Waterford United -v- Derry City

• Brendan White
• Fri, Sep 03 2010


League leaders Derry City make the long journey to the RSC to face fellow promotion chasers Waterford United on Friday evening in a vital First Division match. Kick Off: 7.45pm.

Both teams come into the game on the back of victories two weeks. Derry City saw off Limerick 1-0 in Jackman Park while Waterford United defeated Munster rivals Cork City in Turners Cross also on a 1-0 score line.

That win for Derry was a much needed victory which ended a three game win-less streak which saw them lose to Cork City and Monaghan United while also drawing with Finn Harps. For Waterford United, the win followed up their 1-0 victory over Wexford Youths the previous week to put their 3-0 defeat against Shelbourne completely behind them.

The Blues welcome back the suspended trio of Seamus Long, Paul Murphy and Michael Coady who all missed the Munster Derby in Cork. Shane Barrett remains out as he continues his recovery from an appendix operation, while club Captain Kevin Murray (hamstring) and Alan Carey (ankle ligaments) are both doubtful. Liam Kearney has a slight hamstring tendon problem.

Stephen Kenny has several concerns over his squad ahead of the game. Defenders Mark McChrystal and Shane McEleney plus striker David McDaid all miss the game through suspension. Ruairi Harkin and Eugene Ferry are expected to miss the game. More worrying for the Candystripes is the injury to skipper Kevin Deery who picked up a serious injury in a practice game last weekend.

Venue: RSC
Referee: Graham Kelly
paddypower.com odds: Waterford United 7/5 Draw 21/10 Derry City 17/10

Waterford United
Doubtful: Alan Carey, Kevin Murray, Liam Kearney.
Injured: Shane Barrett
Suspended: None

Derry City
Doubtful: None
Injured: Kevin Deery, Ruairi Harkin, Eugene Ferry.
Suspended: Mark McChrystal, Shane McEleney, David McDaid.

Extratime.ie Prediction: A closely fought game, 1-1.