SOCCER PREVIEWS:BOHEMIANS' GRUELLING trip to meet FK Riga of Latvia in their Intertoto Cup second round, first-leg tomorrow isn't a new experience for winger Killian Brennan.
The Bohemians party left Dublin at 5am yesterday for flights to Riga via Copenhagen before a five-hour coach journey to the port city of Liepaja where the game will be played as Riga's ground is unavailable due to summer concerns.
But it's nothing compared to what Brennan endured with Derry City last season when they played Armenian champions FC Pyunik. Derry had to travel for 24 hours.
"We were totally drained after arriving," recalled Brennan. "We got a good kip when we finally arrived but the heat over there did us no favours, really. So I'm just hoping it's not one of those ordeals this time around."
The potential meeting with Scottish side Hibernian in the next round should have everyone focused on the job in hand.
Strained ankle ligaments meant defender Ken Oman didn't travel. Brennan, John Paul Kelly, Liam Burns and Owen Heary are carrying knocks and strains but should be fit.
With Bohemians away, St Patrick's Athletic can regain the leadership of the Premier Division with victory over Finn Harps at Richmond Park tomorrow night.
Sligo are at full strength for the visit of Derry City to the Showgrounds tonight. Derry travel with a full squad.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
SATURDAY(7.30 unless stated): FAI League of Ireland: Premier Division: Sligo Rovers v Derry City (8.0). First Division: Longford Town v Wexford Youths.
SUNDAY:Uefa Intertoto Cup, second round, first leg: FK Riga v Bohemians (4.0 Irish time). FAI League of Ireland: Premier Division: St Patrick's Athletic v Finn Harps (7.0).
