League Preview: Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

DERRY CITY

Fifth-placed Derry City play host to eight-placed Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell, in a vital game for both sides (kick-off 7.45 pm).

The Candystripes come into tonight’s game with confidence, following a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to St Patrick’s Athletic last week.

Ally Roy struck in the third minute before Ryan Brennan restored parity for the away side just before half-time.

Rory Patterson bagged a late winner, after Ger Doherty saved a Pat’s penalty minutes prior.

The win meant Kenny Shiels' side moved to within five points of third-placed Waterford.

“We lost the first game [against Sligo at the Brandywell],” said manager Kenny Shiels.

“It is 2-1 to them in that respect and we have a league and cup game. They play a counter attack game and they attack with conviction.

“It is imperative that we get a victory, but Sligo also need a victory. The ten team league has become very competitive.”

Shiels has selection issues, as he faces a defensive nightmare with Conor McDermott and Darren Cole joining suspended Eoin Toal in the stands.

Striker Rory Patterson has also left the club to sign for Irish League champions Crusaders.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo travel to Co. Derry for the first of two games with Derry City in the space of four days.

The Bit o’Red will be facing the Candystripes for the fourth time this season, coming off a 2-0 away reversal to Shamrock Rovers last Friday night.

Second-half goals from Dylan Watts and Gary Shaw meant Sligo left Dublin empty handed, while defender Seamus Sharkey was shown a red card for two bookings.

Boss Gerard Lyttle told his club’s official website that he was happy enough with his charges’ performance, particularly in the first period.

He said: “I thought we managed the game really well against Shamrock Rovers until they scored. Second half we didn’t come out as much as we would have liked to.

“We sat off and the defence was a bit deep. That was the disappointing thing and we spoke about it and showed them (the squad) what we want this week.

“It’s hard enough going to Tallaght without giving them that much space. We started well and on another night could have taken the lead.

“They scored from the spell they dominated. There were some positives but we move on now and focus on Derry.”

Lyttle will be confident on the way to tonight’s match, however, as he witnessed his side condemn tonight’s opponents to 2-0 defeat at the Brandywell on the 1^st June.

A goal in each half from David Cawley, who has recently signed a new deal, and Lewis Morrison meant the away side went home with their tails up.

“It’s important to have will and desire to get forward and keep the ball in important areas,” Lyttle said.

“We will be looking to get a bit more support for Mikey Drennan and go there with a good positive attitude.

“Derry are a good team with good players and like the rest of the league, it’s on the day. This year we produced one of our best performances of the season in Derry.

“We have to earn it tonight. It’s going to be tough and we need to be at our best in terms of focus.

“When you face a Kenny Shiels side, I know what he’s like, what type of manager and person he is. I worked under him as a player.”

In team news, Seamus Sharkey is suspended, Gary Boylan is out long-term with an ACL injury and Adam Wixted is a doubt after being involved in a minor car accident.

Referee: Tomas Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Both sides have played each other 45 times competitively. Sligo have 18 wins, whereas Derry have 15. There has been 12 draws between the pair.

In those 45 games, there have been an average of 2.5 goals per game.

Former Sligo loanee Ally Roy will be looking to continue his fine form against his old employers.

He has netted in each of the last two games at the Brandywell since signing for City.

BETTING

Derry City evs; Draw 12/5; Sligo Rovers 5/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-2 Sligo Rovers

Derry City

Injured: Darren Cole, Conor McDermott, Nicky Low.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Eoin Toal.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gary Boylan (ACL).

Doubtful: Adam Wixted.

Suspended: Seamus Sharkey.