League Preview: Derry City -v- Shelbourne

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DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to play the role of party poppers on Friday night when they host Shelbourne at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Candystripes are no longer able to win the title following their defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic last weekend.

Though they can stop Shels winning the Premier Division with a draw or win if Shamrock Rovers defeat Waterford at the same time.

But Derry are most keen to build some positive momentum ahead of next weekend’s FAI Cup final against Drogheda United.

“It’s our last home game of the season before the cup final and we want to build the optimism before the final and the best way to do that is by winning your last home game,” Ruaidhri Higgins told the Irish News.

“We had our goal right the way through the season and it was to try and win the league and we haven’t been successful at that, and it’s obviously extremely disappointing, but we have a job in our hands now to finish in the top three.

“It has been very difficult. There’s no point in saying otherwise. It’s just very strange when you have so much hope and expectation and then it’s gone and the realisation of that.

“You still have to get your head around it quickly and prepare and be as professional as you can and I think we’ve done that.”

Patrick Hoban is a doubt with Daniel Kelly remaining out.



SHELBOURNE

Shels can win a first league title since 2006 on Friday evening with a win over Derry City. 

Though they can also claim the trophy if they equal Shamrock Rovers’ result at home to Waterford at the same time.

But they are likely to remain without Sam Bone through injury. Mark Coyle and Matty Smith are back from suspension though. 

However, the prospect of winning a league title would mean a lot to those at Tolka Park.

And goalkeeper Conor Kearns is the same - with the former UCD and Galway United stopper close to realising a childhood dream. 



“It would mean everything,” Kearns said when speaking to extratime.com last weekend. 

“The League of Ireland was my absolute aspiration (as a child). I adored the league and I wanted to win this league for a long time. 

“But I can't get caught up in fantasies, dreams and daydreams. I'm now in the business of it. 

“I'm now in a profession where I have a job to go and do. I won't get caught up in the emotion of it all. If we manage as a group to win this league title, it'll be a nice moment. But I can't dwell on the child inside me too much.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin. 

 

PREDICTION

Derry City 1-1 Shelbourne

 

Derry City

Injured: Daniel Kelly, Patrick Hoban.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None. 

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Sam Bone.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended:None.

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