League Preview: St Patrick’s Athletic -v- Derry City

Ben McCormack in action for St Pat's against UCD

Ben McCormack in action for St Pat's against UCD Credit: Matthew Lysaght (ETPhotos)

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic host Derry City at Richmond Park on Monday evening in a tasty clash at the top of the Premier Division table (kick-off is at 6.45pm).

The Saints come into the game off the back of some impressive form under their new permanent boss Jon Daly.

On Friday night, the Athletic claimed a routine 3-1 win over UCD at the Belfield Bowl – with Noah Lewis and Conor Carty netting.

And that win kept them in touch with the top two after a patchy start to the campaign that saw former boss Tim Clancy pay the price with role as manager.

But Daly’s early tenure as permanent boss has been blighted by a number of defensive injuries.

“We only have four fit defenders so we need help as we got a couple of long-term ones,” the Saints boss told extratime.com on Friday night.

“Joe Redmond hopefully will be back in mid to late July. Tom Grivosti is looking like he’s out for the season.

“I think Axel Sjoberg will be back after the break and we need to assess Jay McGrath how he is but his contract is up at the of June so we need to see can we do something with him as well.

“It’s definitely an area we need help in”. 



DERRY CITY

Derry City visit Richmond Park knowing that they can go top of the Premier Division again when they take on the Saints.

The Candystripes were held to a 0-0 draw against Shelbourne on Friday night – but they could have fallen to defeat.

If it was not for Brain Maher’s penalty save to deny Shane Farrell, Damien Duff’s side would have left the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium with all three points.

But Derry will be hoping that they can continue their strong away form in Dublin 8 in front of the Virgin Media TV cameras.

“There have been plenty of twists and turns so far this season and there will be plenty more to come,” Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins said.



“We wanted to stay in the mix while we recovered from several injury setbacks and we’ve managed to do that.

“I keep saying they’re all big games when you’re looking to challenge, and Monday’s is certainly that.

“St Pats are on a great run and are probably the league’s in-form team at this minute in time.

“Jon Daly and his staff have done a superb job since joining the club and they have quality all over the pitch.

“Inchicore is a venue we enjoy playing at and while I’m expecting a very difficult evening, I believe we have the quality to go there and try to get three points.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

 

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 1-2 Derry City

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Jay McGrath, Tom Grivosti, Joe Redmond, Axel Sjoberg.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jake Mulraney.

 

Derry City

Injured: Colm Whelan, Ciaron Harkin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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