Derry City v D&D Select, Brandywell, 7.45pm
City will face a Derry & District select side this evening at Brandywell in a re-arranged fixture, as Roddy Collins tries to get more competitive game time for his first team squad. With the start of the Airtricty Premier Division just over a fortnight away, the squad are looking to fine tune their preparations ahead of the difficult opening fixture away to Shamrock Rovers.
City, like many of the clubs in the Airtricity League have struggled to get a full pre-season campaign as many games have fallen victim to the weather. City have seen proposed games against Limavady, Coleraine and the D&D Select all postponed due to the incessant rains since the turn of the year. Thanks to the flexibility of the D&D Select, the two sides were able to rearrange Sunday’s fixture to suit.
The Candystripes were very impressive in defeating Finn Harps 4-2 at the Vale Centre on Monday, with the first choice City line up cruising to a 3-0 half time lead at the break. Mark Stewart scored after only twenty seconds to set the tone of the game, and good work by the striker led the second, with Coll turning into his own net.
As with all the pre-season games to date, Roddy Collins used the second half to empty the bench with Michael Duffy featuring prominently as an attacking threat in the second period. The game also saw the first appearances for Cormac Burke and Caoimhin Bonner who may also play a role this evening as they seek to earn a spot in the squad for the new season.
The D&D Select will be up against when facing the senior players, but the squad only need to look to Ryan McBride as someone from the local junior football scene who has caught the eye and made it all the way to the senior ranks. There will be also familiar faces for City fans as former player such as Darren Cassidy, Thomas McBride and Darren McCready will be amongst the opposition ranks this evening.
As Roddy Collins attempts to finalise his side for the opening match night against Rovers it will be interesting to see what changes in personnel and tactics may be utilised. David Elebert sat out Monday’s friendly but the defender desperately needs game time and may see some action today. A host of players such as Byrne, Ventre, Barry and others have joined over the close season and have featured prominently and it appears as if they will be starters when the League rolls around. However there are spots still to be fought for and tonight may prove some indication of the manager’s thinking.
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