SSE Airtricity League Premier Division: Derry City v Shamrock Rovers (Friday, 7.45pm)
MANAGER Kenny Shiels has issued a rallying cry to supporters as Derry City welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Brandywell on Friday.
Shiels wants the Candystripes fans to come out in force for this evening’s big game against Pat Fenlon’s in-form side: “There’s a message I want to send out to the fans and that’s to come and give us the same support as we got in our last home game against Galway United,” he said.
“In the Galway game the support really got behind us and dug the result out for us and that same support tomorrow night would be great.”
Shiels also believes his side are going to have a tough evening against title chasing Rovers. Like City, the Dubliners have lost just once this season and they have only conceded two goals in their opening five league games, something which has impressed the Derry boss.
“Rovers have won all their games bar one and with their game in hand, they can go top,” he said.
“They are in a good position in the league and have had a good start, so it’s up to us that we apply ourselves properly, work hard to get a victory and also add a little bit of flair. Hopefully, the supporters will see a little bit better possession in our game.
“A sign of a good team is digging out results and Rovers have done that. They have shown good character and some teams that win by four or five, they aren’t always as solid as they may look, but Rovers have beaten teams like Galway and have kept clean sheets.
“I have seen Rovers and I think they are solid unit who are hard to beat and we can’t over look the fact that they have kept quite a few clean sheets and they are also prevalent in the attacking third. The likes of Brandon Miele, Danny North and Mikey Drennan, are all top class players. To support that they have Gary McCabe and Killian Brennan, who are solid in the bottom of midfield, so they are a quality out-fit.”
City will be without duo Conor McCormack (suspended) and Gareth McGlynn (hamstring) but Shiels confirmed everyone else in his squad is fit.
Elsewhere in the Premier Division on Friday, third-placed Cork City host a confident Wexford Youths, Surprise package Galway United entertain Finn Harps and St Patrick’s Athletic, who had last weekend off because of a waterlogged Ballybofey pitch, face bottom side Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park (live on RTE2).
In the First Division, leaders Limerick, who are aiming for their sixth straight win, visit second placed Drogheda United and Athlone Town face Waterford United. Cabinteely come against Cobh Ramblers at Stradbrook and there’s a Dublin derby with Shelbourne facing UCD at Tolka Park. All Friday’s games kick-off at 7.45pm.
On Saturday at 7.30pm, Premier Division champions Dundalk make the trip to Longford Town and Bray Wanderers take on Bohemians at the Carlisle Grounds.
