League Preview: Derry City -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

DERRY CITY

RODDY Collins is already aware that the natives can become restless quite swiftly in Derry, so the Dubliner is keen for the Candystripes to get their first win of the season when they face defending champions St Patrick's Athletic at the Brandywell.

Away draws at Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United sandwiched a disappointing home defeat to Cork City.

While Collins has spoken of his confidence of turning draws into wins, he could do with that happening sooner rather than later,

Collins had labelled the Brandywell pitch as 'a disgrace' following the Cork game a fortnight ago, but has reported significant improvement since. "The surface is much, much better," he said this week.

Ciaran Gallagher and Dean Jarvis made their debuts last weekend in the one-all draw with Drogheda, but Gerard Doherty is expected to return in goal for the clash with the champions and Ryan McBride is also tipped for a return to the defence, provided he shakes off a hamstring injury, while Patrick McEleney is vying hard for a place in midfield.

"Coming off the back of what was a really good performance last weekend against Drogheda United, we have had a great week in training this week," an upbeat Collins said. 

"I felt that we witnessed some good debuts. Ciaran Gallagher and Dean Jarvis were excellent and showed that the future is very positive. 

"I expect another very tight and competitive game on Friday evening. St Patrick's Athletic come to the Brandywell as champions and as with most sides they have added strength to their side in the off season, but I feel that we will be more than a match for them and if we can bring last weekend’s performance level and tempo, I can see this as our first home win of the season."

Collins had expressed the hope of getting international clearance for midfielder Jon-Paul McGover, but it seems as if the waiting game will continue.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

MARK Quigley has happy memories of the Brandywell. 

In 2008, Quigley netted a hat-trick on Foyleside in a three-nil win for St Patirck's Athletic. A repeat trick this time would do just nicely for Quigley.

“That game is still very much clear in my mind - I played left wing that day as the manager at the time, Johnny McDonnell, played me out there," he said ahead of the champions' visit to the north-west. 

"I hadn’t play much experience playing there so it wasn’t what I was used to, but I managed to get on the end of three chances that day, and thankfully they all went in so I’ll always remember that particular game.” 

Quigley was a Millwall player in 2005 when Roddy Collins brought him on loan to Shamrock Rovers and in 2006 the striker signed for Pat's. After spells at Bohemians, Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and a second stint at Shamrock Rovers, he's back in Inchicore again.

Quigley expects a tough night at the Brandywell.

He said:  “I’ve always had huge respect for Derry as traditionally they’re always a physically strong side, and like to play attacking football. That’s always the way it has been in the eight seasons I’ve been playing in the league. They’re a good side so we’ll need to play well to get anything.

“I’m hoping to get more minutes under my belt on Friday as I’ve said it that I think it’ll take both myself and the side time to get into our stride this season. That being said, we’ll all be pushing hard on Friday to bring the points back to Dublin.” 

St Patrick's Athletic lost 2-0 to Sligo Rovers in the Setanta Sports Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday, but Liam Buckley has called on the Saints to rise to the challenge on their second trip to the north-west in four days.

“The Brandywell is a tough place to go to as it has always been a real fortress for Derry over the years," Buckley said.

"It’ll be a difficult game as Roddy will have his players going all out for the three points. We have to just concentrate on ourselves though, and if we do that we’ll hopefully get the performance right and get a result."

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic meet for the 94th time tonight, Derry having 34 wins to St Patrick's Athletic's 26.

When former Candystripe Killian Brennan scored the winner for Pat's at the venue last year it was Derry's 100th home defeat at Brandywell in the League of Ireland.

City have won only three of the last thirteen games and haven't scored a first-half goal yet this season.

BETTING

Derry City 21/10; Draw 11/5; St Patrick's Athletic 5/4

PREDICTION

Both sides have lofty ambitions, but Derry's form has been patchwork thus far. St Patrick's Athletic have yet to really find their mojo yet, either, but the champions can add to Derry's early frustrations. Derry City 1 - 2 St Patrick's Athletic

Derry City

Injury news: Barry McNamee continues to sit out through an injury. Barry Molloy (thigh) and Ryan McBride (hamstring) are doubts.

Suspensions: none

St Patrick's Athletic

Injury news: Keith Fahey and Kenny Browne will be assessed before kick-off as they continue to be hampered by knocks.

Suspensions: none