League Preview: UCD -v- Derry City

• Andrew Dempsey
• Mon, Mar 06 2023




UCD

Seeking their first win of the season, Andy Myler’s UCD take on Derry City at the UCD Bowl on Monday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Students claimed an opening night draw against Dundalk before slumping to a 3-2 home loss against Sligo Rovers in their second outing of the season.

But on Friday their early season momentum was quashed by Cork City as the Leesider’s won 4-0 against them at Turner’s Cross.

UCD never got going in the game and were well beaten by Colin Healy’s side.

Matt Healy, Darragh Crowley, Ruairi Keating and Ethon Varian all netted for City in their first win of the season.

But for UCD they must now dust themselves off ahead of the visit of Derry City to Belfield.

Mikey Raggett is expected to be their only injury concern heading into the game after he picked up an injury setback in pre-season.

DERRY CITY

Fresh from their statement win away to Shamrock Rovers on Friday night, Derry City return to the capital to face relegation favourites UCD.

The Candystripes withstood a first-half storm from the Hoops on Friday night and eventually won the game 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium.

Jamie McGonigle’s goal proved to be the difference between the title contenders in Dublin 24 after Ben Doherty gave Derry the lead.

But they must refocus the mind on another league game as they face UCD – a side who have impressed in spurts this season.

And their manager Ruaidhri Higgins explained: “It’s important that we don’t get carried away. We only got three points on Friday and we have made a good start to the season.

“We just need to bounce into Monday. There is no point coming to Tallaght and winning if we don’t win on Monday. That’s our message heading into the game.”

Michael Duffy, Cameron McJannett, Cameron Dummigan and Colm Whelan are all expected to miss out again.

While Adam O’Reilly is a doubt after missing Friday’s win against Shamrock Rovers.

Referee: David Dunne.

 

PREDICTION

UCD 0 - 2 Derry City

 

UCD

Injured: Mikey Raggett.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: Michael Duffy, Cameron McJannett, Cameron Dummigan, Colm Whelan.

Doubtful: Adam O’Reilly.

Suspended: None.