Bohemians face their sternest test in the league so far when they entertain leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at Dalymount on Tuesday evening. A point behind St Pat’s with a game in hand, Bohemians would go into a clear lead with a win. But St Pat’s remain unbeaten in the league and have conceded no goals in five games.

Reacting to the win over Linfield in the Setanta Sports Cup semi-final on Saturday that was secured with a late goal, Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon said, “We didn’t start the game properly, we just weren’t good enough. We need to play better. We need to retain the ball better and we will need to work St Pat’s harder and hopefully we’ll get that.”

Fenlon has a nearly-full squad to choose from, with Steven Gray (ankle) ruled out and Anto Murphy (shoulder) doubtful. Mark Quigley, who started against Linfield, could be in the reckoning for a start against his former club, as Fenlon continues to try various combinations up-front.

Two years ago, in the equivalent fixture to Tuesday’s, St Patrick’s Athletic inflicted one of only two home league defeats on Bohemians when Keith Fahey scored with a wonder strike from over 30 yards. Last season, Bohemians and St Pat’s shared 13 goals in the four games between them. Bohs collected nine points from a possible twelve with 3-0 and 3-1 wins at home along with a 2-0 win away. St Pat’s won 3-1 in the remaining game in Richmond Park.