Late semi replay to spark fireworks as Derry host Sligo

WHATEVER happens on the pitch, it’s guaranteed to be a late, late show at the Brandywell tonight when Derry City host Sligo Rovers in their FAI Carlsberg Cup semi-final replay.

The match won’t kick off until 9pm in order to avoid clashing with Derry’s Halloween Carnival and fireworks display – but then having to squeeze in games is nothing new to the Candystripes.

Sunday’s scoreless draw at the Showgrounds was hardly what either club wanted. On Sligo’s last visit to the Brandywell, they were thumped 4-0 while, for Derry, the prospect of tonight’s replay merely adds to their already congested end of season schedule.

Still on the trail of a remarkable treble – having landed the League Cup at the expense of Shelbourne and opened up the title race with their recent 2-0 win against the current leaders – Derry now face the prospect of a stamina-sapping six games in 18 days.

Their last league date is at home to Cork City on November 17 and, if they can overcome Sligo at the second attempt tonight, an arduous but memorable season would conclude with an FAI Cup final against St Patrick’s Athletic in Lansdowne Road on December 3 — the last soccer game at the old ground before the wrecking ball swings into action.

Derry had the best of an exciting game at the Showgrounds on Sunday but could yet rue their failure to beat an inspired John O’ Hara in the Sligo goal.

“I still don’t know how we didn’t score,” says Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny. “We’ve got another game now and it seems like we’re playing every few days. But I can’t praise my players highly enough. It’s been relentless with the amount of games but they’re showing no sign of fatigue yet.”

Meanwhile, in the eircom League First Division, the previously postponed Kilkenny City v Shamrock Rovers game takes place tonight at Buckley Park with a 7.45pm kick off.

In a statement released by the Dublin club yesterday, it was made clear that manager Pat Scully, while standing over criticisms he made of the eircom League, accepts the heavy fine imposed on him. Scully and his players have also lifted their media boycott.

“Pat spoke honestly in a regular TV appearance on TV3’s eircom league weekly show in August about a state of confusion involving some aspects of the league and its rules,” said the statement. “Pat remains satisfied with his comments but accepts that the fine, as imposed by the league, stands and this will now be paid by the football club. Following a week of self-imposed media silence, Pat and his playing staff are available for interview and comment with the media. Shamrock Rovers appreciates the messages of support members of the media have given.

“Club officials have committed to pay the fine and will proceed to pay the eircom league/FAI €2,000.”