Kenny keen to keep heat on top dogs

DERRY CITY, who have emerged as Shamrock Rovers’ closest contenders, face the only side to have beaten them in the Airtricity League Premier Division this season when they travel to the Showgrounds to play Sligo Rovers at 3pm today.

Derry are now clear in second place, just two points behind the Hoops, after beating Bohemians 2-0 at Dalymount Park on Friday.

“I can’t say I was delighted with the performance but we were all right,” said Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny. “We’ve played better and drawn a couple of games which have left me scratching my head, so we’ll take that.”

Scottish centre-half Stewart Greacen in suspended for the visitors today and will be replaced by Emmet Friars. Sligo have no suspension or injury worries and, having surprisingly lost to UCD on Friday, will hope for something more like the opening day’s performance when a late Aaron Greene goal gave the Bit o’ Red all three points at the Brandywell.

Dundalk, who boast the only remaining unbeaten home record in the top flight, are the next side to try to put a halt to Shamrock Rovers’ gallop, with ex-Hoop Simon Madden hoping for some belated celebrations at Oriel Park (2pm).

“I think it’s going to be the perfect game,” he says. “We’re going to have to play at our best and everyone is going to have to give everything to get a result. Shamrock Rovers are the champions, but I think it’s the best game we could have hoped for at this stage.”

Rovers will be without Chris Turner (calf), Gary Twigg, Stephen O’Donnell and Craig Sives (all hamstring injuries) but confidence remains high after a win in Terryland Park saw them retain top spot.

Manager Michael O’Neill said: “We played very well in Galway on Friday night, and we’ll be looking to bring that form into this game. We might have only won 1-0 but we created plenty of chances, and if we do that against Dundalk, hopefully we’ll get a result.”

Third-placed Bray Wanderers are two points ahead of Bohs going into this evening’s game at Dalymount Park (7.45). Bohs will be without Keith Buckley, sent off in that controversial game against Derry, as well as Mark Rossiter (hamstring), meaning another midfield reshuffle for boss Pat Fenlon, with Lee Dixon a likely starter on the day after his 20th birthday and Killian Brennan set to make his 100th league appearance for the Gypsies. Defender Aidan Price (bruised instep) faces a late fitness test.

Gary Shaw (foot), Stephen Brennan (calf) and Darren Quigley (elbow) miss out for a Bray side who continued to show good form in their draw with Dundalk on Friday.

Elsewhere, St Patrick’s Athletic host Galway United at Richmond Park (7.30pm) and UCD play Drogheda United at the UCD Bowl.

TODAY’S FIXTURES

Airtricity League Premier Division (7.45 unless stated): Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers, Oriel Park (2pm); Sligo Rovers v Derry City, Showgrounds (3pm); St Patrick’s Athletic v Galway United, Richmond Park (7.30pm); Bohemian FC v Bray Wanderers, Dalymount Park; UCD v Drogheda United, UCD Bowl.