Devine seeks salvation as Pats the visitors

Derry City v St Patrick’s Athletic, Brandywell, 7.45pm

Declan Devine will be hoping for an immediate reaction for his player as high flying Pats visit the Brandywell tonight in the Airtricity Premier Division.  Devine saw his side slip to a heavy 4-1 defeat in Turners Cross on Friday night and have failed to arrest the alarming decline since the mid season break.

Liam Buckley’s side also slipped up on Friday when they were held by Bohemians, but remain in the hunt for the 2013 Premier Division title.  Derry’s title challenge hang by the narrowest thread but a victory tonight would bring them back to within seven points of the leaders, with further games against St Pats and Dundalk to follow.

Devine continues to experience his woes at left back, with Dean Jarvis set to miss out after a suspected medial ligament injury.  Thomas Crawley is a long term absentee in that area, whilst Eoghan Osborne may return to feature against the Saints.  Elsewhere, Deery and Greacen remain unavailable, whilst Sean Houston is still struggling with a knock picked up against Bluebell in the Ford FAI Cup.  Devine has more attacking options, with Michael Rafter available but Rory Patterson is likely to continue to lead the line for the Candystripes.

City have failed to win at the Brandywell in the league since the mid season break and Devine will be hoping that the visit of the Saints inspires his side to an improved showing in front of the Brandywell faithful.  The game was originally scheduled for July, but was rescheduled due to the fact that both clubs were involved in European competition.

The Saints have pushed on and maintained their challenge for the league title, but City’s disappointing league form has seen them slip well off the pace in the hunt for the title.  The visitors have a full panel to choose from with John Russell back in training and Conor Kenna may make his 100th appearance for the Saints if selected.

The game is available on Setanta Ireland and will also be available on Drive105 and BBC Radio Foyle.

 

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