Derry City v Sligo Rovers, Brandywell, Friday 2 August, 7,45pm
As City face up to the challenge of the visiting title holders, Stewart Greacen is a major doubt for the Candystripes. The Scottish centre half missed out on last week’s victory in Limerick after a late knock which is still proving troublesome ahead of the North West derby
City have already been beaten twice by Ian Baraclough’s side this season and indeed haven’t beaten the Bit O’Red since August 2009. In the intervening period there have been ten league games between the sides, with the Connaught sides recording 8 wins and two draws in the same period. City opened their 2012 season with a home defeat to last season’s league winners, and then losing 3-0 in the Showgrounds in May.
However the form of the two sides has differed since the opening game of the season, with the visitors starting with a blistering eight wins from their first eight games. However the side have only won three of their last 13 games and were held at home to a resurgent Shamrock Rovers side on Saturday night. However with City also dropping points in recent weeks they are only two points behind the Candystripes. Both sides will be seeking a win in order to keep touch with St Patrick’s Athletic who lead Dundalk at the summit of the division.
City shook off a four match losing streak in all competitions to win in Limerick last weekend, a result which pleased manager Declan Devine. The City boss praised players such as Kevin Deery and Patrick McEleney who were forced into unfamiliar positions but performed well as City took all three points from the Munster venue.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game Derry City manager Declan Devine noted “Everybody is really looking forward to what should be a very entertaining game. It’s great for the North West as a whole when you have two teams who are challenging for the title and when they are both playing attractive football that helps as well.
It has been well documented that our record of late against Sligo Rovers hasn’t been great, but we feel we are more than capable of breaking that. We have been happy with the performances from the squad over the last couple of weeks and if we maintain that on Friday evening we have every chance of gaining another three points at home.”
As well as the doubts surrounding Greacen, City will be missing McCaffrey, Jarvis and Crawley who have all been ruled out long terms. However Crawley has returned to light training and is hoping to be added to the match day squad in the coming weeks. Devine welcomed back club captain Kevin Deery last week in an unfamiliar centre half position, but with Shane McEleney available after suspension he is unlikely to continue in the back four. The City boss also welcomes back Mark Griffin after suspension and with McDaid finding his shooting boots since his return from York City, the manager has options in all areas of the field.
Tickets available at all usual outlets including Derry City Office, Brandywell and Derry City Social Club, Crawford Square.
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