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Derry City FC -v- Galway United FC
- Alan Smith
- Thu, Apr 02 2009
Second-placed Derry City welcome the surprise package of the season so far, Galway United, to the Brandywell on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm), in what is sure to be an exciting clash. The Candystripes will be looking to keep pace with joint leaders Bohemians, while Galway could, possibly, go clear at the top with a win.
Unbeaten records
“Galway have strengthened up from last season with Derek O’Brien returning to their squad," said Derry boss Stephen Kenny, aware of the stern test that the Tribesmen will provide. "They have scored five goals in their last two away games against St. Pat’s and Bray with Vinny Faherty and Republic Under-21 international Jay O’Shea prominent in those games. Galway, like ourselves, are unbeaten, so something has to give. What is certain is that we must be at our best to get the better of them. While we have played fairly well there is still room for improvement.”
Fighting spirit
Derry have started this season in similar fashion to last, by scoring late on to earn valuable points. Late goals against both Cork City and Shamrock Rovers have resulted in six points in the past fortnight, something which leaves Kenny extremely pleased. “The players have shown a great appetite for winning games, especially in the closing minutes, and that will boost their confidence,” said the former Longford Town and Bohs manager, who also showed his delight at how many of his players have managed to get on the scoresheet. “It’s good to see our goals being spread around with Mark Farren, Tommy Stewart, Aaron Nash and Ciaran Martyn getting amongst them," he said. "Indeed, Ciaran Martyn has shown a marked improvement this term and scored vital goals against Cork and Rovers."
O’Shea return
Galway are boosted by the return of captain Jay O’Shea for the trip north, as the 21-year-old comes back into the squad having spent the past week on international duty. He played in both games against Spain and Turkey and scored the opening goal against the Spanish at the RSC in Waterford. However, Ian Foster will be missing four other players for the game. Both Jason Molloy and Declan Edwards are serving one-game suspensions, while John Russell is not expected to be fit in time. Shane Fitzgerald is also set to miss out on the next couple of games as he recovers from an ankle injury.
Vocal support
Derry, meanwhile, are still awaiting international clearance for new signing Thomas ‘Tam’ McManus, and if it comes through in time Kenny says that the Glasgow-born striker will be in the squad. Clive Delaney is the only definite absentee for the Candystripes, as he serves a suspension after seeing red against Rovers last weekend. Kenny, though, is hoping that the Brandywell faithful will make up for Delaney's loss by again turning out in numbers. “A big vociferous crowd can generate the kind of atmosphere that can bring the best out in players and that’s what I want to see,” he said. Referee for the game is Richie Winter.
extratime.ie prediction: The Candystripes are 4/7 favourites to take all three points and keep the pressure on champions Bohemians. It’s 5/2 for the spoils to be shared, while Galway are 9/2 to take the points back to the west. Derry will find it tough but should edge it by a goal or two. 2-1.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90.