League Preview: Derry City -v- St Patrick's Athletic

• Andrew Dempsey
• Mon, May 24 2021




DERRY CITY

Derry City welcome high-flying St Patrick’s Athletic to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium this evening (kick-off is at 5.45pm).

The Candystripes come into the game after seeing off Waterford in their last league outing.

Ruaidhri Higgins’ side saw off the Blues thanks to a 3^rd minute header from Ronan Boyce – easing their concerns after a slow start to the season.

“Stevie knows the league inside out and he has brought in some fantastic players this season,” Higgins told his club’s media team ahead of tonight’s game.

“They’re two points off the top and they’re up there for a reason.

“It’s another huge test for us but we’ve been playing well ourselves and we will approach the game in a positive frame of mind.

“We’re glad to have David Parkhouse and Danny Lafferty available again after suspension. Marc Walsh remains a doubt but other than that everybody is good to go.”

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic visit Derry City this evening as they look to build on their late win over Bohemians on Friday evening.

The Athletic stunned Bohs late on with a Robbie Benson spot-kick proving to be the difference between the sides.

They had taken the lead through Matty Smith – before Dawson Devoy levelled with a penalty of his own in the 89th minute.

"There are a few periods across the season when you are going to have three games in a week, it's part and parcel of playing in the league and this is one of those occasions,” Saints manager Alan Mathews said.

“We'll play on Monday and then on Friday against Dundalk before a little break. We'll hopefully have a full squad to pick from for what will be a tough game.

“Ruaidhri Higgins has come in and made an immediate impact and got some very positive results.

“We are going to have to play well to get anything out of the game. It's always a positive when you go into the game off the back of a good result, which we got against Bohemians.”

Cian Kelly, Jason McClelland and Darragh Burns all miss out.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

 

MATCH STATS

Since taking over the reins as Derry City manager, Ruaidhri Higgins has steered the Candystripes to three wins, two draws and just one defeat.

BETTING

Derry City 11/5; Draw 2/1; St Patrick’s Athletic 5/4.

PREDICTION

Derry City 0 – 2 St Patrick’s Athletic

 

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Marc Walsh

Suspended: None.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Cian Kelly, Darragh Burns, Jason McClelland.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.