Derry City -v- Dundalk

Derry City welcome Dundalk to the Brandywell this Friday for what will be the Louthmen’s first competitive match at the venue since December 2001.

In recent weeks, Derry have lost at home to Sligo Rovers and drawn with Bray in the Carlisle Grounds. Manager Stephen Kenny will be looking to get back on track against the Lilywhites. Kenny will be boosted with the return of Peter Hutton and Gerard Doherty, whilst Kevin Deery trained this week and should have a place on the bench. Clive Delaney is the only doubt as he is suffering from a hip injury.

Derry City coach Declan Devine expects a tough game but still is hopefully to take all three points. "We're reaching the quarter point of the season now and it is important that we get back to winning ways. It was disappointing to lose against Sligo, especially at home, but we showed spells in our draw away to Bray that we can take confidence from. Dundalk have good quality in their squad and we are in no doubt that it will be a tough game. The home fans, who have been terrific so far this season, will be hoping that we can put in a good 90 minutes and get an important win, so hopefully we can continue our goal scoring form and take all three points."

Dundalk come into the game on the back of a clash with Cork City that saw them lead until the 74th minute, but a goal from Billy Dennehy and a last minute winner from Denis Behan denied Sean Connor’s men the win.

Dundalk are set to be without Liam Burns and Michael Daly who have both picked up hamstring injuries. Doubts remain over previous hamstring injury victims Declan O’Brien and Thomas Heary. Shaun Kelly is also doubtful with an ankle injury. Simon Kelly returns having served his suspension.

Sean Connor expects a difficult encounter, but despite only seven points from eight games, he believes his team will come good as the season continues.

“A visit to the Brandywell is always one of the toughest games of the season. Derry City are a well established side and I expect them to be challenging for the title at the end of the season. It’s a huge challenge to go to Derry. The players are all looking forward to it as it is one of the fixtures that provides it’s own motivation. I don’t believe that our performances have been getting the results we deserve in recent weeks. We need to find a level of consistency and cut out the individual errors. Once we find that consistency we I have no doubt that we can start climbing up the table”.