League Preview: Derry City -v- Cork City

DERRY CITY

Derry City head into Friday’s clash with Cork City on the back of a 2-1 defeat against local rivals Finn Harps in front of a sell out crowd at Finn Park.

After their first defeat to their Northern rivals in 16 years, the Candystripes will be looking to bounce back against a Cork side notoriously difficult to beat when travelling away from home in recent seasons under manager John Caulfield.

The return of striker Rory Patterson after a spell in England with FC United Of Manchester should boost the Candystripes’ chances of coming away with a result from this game. Patterson showed glimpses of his class during the loss to Finn Harps, which included a cool finish by the Strabane man.

CORK CITY

City got their season off to a winning start thanks to two second half goals from Sean Maguire, as they saw off the challenge of Bohemians at Turner’s Cross.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, City boss John Caulfield said he expects a reaction from the Candystripes: “It was nice to get the win against Bohemians. We found it extremely difficult in the first half, but we came out differently in the second half and, once Maguire got the goal, it changed the game and we played really well after that.”

“We’re well used to travelling; it’s enjoyable in some ways, as you head away the day before and, particularly with a new team, you are trying to gel things together, and sometimes trips like this can help.”

“Guys are chomping at the bit to get going and there is competition for places, which is good. We have a report on Derry where Kenny Shiels has taken over; seemingly it was difficult for them on Friday against Finn Harps with the conditions, but they were trying to play and he is trying to promote a good brand of football.”

“The fact that they lost last week means we are expecting them to come out and have a right cut off us. It’s their first home game and they will be hoping to have a big crowd; Derry are like ourselves, it’s always a good venue to play in and they’re passionate people, so we are looking forward to that.”

“There’s a lot of work still do, but overall you would have to be pleased with the way the first two weeks have gone. The lads have been phenomenal so far, they have a really fantastic attitude but there is still a good bit of work to do.”

On the injury front, John Kavanagh remains sidelined, while Garry Buckley is ruled out with a knee injury but Caulfield hopes to have him back in the squad next week.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

Cork City have gone 546 minutes without conceding a goal against the Candystripes, a run stretching back to August 2013 when Rory Patterson scored a late consolation as Cork City emerged 4-1 victors.

The Leesiders only lost one game away from home under John Caulfield last season, a 3-0 defeat to Shamrock rovers in Tallaght Stadium.

Derry City have failed to beat Cork City in their last 8 attempts home and away.

BETTING

Derry City 7/2 ; Draw 5/2 ; Cork City 8/11.

PREDICTION

Derry City 0 – 2 Cork City.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Garry Buckley, John Kavanagh.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.


League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Wexford Youths

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers get their home campaign underway on Friday evening when Pat Fenlon’s men welcome Wexford Youths to Tallaght Stadium. Kick-off is set for 8pm.

After an opening night victory on the road, the Hoops boss is looking forward to returning to Tallaght in front of the Rovers faithful after a 2-0 victory against Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds last Saturday evening.

“We are looking forward to getting out on the pitch at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow night,” Fenlon told shamrockrovers.ie.

“It seems like a long time since we have played a league game there. We look forward to playing in front of our home fans and giving them plenty to cheer about.”

With Luke Byrne absent last week against Sligo, Fenlon was left with little choice but to move midfielder Gavin Brennan to fill the role at left-back and the Hoops boss was delighted with his efforts in defence.

“We made enforced changes to the side last week with Gavin Brennan going in at left back and he did really well there.”

In a league campaign that could come down to small margins, Fenlon is happy that players can slot into additional positions as it increases competition amongst his squad and the Hoops boss is delighted to have retained the large majority of his 2015 squad, while key additions will see them attempt to close the gap with Dundalk and Cork City.

“It shows the competition we have for places and that is great to see. Whilst there hasn’t been a huge turnaround in our squad from last season we have strengthened in the core areas and we are improving the players that we have. We have seen these improvements in pre-season and tomorrow the Rovers fans will see for themselves”.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths take to the road for their first away game since being promoted to the Premier Division for the first time when they travel to the Capital to take on Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Shane Keegan’s men will be aiming to bounce back from an opening night defeat at home to Longford Town, a game many people at Ferrycarrig Park would have been targeting when the fixtures were first released.

While the opening night result did not go the way of Youths. Keegan has taken many positive away from his side’s opening salvo in the Premier Division with the manager tellingwexfordyouths.ie that he was happy with his side’s performance and with some small adjustments he is hopeful his side can begin to collect some league points starting with Friday’s trip to Tallaght Stadium.

"It was a very strange game last weekend,” he said. “As a team we played really well and dominated the game but unfortunately the key moments of the game went against us.

“But the lads have come away from it with a confidence that we're not far off where we need to be. With a few small improvements and a bit of luck going our way I think we can start to pick up points, hopefully starting with the Rovers game."

In preparation for Friday’s game, Wexford Youths rotated their squad in Monday’s Leinster Cup victory against Athlone Town. Late goals from substitutes Eric Molloy and Danny Furlong ensuring they advanced to the quarter-final stage, via extra-time.

Referee: Ben Connolly

MATCH STATS

Danny North has scored on the opening night for the second consecutive season as Rovers recorded back to back opening night victory’s - Sligo Rovers last weekend and St Patrick's Athletic in 2015.

Wexford Youths have lost their opening fixture of the season for the fourth season in a row when Longford Town defeated them last weekend at Ferrycarrig Park.

The last time the side’s clashed, Rovers were victorious by five goals to one in the 2010 FAI Cup.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 1/4, Draw 4/1, Wexford Youths 11/1

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Wexford Youths

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Stephen McPhail, Luke Byrne

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Peter Higgins, Shane Dunne, Aidan Keenan

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.