Credit:
Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City
- Alan Finn
- Sun, Sep 15 2013
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers turn their attentions to Cup action on Sunday afternoon as they entertain current FAI Ford Cup holders Derry City.
They go into this game having picked up seven points from a possible nine in the last week from games against Limerick, Drogheda United and Bohemians.
The Bit O' Red must plan without Ross Gaynor, Evan McMillan (both knee), David McMillan (cup tied) and Kieran Djilali (suspended) but are boosted by Iarfhlaith Davoren's recent return from injury.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ian Baraclough revealed his desire to lead his side out at the Aviva and that he knows the importance this competition holds for the club.
"I want to lead a team out at the Aviva, I want the supporters to look forward to a day in Dublin that they have been used to over the last few years, more often than not having success there as well.
"I know what interest it creates, financially it is great for the club and everyone to do with it, from the supporters, to the players, to the management and the committee. It's a great day to be involved in."
DERRY CITY
Derry City will be aiming to put their miserable League form behind them as they continue the defence of their FAI Cup on Sunday against League Champions Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds.
League form favours the home team going into this game, but the injury list may also be kinder to Baraclough's side as Derry face the journey to Sligo with up to seven possible absentees.
Kevin Deery, Stewart Greacen, Dean Jarvis (all knee) and Thomas Crawley (groin) are all sidelined while Patrick McEleney, Sean Houston (both knee) and Eoghan Osbourne (groin) are rated as doubtful. "The vast majority of our matches against have been very, very close affairs, but I think the players are still hurting at our last defeat when we squandered so many clear-cut chances against them.
Derry boss Declan Devine believes that a result in Sligo could be a crucial turning point at this late stage in the Candystripes' season.
"It's a very important game for us and one that I am really looking forward to. The way we look at it is that we want to be getting one stage closer to playing in the Aviva again in November. Yes, we know it's going to be a tough game, but it's a game that I feel we are more than capable of getting a result in. To be fair to Sligo, they have outstanding players which showed in the last couple of years with a league title and two FAI Ford cup titles. I know we have been on a bad run at the minute but I always feel that one good result could be the turning point for us and set up a fantastic end to the season”.
Referee: Neil Doyle.
MATCH STATS
Sligo Rovers have a perfect record over Derry City this season, winning all three League seasons.
Both sides have won the competition in the last three years. Derry are the current holders while Rovers were back to back winners in 2010 and 2011.
David Cawley has scored two of Sligo's six goals against Derry this season with Anthony Elding, Lee Lynch, Ross Gaynor and Danny North claiming the others. Sean Houston scored the visitors only goal over the three fixtures.
BETTING
Sligo Rovers 4/7; Draw 13/5; Derry City 5/1.
PREDICTION
Sligo Rovers 3-0 Derry City.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Evan McMillan, Ross Gaynor.
Suspended: Kieran Djilali.
Cup tied: David McMillan.
Derry City
Injured: Kevin Deery, Stewart Greacen, Dean Jarvis, Thomas Crawley.
Doubtful: Patrick McEleney, Sean Houston, Eoghan Osbourne.
Suspended: None.
