League Preview: Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

DERRY CITY

Derry City host Sligo Rovers in the Ryan McBride Brandywell this Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

 The Candystripes are on the crest of a wave, having beaten champions Shamrock Rovers to go top of the league last time out.

Derry followed up their entertaining opening day 2-2 draw with Dundalk with a 2-1 victory over the Hoops on Friday night.

Will Patching opened the scoring with a calm penalty, and although Dylan Watts equalised with a free kick on 72 minutes, Jamie McGonigle stole all three points right at the death, capitalising on a mistake from Pico Lopes and smashing an excellent finish beyond Alan Mannus into the top corner.

“Once we came off the field we were turning our attention to Monday night. We can’t afford to lose the momentum of nights like this,” Manager Ruaidhrí Higgins said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Of course it’s a tough start but every game in this league is a challenge.

“Sligo have gone to St Pats and won and not many teams will do that this season. They’re a very good side and we need to be at the top of our game.”

In team news Ciaron Harkin will miss out after being forced off through injury during Friday night’s game against Shamrock Rovers.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers make the trip up to Derry on Monday evening, buoyed by an excellent display against FAI Cup holders St Patrick’s Athletic.

Colm Horgan opened the scoring for the Bit O’Red in the 41^st minute, his attempt somewhat fortuitous as it looped over Saints ‘keeper Joseph Anang after bouncing off his knee, after he was found by a sumptuous Adam McDonnell cross.

Rovers doubled the lead on 78 minutes, as debutant Aidan Keena capped a man-of-the-match display with a goal his performance deserved, a deflected effort finding its way over Anang and into the top corner.

Although Tunde Olowabi pulled one back for the Saints two minutes later, Rovers held on for an impressive victory in Inchicore.

“It was a good win on Friday night. I was very pleased with the work rate and how we created lots of chances over the course of the game. I felt we deserved the victory,” Sligo boss Liam Buckley said, speaking to the club’s website.

“In the last 15 minutes we did have to dig deep and the fact we were playing a side who had a couple more games than us made it more difficult. The games bring you on and that one last Friday will help us.

“It’s been important to recover and we’ve done as much as we can in the last 48 hours or so. Both teams are in the same position from that end. They have a squad where they can make changes if necessary and likewise we have that option with everyone fit and available.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a tough game certainly. Derry’s recruitment is well-known in bringing in the Dundalk players and from elsewhere. There’s an expectation there really to try to win the league this season and it was a very good result for them last Friday.

“That said, we’ll go there with the onus on ourselves and look at how we can improve again. We know that you have to turn up in every game to get results in this league. It was just three points last Friday, a start, and something to build on. We’d love to add to it on Monday night.

“I’ve no doubt there’ll be another packed house and we’ll have the great support with us like we had in Dublin last Friday. We look forward to all that comes with this game and we’ll go there looking for the result again.”

The Bit O’Red will have their full squad to choose from tomorrow night. Shane Blaney missed Friday night’s game due to illness but he returns to the squad in time for Monday’s game.

Referee: Damien McGraith.

MATCH STATS

Derry City are currently top of the table on four points, following a win over Shamrock Rovers on Friday night, and an opening day draw against Dundalk.

Sligo Rovers sit fourth in the table with three points after their win against St Patrick’s Athletic. They have a game in hand on those ahead of them, after their opening day fixture against Bohemians was postponed due to inclement weather.

Derry had the edge over Rovers last season. Ruaidhrí Higgins first game in charge was away to Sligo in the Showgrounds, where they ran out as 1-0 winners courtesy of a Will Patching penalty. A 1-1 draw in the Ryan McBride Brandywell followed in the second round of fixtures, but it was two wins for the Candystripes in the remaining games, as they won 2-1 in the Showgrounds, and then 2-0 in Derry at the end of last season.

Derry City were also the only team Sligo Rovers did not win against in 2021.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1-1 Sligo Rovers

Derry City

Injured: Ciaron Harkin

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None