the first team, Lucan embraced the occasion as a club. They brought 700 with them to the Phibsboro and got their underage teams involved.
Doyle wanted to thank Bohs for their help in making it an occasion for the amateur club, particularly after what was a tough week for Bohs due to the passing of club legend Derek ‘Mono’ Monaghan.
“It was a great occasion for the club. Bohs staff helped make it a great occasion with their support on the setup and all that after a difficult week for them with the tragic death of a staff member Mono.
“Our younger teams and parents gave us great support also. We had a lot of ex-players in the crowd as well supporting us. With more than3,200 in the ground, we had over 700 in attendance so we are delighted with that.”
Dylan Connolly of Lucan United reacts after team-mate Anthony McKay is shown a red card during the Extra.ie FAI Cup second round at Dalymount Park
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