League Preview: Limerick -v- Derry City

• Tom Clancy
• Mon, Aug 25 2014




LIMERICK FC

The Super Blues host Derry City in a re-arranged tie at Thomond Park on Monday night, where kick-off is at 7.45pm. The game represents an opportunity for Limerick to build on consecutive home victories, as well as add to their impressive victory at Richmond Park last time out.
 

Martin Russell will have to assess defensive trio Sam Oji, Stephen Folan and Robbie Williams, with Folan having played every League minute thus far. All three should feature, as should Lee Lynch, who was left out against St. Pats due to a gentlemen’s agreement between Club over his transfer.


The ex-UCD boss has been boosted by a number of late July additions, while Shane Tracy returned to the fold in recent games with Dundalk and St. Pats, following a lay-off with a leg infection. Russell can rely on veteran Barry Ryan while at the opposite end Rory Gaffney’s stock has risen with his recent prowess in front of goal.


Limerick will be looking for their fourth win since Russell was appointed, with Stuart Taylor, now of Aston Villa, having managed just four wins in his eighteen ties in charge.


With the side somewhat clear from relegation, focus for players will be on preforming well enough to earn a contract for 2015, a year which is already being talked up as a big year for the two-time League of Ireland Champions.
 
 

DERRY CITY

Peter Hutton brings his side to Limerick on the back of advancing to an FAI Cup quarter final with a facile win over Malahide United on Friday. The Ulstermen have enjoyed a mini-revival in fortunes since Hutton’s appointment, but no goals and no points have meant three defeats to Shamrock Rovers, Cork City and Drogheda United.
 

Defeat would see Limerick overtake Derry in sixth place.


Rory Patterson (back), Cliff Byrne and Danny Ventre all look set to miss out. There are further concerns for Dean Jarvis, Phillip Lowry and Mark Timlin. The Brandywell Club will be hopeful of greater things in front of goal than in recent games, with Michael Duffy (10) their current top scorer.
 

City full-back Shaun Kelly will expect a warm reception from the home support, having made 74 League appearances for Limerick between July 2011 and July of 2014.
 

Derry have won each of their last two visits to Limerick on a 1-0 scoreline, once in Jackman Park and once in Thomond Park.

 

Referee: 

 


MATCH STATS

Limerick are without a draw in 14 League games (1-1 v Shamrock Rovers 2/5/14)
 

Rory Gaffney had netted 5 goals in his last four games.


Derry City have won just two away games this season, against Athlone Town and UCD.

 

 

BETTING

Limerick 6/4, Draw 23/10, Derry City 13/8.

 

PREDICTION

More Gaffney genius? Limerick 1-0 Derry City

  

Limerick FC

Injured: None
Doubtful:  Sam Oji, Stephen Folan, Robbie Williams.
Suspended: None.


Derry City

Injured:  Rory Patterson (back), Cliff Byrne, Danny Ventre
Doubtful: Dean Jarvis, Phillip Lowry, Mark Timlin.
Suspended: None