Preview: Derry City vs Bohemians
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Bohemians travel to the Brandywell on Friday night knowing a win will return them to the summit of the eircom Premier Division by two points with a game in hand. Derry City however will be confident of upsetting the Gypsies plans having previously beaten them 4-1 at the start of this month in the League Cup.
Derry City manager Stephen Kenny is happy with his teams form of late, having put four goals past Bohs and Bray Wanderers this month.
"The players were excellent against Bray, especially in the second half, in fact in the last two games we have scored eight goals and played some very attractive football. Hopefully we can now repeat those types of performances for the rest of the campaign, Bohemians come to the Brandywell on Friday as league favourites and we respect that, so we will need to maintain the level of play that we have shown we are capable of and hopefully finish up with another home victory and the 3 points"
Kenny will have to plan without Clive Delaney who is suspended. Kevin Deery is struggling with a groin injury and will undergo a late fitness test. However Mark McChrystal returns and Owen Morrison is back in contention after having completed 90 minutes in a midweek friendly against Coleraine.
Pat Fenlon’s team have been on European duty for the last few weeks, but that journey came to an end on Saturday last, losing out on away goals to Latvian team FK Riga. Fenlon will be disappointed to have lost out but will no doubt be happy with his teams return to domestic action with a win over Bray on Tuesday.
He said, “I was delighted that the team played so well. With so many players out through injury and suspension, the win in Bray was an excellent result. The defensive side of our game was very solid and everyone contributed. It's very important to get things right at the back in this league."
Despite the uncharacteristic concession of four goals in the Brandywell in the League Cup two weeks ago, Fenlon will be bringing his team to Foyleside in the belief that they can at least secure a share of the spoils. He said," I expect a very hard game but we are in a stronger position for this game than we were for our last visit. Killian Brennan and "Joxer" Kelly will be back in the squad and we have worked very hard on our preparations for this game during the week. It goes without saying that everyone in the team must play to their potential in the Brandywell. If we can achieve that level of performance the least we can hope for is a draw. We devise a plan before every game with the aim of taking maximum points. A demanding ninety minutes awaits but the intention remains the same."
The Drumcondra side will be without Ken Oman and Glenn Cronin with knee injuries, Mark Rossiter with a hamstring injury and Jason Byrne will miss out with thigh trouble.
In other Bohemians news, Dalymount legend Kevin Hunt has announced his retirement from football today with immediate effect. Hunt gave family commitments and injuries as the reason for his decision. Extratime will have a full look at the popular Bohs captain later this week.
The game kicks off at 19:45 on Friday night.
