Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

• David Goulden
• Fri, Jun 05 2009


Derry City make the short journey down the N15 on Friday night to take on Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds, kick off 7.45pm. The Candystripes come into this one having claimed ten points from their previous twelve, whereas the home side have shown a rise in form over the previous weeks, managing seven out of the last twelve available. Derry go into the game as strong favourites, as they look to build on their recent form and kick-start their title push. Sligo are never an easy prospect on their home patch, though, and will be eager to banish the memories of a poor performance in Bray on Tuesday night.

Sligo Rovers
Sligo go into the game with a severely depleted squad with Sean Doherty missing out with a hamstring injury, and long term absentees Mauro Almeida (ankle) and Chris Butler (knee) both still unavailable for Paul Cook. Stephen Parkhouse looks as if he will join the long term list with both a knee and ankle injury he sustained in training last week. Alan Keane and captain Conor O’Grady both miss out with suspensions, while Romuald Boco misses out due to international duty with Benin.

Derry City
Stephen Kenny’s men are not without their own problems, as they potentially have up to six first team players missing. Liam Kearney (broken leg) and Barry Molloy (ankle ligaments) will be in the stand due to injuries both players received in last week's game in Terryland. They are joined by Thomas Stewart (thigh) and Tam McManus (calf). Stephen Gray and Gareth McGlynn both face late fitness tests.

Manager Stephen Kenny knows Fridays game will be a tough assignment but is confident of coming away with three points: "We had a good win in what proved a tight game against St Patricks, but we travel to Sligo to face a side that have shown some good home form. Sligo have a strong squad of good players and we fully expect a tough encounter.

We had two good wins this week and we hope to build on that, having Clive Delaney back from injury has had a strong influence on our defence, we've had 3 clean sheets and its an area that we need to ensure remains solid."

Extratime prediction: Sligo Rovers 0-1 Derry City