National League Preview:A consistency of performance for the full 90 minutes against Drogheda United in the clash of the title favourites at United Park tonight is what Pat Fenlon is demanding from his Derry City players.
Having lost their previous two games, manager Fenlon was particularly irritated that his side didn't kill off Linfield on Monday night when leading 2-0 going into the final quarter. Linfield scored twice late on to snatch an unlikely draw.
"We were very, very good, particularly in the first half and the key is now to produce a similar performance on a consistent basis," said Fenlon.
Defender Sean Hargan (ankle) and winger Gareth McGlynn (hamstring) won't feature, though central defender Ken Oman trained yesterday and has a chance of being fit following a hamstring problem.
Despite a lengthy injury list, Drogheda are buoyant after four straight wins and are now six games unbeaten. "I'm very happy with the start we've made," said manager Paul Doolin.
Finn Mikko Vilmunen continues in goal for Dan Connor whose knee ligament damage isn't as bad as first feared. Stuart Byrne, sent off in Galway, is suspended while defenders Graham Gartland (hamstring) and Steve Gray (thigh) and wingers James Keddy (thigh) and Richie Baker (groin) are still out. Ollie Cahill has passed a fitness test on an ankle injury and provides his usual pace and width down the left flank.
Keeping everyone's feet on the ground is St Patrick's Athletic boss John McDonnell's new-found vocation. Nineteen goals in their opening seven matches, six of which they've won comfortably, has expectations soaring at Richmond Park.
"We have to keep up the hard work, nothing has changed," said McDonnell ahead of the league leaders' clash with Bray Wanderers at home tonight. Stephen Paisley comes back into the defence having been ineligible on Monday while midfielder Keith Fahey is fit after a knee knock.
Striker Gary O'Neill is the main worry as, along with midfielder Dave Mulcahy, he's been weakened by a bout of flu.
Bray have central defender Clive Delaney back from suspension but must wait to see if Colm Tresson has recovered from flu.
Bohemians travel to Waterford without defenders Mark Rossiter (ankle) and Thomas Heary (groin), while winger Harpal Singh (groin) is two weeks away from full fitness.
Waterford have received clearance from Fifa to play midfielder Ray Scully. Alan Keely hopes to shake off a calf injury to return to central defence. Defender Kenny Browne remains out with a broken hand, while midfielder Paul McCarthy is suspended.
A timely shrinking of their injury list sees Shamrock Rovers head into four games in 11 days, beginning against Galway United at Tolka Park tonight. "Ger O'Brien, Eric and Dave McGill, Tadhg Purcell, Ger Rowe are all back in contention," said manager Pat Scully. Captain Aidan Price and Danny O'Connor are expected to be passed fit also, though striker Andy Myler and midfielder Paul Shiels remain out for up to two weeks. Galway travel with a full squad.
Cork City host Longford Town and have Liam Kearney, Colin O'Brien, Seán Kelly and Brian O'Callaghan fit again and Billy Woods available, but manager Damien Richardson may be loath to alter a side that won 7-0 at Portadown on Monday.
Bottom of the table Longford Town have captain and central defender Damien Brennan and midfielder John Martin back from suspension. Striker Dessie Baker remains out with ankle ligament damage.
Tonight's fixtures(7.45 unless stated) League of Ireland Premier Division: Cork City v Longford Town, Drogheda United v Derry City (8.0), St Patrick's Athletic v Bray Wanderers, Waterford United v Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers v Galway United (8.0). First Division: Finn Harps v Monaghan United (8.0) Kilkenny City v Shelbourne.
