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McEleney keen to bounce back against Longford

Shane McEleney says Derry City deserved something out of last weekend's tie against Bohs
Shane McEleney says Derry City deserved something out of last weekend's tie against Bohs Shane McEleney says Derry City deserved something out of last weekend's tie against Bohs

DERRY City's Shane McEleney admits the Candystripes deserved at least a share of the spoils against Bohemians last weekend and says preparations couldn't have gone any better ahead of their trip to Longford Town tonight (7.30pm).

"We have a tough game going down to Longford, as they are an experienced team but we are looking forward to it," said McEleney.

"Even though we were beaten by Bohs I think we didn't deserve to lose, it was sort of a snatch and grab for them.

"We created the majority of the chances in the second half but they broke away and got the winner. But as I said we are all looking forward to the Longford game and hopefully we can go there and get a good positive result."

Peter Hutton's men travel to the City Calling Stadium with skipper Ryan McBride missing through suspension, Stephen Dooley is still on the treatment table, while Philip Lowry is struggling with a groin injury.

However, the Brandywell men's main man this season has been Shane's younger brother Patrick and he too misses out, in fact he is likely to be out for at least a month after he torn his groin during last week's game against Bohemians.

Despite the absentees and the fact that Tony Cousins' side go into the game following a tremendous morale boosting win at Drogheda United in their last outing McEleney senior is hoping whoever comes into the team will make a difference.

"As I said they are an experienced team and there seems to be a good togetherness about the team, we have the same and although we are missing a few players the boys who will be coming in are more than capable of doing a good job and hopefully we can go down there and get the three points.

"Whoever comes into the team now has to grab the jersey and try to keep the jersey, as I said they are more than capable of coming in and doing a job.

"We'll be going to Longford in good spirit and hopefully we can get a good result.

"We have nothing to fear, we have matched and better most teams we have played this season, but it's a results business and sometimes results don't go your way, but training has been very good all week and there was good intensity."

Elsewhere Sligo Rovers entertain a Limerick side who are still looking for their first win of the season, while in the First Division Athlone Town travel to Cobh Ramblers.

On Bank Holiday Monday leaders Dundalk face Bray Wanderers at Oriel Park and Bohemians come up against Cork City at Dalymount Park, incidentally both those games are live on Setanta Ireland.