UCD vs Derry City
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With Galway United and Finn Harps both playing on Friday night, UCD will be under pressure to get something out of this crucial Premier Division game against 4th place Derry City. (kick-off 19:45).
UCD won a vital three points against Galway United two weeks ago, but with no competitive action since then UCD manager Pete Mahon feels his hasn't had the most ideal preparation for Derry's visit."We could have done with a game last week," said Mahon.
The UCD manager believes City will pose a stern test for his defence this week. "They're scoring goals for fun. They are probably the most attacking side in the league," said Mahon.
In team news, UCD will be without Ian Bermingham due to the same hamstring injury that kept him out of the Irish Under 21 side midweek. Bermingham is expected to be given a run in an A League game this weekend to test his fitness. Midfielder Ronan Finn is also unavailable due to a calf injury.
Derry City knocked six past Kildare County midweek and three before that against Cobh in the league, the Candystripes will be confident going into the game. Assistant Manager Alan Reynolds has been pleased with his team’s recent games however they will not underestimate UCD.
Alan Reynolds, "We've already had two good results against UCD this season but in saying that they are always a tricky team to play against, they are a club fighting to stay in the premier division and they will battle to the end, so we expect a tough encounter at the Bowl. Pete Mahon will have his team well organised and they have some very good young players, their confidence will be buoyed by a good win against Galway in their last outing but as usual we will concentrate on our own performance. We having been playing good football for some time now, the team is full of confidence and it’s good to see the lads enjoying their football and expressing themselves, this is shown by the number of goals that we have been scoring recently, so we hopefully we can continue this trend and get a positive result on Friday".
In team news, Ciaran Martyn is out with an ankle injury, whilst Peter Hutton will undergo a late fitness test.
Extratime.ie Prediction: We think Derry City will have too much fire power for the Students. 1-3 is our final score.
