Derry City -v- St Patrick's Athletic

• Cathal Breathnach
• Thu, Apr 21 2011


St. Patrick’s Athletic make the trip north of the border on Friday night to face in-form Derry City in an Airtricity Premier Division clash at the Brandywell. (Kick-off 7.45 pm)

With seven games now gone in the Airtricity League Premier Division this season, it is fair to say that Derry boss Stephen Kenny will be more than pleased with his side’s showing so far, with the Candystripes currently sitting level on points with Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers at the top of the table.

Derry have won their last three league games on the bounce and Kenny is understandably delighted with the performance of his squad. “I am delighted with the players,” said Kenny when interviewed by BBC Sport this week. “Many of them are in their first season in the Premier Division. We have scored eight goals in our last three games which is a good sign.”

However, Kenny is fully aware that Pat’s will be no push-overs come Friday night. “St Pat's had a really good season last year and have added some really good players. They were expected to challenge this year and, although it has not gone to plan just yet, they are still a dangerous team.”

The visitors go into this one desperate to kick-start their season. Pete Mahon’s men conceded a late equaliser at home to UCD last weekend to leave them with just eight points to show from their opening seven games.

Pats have struggled on the road so far this season, winning just the once, that coming in their opening game of the season against lowly Galway United. The Richmond Park club will be disappointed with how the season has gone so far, but a win on Friday night would make things look a lot brighter for Mahon and the fans.

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

St Patrick's Athletic
Injured: Conor Kenna.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.     

Referee: Derek Tomney.
Paddy Power Odds: Derry City 1/1; Draw 9/4; St Patrick’s Athletic 13/5.
Extratime prediction: It’s a bit of an overused cliché in football nowadays, but the Brandywell really is a tough place to go. The home side are currently flying high in the table and should have enough to beat Pats. Derry City 2-0 St Patrick’s Athletic.