Sport

City need to tighten up at back to progress

Simon Madden concedes he would love to be part of a Derry City back-line that manages to keep a clean-sheet as they continue their defence of the FAI Ford Cup at Sligo Rovers tomorrow.

The City defence has only managed to keep seven clean-sheets in 26 games this season in the league, but the right-back believes if they are able to deny the champions a goal, then they have enough going forward to not only score, but to book their place in the semi-final.

"I think we have to start getting a clean sheet and then work our way up," Madden said.

"If we give nothing away at the back I think we can score, but we can't go all out attacking and leave ourselves open at the back where we can get picked off.

"It's obviously going to be a tough game and while you would be happy if you got a draw and brought it back to the Brandywell, we are going to Sligo looking to win the game."

Declan Devine's side have only had five league successes at home this year and Madden admits he is relieved tomorrow's match is away from home, but he also knows he and his team-mates need to come out of the blocks fast, something which they haven't done too many times this campaign.

"I think getting an away draw is good for us because our home form has been shocking, so I think it will suit us," he added.

City have a number of injury worries, with Patrick McEleney, Eoghan Osbourne and Sean Houston all struggling. However, Dean Jarvis, Thomas Crawley, Stewart Greacen and Kevin Deery all miss out.

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