Derry City -v- Monaghan United

• Simon O'Gorman
• Thu, Aug 05 2010


The top two sides in the Airtricity First Division meet at the Brandywell on Friday night as Derry City host Monaghan United in a tie that has the potential to be decisive in this season’s race for automatic promotion. (Kick-off 7.45pm)

Since Waterford United’s league challenge faded in mid season it is Monaghan United who have led the chase as Derry City have carved out a formidable lead at the top of the division. Ten points separate the two clubs as we head into the weekend but a win for the Mons, whose away form has been excellent, would reignite a title chase that has threatened to become a foregone conclusion.

Monaghan are on a nine game unbeaten run in the league and have won six of those matches. They are also unbeaten on their travels, their only two defeats this season coming at Gortakeegan.

Manager Mick Cooke will be without Niall Flynn and new signing Ian McNeill but will be more concerned to get Brain Gartland back who missed last weekend’s win over Mervue through injury.

But it is Stephen Kenny who possibly has the more worrying injury list simply because of the absence of Barry Molloy. The defensive midfielder has been a key figure in Derry’s dominance this year and Monaghan will be keen to exploit the fact that he will be missing.

On the other hand Kenny will be able to select both Kevin Deery and James McLean who have been missing over recent weeks. With only one league defeat this season and on an eighteen game unbeaten run the odds must favour the Candystripes but if there is one team in the Division who can put a halt to their momentum it is Monaghan.

Derry City
Injured: Barry Molloy, Ruairi Harkin.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Monaghan United
Injured: Niall Flynn, Ian McNeill.
Doubtful: Brian Gartland.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Phil Caschera
Extratime prediction: A hard fought 2-1 win for Derry