Maintaining their momentum at the top is what Stephen Kenny wants from his league leaders Dundalk as they begin the second half of the season at Derry City tonight.
Dundalk are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and hold a three -point lead at the top of the table – though rivals Cork City do have a game in hand.
“The players only took a four-day break last week to make sure that our training pattern wasn’t disrupted. The team are in terrific form,” said Kenny, whose winger, Daryl Horgan, yesterday picked up the the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland player of the month award for May.
“It’s never easy going to the Brandywell, but we are confident, we’re playing well and scoring a lot of goals at the moment.”
Kenny adjusts his attack in the absence of the injured Patrick Hoban and suspended David McMillan. Stephen O’Donnell and Keith Ward remain out injured. Derry make a key change in midfield due to Danny Ventre serving a ban.
Second-placed Cork City wait on winger Billy Dennehy, who shipped a knock in training while Limerick, tonight’s visitors to Turner’s Cross, hope to be at full strength.
Champions St Pat’s Athletic are without banned central defenders Kenny Browne and Ken Oman while Sean Hoare faces a fitness test on an ankle injury if he’s to start against Bray s at Richmond Park.
Bray, who have announced the retirement of club captain Danny O’Connor, are without suspended goalkeeper Shane Redmond while defender Adam Mitchell is out injured. Full back Eric McGill and striker Dave Scully face fitness test
Shamrock Rovers travel to the UCD Bowl and manager Trevor Croly has winger Gary McCabe available following suspension but is still likely to be without injured pair Stephen McPhail and Luke Byrne.
Bohemians wait on Anto Murphy, Steven Beattie, Derek Pender and Dave Mulcahy as they look for a first home league win of the season against Athlone Town who are without injured pair Aidan Collins and Graham Rusk.
