Bohemian FC host Derry City this Friday in the final match at the old Dalymount Park before its major redevelopment next year. The Gypsies, currently third in the League of Ireland Premier Division with 47 points from 28 games, are looking to extend a three-game winning streak according to a preview published by Derry City's official website on Tuesday.
Alan Reynolds's side started the season unbeaten in their first ten league games, including a five-game winning run in February and March. That streak featured a 1-0 victory over Derry at the Brandywell. Their form has been inconsistent through the middle part of the campaign, but they have secured the final European qualification spot. Their recent form shows three wins and two losses from their last five, culminating in a 5-3 victory over Derry City just last Friday.
This season marked Bohemians' first European appearance since 2021, and they impressed in UEFA Conference League qualifying. They began with a 2-0 aggregate win over St Joseph's of Gibraltar in the first qualifying round. In the second round, they defeated Kosovan side KF Ballkani on penalties after two tightly contested legs. Their European journey ended against Danish side FC Midtjylland, who progressed 5-2 on aggregate. Midtjylland later faced HNK Rijeka, the team that had eliminated Derry City from the competition.
Captain Dawson Devoy anchors the midfield and earned a call-up to the Republic of Ireland national team for friendlies in June. He started in a 1-1 draw with Canada before being substituted by former Dundalk player Jamie McGrath, now of Hibernian. Up front, former Derry City striker Colm Whelan, 26, leads the club's league scoring with ten goals. Six of those have come from the penalty spot, and he netted a brace in a 4-0 FAI Cup win over Longford Town last Sunday.
Midfielder Ross Tierney has also had a strong season, contributing six league goals. He scored an 89th-minute winner in what was Dalymount's last European match before redevelopment and has nine total goal involvements in 2026. The squad also features several other former Derry players. Defender Sam Todd operates at left centre-back and has missed only two league games all season. Midfielder Sadou Diallo has been used often from the bench, making sixteen appearances with eight as a substitute. Winger Harry Vaughan, 22, made his loan from Hull City permanent this summer after spending the first half of 2026 with Bohs.
The team has scored 47 goals and conceded 34 across the league season, giving them a +13 goal difference. They trail league leaders Shamrock Rovers by seven points with nine games remaining. Their top scorer across all competitions this season is J. Clarke with eight goals in 33 appearances. Manager Alan Reynolds will be looking to his experienced core and in-form attackers to maintain their push for European football next season. Fans can view the full roster on our squad page.
Following the historic Dalymount farewell, attention turns immediately to the next league fixture. Bohemians are scheduled to play at home again on Monday, August 28th, against Sligo Rovers, who currently sit tenth in the table. With the season entering its final stretch, every point is vital for securing European qualification for the second consecutive year. The club's remaining fixtures are available on our fixtures page.
