DEPTH CHARGE!
Hoban says strong squad is key
PAT HOBAN is adamant that winning the League of Ireland title requires deep reserves of energy and character to match players’ natural quality and fitness levels.
The Dundalk striker knows all about tasting SSE Airtricity Premier Division success having featured in three of the club’s five championship victories between 2014 and 2019.
The Lilywhites take on Derry City at Oriel Park tonight in a clash that will go a long way towards deciding which team finishes second in the table even if neither outfit has yet given up hope on catching Shamrock Rovers.
The hosts go into the game with a two-point lead on the Candystripes although they have played one more game.
In April Derry held a sixpoint advantage over the Hoops following a whirlwind start to the campaign and Dundalk were adjusting to life under new boss Stevie O’Donnell, sitting in mid-table.
With City’s financial muscle, Ruadhri Higgins’ side was expected to go head to head with Rovers for the crown.
But Derry’s poor run of form — two wins in 11 Premier outings to mid-June — has allowed Dundalk to become a force at the business end of the top flight with O’Donnell’s men beaten just once in their last 13 league games.
“If you think that you can just turn up and win games then you will struggle and you will drop points,” said Hoban.
Drew
“I doubt if Derry have done that, it’s just the way that things are in this league.
“Derry are like a new team this season — like ourselves — and are coming together.
“We drew loads of games early on but now we’ve been very good at home and winning plenty of games.
“Derry have quality players all over the pitch and they are a phenomenal side.
“But I feel that they will only get better and stronger.
“We’ll have to have our wits about us.”
Mark Connolly’s permanent switch from Dundee United to the Brandywell after a very successful five-month loan at Dundalk brings to five the number of ex-Dundalk stars with Derry although Patrick McEleney and Michael Duffy previously played with City.
“It’s certainly different when you play Derry now,” stated Hoban. “We obviously lost a lot of players over the last couple of years, losing a lot to Derry and Shamrock Rovers.
“We lost a good bunch of quality players to Derry.
“It’s a small league so if you’re moving you’ll end up playing against them.
“But Dundalk are growing all the time, getting better all the time and you can definitely see this week in, week out.
“When the squad came together at the start of the season and then looking at how pre-season went, I really felt that we were going to be there or there abouts.
“There’s no shortage of good quality players at his club and the coaching staff behind us here is excellent.
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“There’s no doubt that it’s coming together well.”
Derry are here on the back of last weekend’s FAI Cup win over Oliver Bond Celtic and three league wins.
“We’re up against a team that has a string of players who’ve won leagues and cups throughout,” said Higgins.
“They have some quality young players too, hungry for success and it’s a good mix.
“They won’t be far away come the end of the season and nothing has changed my mind since.
“I’m delighted with the business we’ve done in the transfer window and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.
“It will be a decent contest because neither of these sides will look to ‘park the bus’.”