Derry City -v- Galway United

• Jamie Mahon
• Sun, Oct 16 2011




 

Derry City will have to regroup after the loss at Tallaght and concentrate on attempting to secure a European qualifying place as they host a Galway United side who will be missing five players on Sunday evening at the Brandywell. (Kick-off, 5pm)

 

The Candystripes more or less bowed out of the race for the title on Thursday, but Stephen Kenny has issued a rallying cry ahead of the game against the leagues bottom club. “It is bitterly disappointing but I continue to be very proud of my players because for them to achieve this after where they have come from is a magnificent thing,” he said.

 

“Remember that 18 months ago, we had four signed players. Remember that so many of this squad had no Premier Division experience before this season. Remember how many of them are locally based. These players have been superb. It is highly unlikely Rovers will slip up now, but we have given a good account of ourselves, not just tonight but over the course of the season. So the aim now is to finish strongly and get into Europe.” he noted.

 

Derry may be without the services of Gareth McGlynn who injured his calf on Thursday and doubts also remain over Eddie McCallion and Owen Morrison, both who are struggling to shake off calf injuries. There will probably be a recall for Ruaidhri Higgins who was benched on Thursday.

 

John Brennan on the other hand doesn’t have his sorrows to seek as he will be without Johnny Keane (Knee), Victor Collins (Achilles tendon), Eric Holland (Hamstring), Jin Gu Kim (Hamstring) and Laurence Gaughan (Quad). Having already finished bottom of the Premier Division they will be more geared towards preparing for the vital play off games that lie ahead.

 

The Galway boss said “You always get a tough game against Derry. They're a great side, Stephen Kenny has done very well with them and got them focused. We have got to compete and concentrate for 90 minutes. Hopefully we can get a result."

 

Given the vastly different seasons the two clubs have experienced, I can only see a home win on the cards here.

 

Derry City

Injured: Gareth McGlynn (calf).

Doubtful: Eddie McCallion (calf), Owen Morrison (calf).

Suspended: None.

 

Galway United

Injured: Johnny Keane(knee), Victor Collins(Achilles), Eric Holland (hamstring), Jin Gu Kim (hamstring), Laurence Gaughan (quad).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jin Gu Kim.

 

Referee: Richie Winter.

Paddy Power Odds: Derry City 1/20 Draw 10/1 Galway United 28/1.

Extratime prediction: 4-0 to Derry City.