Limerick FC -v- Derry City

• David Byrne
• Thu, Mar 11 2010


Derry City will make the 330 kilometre trip south to face Limerick FC at Jackman Park on Friday (Kick-off 7:45p.m).

Friday’s clash with Limerick is Stephen Kenny’s sides’ first away trip since their demotion to the Airtricity First Division at the end of the 2009 season. It is the Candystripes first trip to Jackman Park since the two sides met in the 2002 League Cup final on Shannonside.

Speaking about Friday’s highly anticipated clash, Limerick manager Pat Scully said “It's a big game for us, there's no doubt about that. It's great to be taking on Derry City at Jackman Park, great for the players, for the club and for the supporters. They've had a difficult time of late, but they're a big name and the lads are looking forward to taking them on."

Both sides go into Friday’s game on the back of opening day 1-1 draws and a win at Jackman Park is a priority for the two promotion hopefuls.

Derry City have been made title favourites and Limerick manager Pat Scully is a bit sceptical about this early statement “I think it was an easy option to make them favourites. It might be because of their name, but it's too early to make them favourites. They have a good team and some good players, but so do we. We have a good team, we have good players and if we play to our potential we can get something out of Friday night's game” Pat Scully said.

Derry City’s experienced manager Stephen Kenny believes this season won’t be as plain sailing as many expect for the Ulster side. “ We have a fair degree of talent in the squad, young players who are ready to compete at senior level but we must not hold high expectations given the experience and quality of the First Division this season. Teams such as Cork City, Shelbourne, Waterford and Limerick have all won the League of Ireland title in the past and outside Cork and Derry, those teams have been rebuilding over recent season”

Derry are without team captain, Kevin Deery (calf) and returning striker, Stephen Parkhouse (knee), have both been ruled out.

Limerick are also without their team captain Pat Purcell (knee) and Conor Molan who will be out for another three weeks with a reoccurring knee injury.

Venue: Jackman Park, Limerick

Referee: K Callanan

Paddypower.com Odds: Limerick 15/8, Draw 21/10, Derry City 6/5

Limerick FC
Injured: Pat Purcell, Conor Molan
Doubtful: none
Suspended: none

Derry City
Injured: Kevin Deery, Stephen Parkhouse
Doubtful: none
Suspended: none

Prediction: 1-2