Derry City v Drogheda United, Brandywell, 7.45pm
After a disappointing home defeat on Friday, Declan Devine and his charges have the opportunity to seal a place in the 2013 EA Sports Cup Final when they host Drogheda United at the Brandywell tonight.
The sides had contrasting fortunes at the weekend, with City slumping to their third defeat of the season against Sligo Rovers whereas Drogheda United secure a battling point away to league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic. Mick Cooke’s side haven’t rediscovered the form of last season, but the League Cup holder will not give up their title without a fight. City have an unrivalled record in the competition, having lifted it 11 times, and will be keen to return to the final of a competition they last won in 2011.
City have recorded a win and a draw against the Drogs so far this season, but United knocked City out of the Setanta Sports Cup earlier this season, so honours are very much even ahead of the fourth clash between these two sides so far this season. However, with the Drogs cut adrift in the league title race, the Boynesiders will have their eye on some silverware and the League Cup offers a perfect opportunity.
Speaking ahead of this evening’s game, City boss Devine noted ”we are really looking forward to this game especially after the disappointment of losing at home on Friday evening. Thankfully we have a chance to put that behind us and get back to winning ways straight away.
“This cup is very special for us at the club and we have a great chance of reaching another cup final, but we know that Drogheda will come here in good spirits after their result against St Pats on Friday night, and as we have seen already this season they will be very hard to beat. From our own point of view we can’t dwell on Friday nights result to much and must show what we are capable of when we are at our best, and if we perform to the best of our ability I feel we will make it to yet another League cup final.”
City have a number of injury concerns, with Greacen a confirmed absentees with a recurring knee problem. However Devine will be happy to welcome back Thomas Crawley, a long term injury victim, who is expected to take some part in this evening’s game.
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