RARELY has one game so early in the season assumed such interest and importance. Bohemians Derry confrontations are usually tight affairs, but rarely dull and always have an edge to them. Boasting the only 100 per cent records in the top flight after four games, there'll be pride aplenty for tonight's summit meeting of the two National League Premier Division leaders at Dalymount Park.

For the protagonists, this is almost a bonus. Both clubs have been eyeing this one up all week. Turlough O'Connor, normally a restrained voice, was palpably "excited" yesterday. "These are the kind of matches you expect after Christmas, not so early in the season. It's great for us and our supporters.

It'll tell a tale or two, not least about Derry - something of an unknown force this season even if they would maintain that their bona fides has been proven by four wins.

A seemingly relaxed Felix Healy intends to enjoy his 41st birthday, "and I'm going to tell my players to do the same. We're not coming down to Dublin to defend and play five at the back or anything like that," he says, in a possible dig at Shamrock Rovers' tactics at the Brandywell last week. "We know only one way to play and we'll be coming to Dalymount looking to win."

If Healy is as good as his word, and O'Connor for one sees no reason to doubt otherwise ("they won't change the way they play") this could catch the mood of their Cup semi final epic of two years ago, all the more so as it comes without the over bearing baggage of a Cup semi final or potential league decider.