Derry focusing on clash with Harps

DERRY CITY manager Stephen Kenny may be facing a trip to the premier division’s bottom side but he thinks tonight’s north-west derby with Finn Harps is as important as any top-of-the-table clash.

Title contenders Derry go to Ballybofey tonight (8.00) on the back of victories over eircom League championships rivals Cork City and, last weekend, Shelbourne.

Having ended Shelbourne’s title challenge with a dramatic 2-1 win at the Brandywell, Kenny is relishing a tussle with the Candystripes’ near neighbours in Donegal.

“While Friday night’s win was significant, I’m glad we’ll be involved in a very tough derby clash this weekend,” Kenny said.

“We’ve gained a real sense of job satisfaction after the win over Shelbourne but, as was the case after our recent victory over Cork City, we’ve got to come back down to earth quickly and prepare professionally for what’s going to be a very difficult game at Finn Park.

“From our point of view, the Shelbourne game is over. We must get our feet back firmly on the ground and refocus on the next fixture.

“Derby matches are always difficult and unpredictable but we now believe the race for the title involves ourselves and Cork and, therefore, getting a result at Finn Park is very important.

“On our last trip to Ballybofey, back in mid-April, we secured a 2-0 victory and played well but now we face a side struggling at the wrong end of the table where every point is priceless.

"Our more experienced players will be fully aware of the dangers of matches against our close neighbours and it’s never been easy for Derry or, indeed, any other club when travelling to Finn Park.”

Kenny, whose side played a midweek friendly against Coleraine, has injury doubts hanging over left-back Sean Hargan (foot) but expects the defender to fit for tonight.

Defeat at the Brandywell may have ended Shels’ title aspirations but there is still a European spot up for grabs as Pat Fenlon’s side prepares to host St Patrick’s Athletic at Tolka Park tonight (8.00).

Fenlon, though, is expecting an evening of sweat and toil against the Inchicore side.

“They’re a hard side to beat and I expect them to play with a lot of men behind the ball. They’ll be happy to come to Tolka Park for a draw, so it’s up to us to make a game of it and knock in a couple of goals.”

To that end, Fenlon will welcome back Gary O’Neill from injury to join Jason Byrne and Glen Crowe in the mix for a starting place in attack.

Midfield selection poses more of a problem for the Shels boss with Jim Crawford suspended and both Alan Reynolds and Wes Hoolahan injured.

Pat’s, bidding to halt a two-game losing streak, will be without the suspended Robbie Doyle and Seán O’Connor and striker Ger Rowe is unavailable due to the terms of his loan deal from Shelbourne.

Goalkeeper Barry Ryan was injured in an accidental collision in training during the week but should be passed fit to play tonight.

Definitely out injured are Colm Foley and Chris Armstrong, while Alan Reilly suffered a calf injury against Finn Harps last Friday and faces a fitness test. Pat’s have lost all three encounters with Shels this season.

That Shels defeat in Derry allowed Drogheda United to climb into third position in the table and Paul Doolin’s side entertain Shamrock Rovers at United Park tonight (7.45).

The Drogs have been hit by the news that former Bohemians defender Simon Webb could be out for up the six weeks after sustaining a serious shoulder injury at Bray Wanderers last Friday night.