Derry head for Dublin in search of top spot

Seemingly untouchable a couple of weeks ago, Sligo Rovers could be overtaken at the top of the table this evening if Derry City can manage a seventh successive win in the league by beating St Patrick's Athletic.

The Dubliners are in a bit of form themselves though; while City were beating Shamrock Rovers last Friday night, they were comfortably disposing of the champions and Declan Devine acknowledges that it will be another tough encounter for his rejuvenated team.

“Before the Rovers match, I expected them to go route one in an attempt to unsettle us and use their height and physical advantage but St Pat’s are a totally different proposition; they are very much like ourselves and try to play as much football as possible.

“And while we managed to grind out a victory over Rovers thanks to a very solid defensive display, I think the team that performs well in the midfield area and in the final third will win at Inchicore. It’s yet another big test for us and, as always, the players will be ready for the challenge.” Derry will be without Paddy Kavanagh again with the midfielder having picked up another hamstring injury last week. Sean Houston and Stewart Greacen, meanwhile, are back in training but still a couple of weeks away from a first team return.

The news is better for the hosts who signed up a shirt sponsor yesterday in the form of Clune Construction and who go into this evening’s clash with a fully fit squad.

Brendan Clarke is available again after injuring himself in the pre-match warm up a few weeks back but Liam Buckley is likely to stick with very much the team that has started to really hit its stride over the last few weeks.

Late goal
Cork City must look to regain theirs at Oriel Park after the disappointment of conceding the late goal on Monday that knocked them out of the Setanta Sports Cup. They are again without key players, though.

Colin Healy, Dan Murray, Kevin Murray and Brian Lenihan are all expected to miss out on a clash with a Dundalk side that, despite a succession of wins on the road, has yet to take three points at home.

Chris Shields is ruled out for the home side with Eoghan Osbourne a doubt but the news is generally good with Peter Cherrie recovered from a rib problem that caused him problems last week and Kurtis Byrne returning after a thigh strain.

Shamrock Rovers head to Belfield needing to bounce back from their defeat at the Brandywell.

Trevor Croly’s defensive problems are still pretty acute, though, with Pat Sullivan suspended tonight and Conor Powell ruled out by an ankle problem while Ken Oman (ankle) and Jason McGuinness (hamstring) are still trying to get back to full fitness.

In the night's other top-flight game, Bray Wanderers will look to steady the ship at Bohemians after conceding 11 goals in their last two games.
Fixtures (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division: Dundalk v Cork City (7.35), Home: 5/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 21/10.
Bohemians v Bray Wanderers, Home: 5/6, Draw: 9/4, Away: 100/30.
St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City, Home: 5/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 21/10.
UCD v Shamrock Rovers, Home: 15/2, Draw: 3/1, Away: 2/5.