Drogs in dire need of points at Derry

HAVING put a whopping seven past UCD, Derry City could hardly be in finer fettle as they take on basement side Drogheda United in the Airtricity League Premier Division at the Brandywell tonight (7.45).

Derry will also welcome back the three players — including Eddie McCallion, making his 500th appearance for the club — who were sent off in the recent controversial defeat to Sligo, meaning even more of a severe test awaits the struggling Boynesiders who lost narrowly to Bohemians on Friday.

“The Brandywell is going to always be a difficult place to go and Derry will be full of confidence after their huge win,” says Drogs boss Mick Cooke. “They are second in the league and are certainly one of the best teams in the division this season. I was disappointed not to get something against Bohemians. I thought we played well and the lads put in a good effort but things are just going against us.”

In tonight’s other game, Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers are both coming off the back of defeats as they meet at the Showgrounds (7.45).

Bray boss Pat Devlin has a number of injury worries in the wake of their loss to St Pats and believes the heavy toll of games last month is catching up with his team.

“But they are all good lads and we will get this game out of the way and get back to playing once a week and we will be ok,” he says.

Paul Cook is also confident that his Sligo side can get back in the groove after losing to Shamrock Rovers on Friday, their fourth defeat of the campaign. “I’ve got no problems with my lads in terms of effort and commitment,” he says. “At the minute we’re just not firing like we did at the end of the season. It does take time. We’ll come through it and be fine.”