Candystripes focused on turning up heat on Sligo

With champions and early pacesetters Sligo Rovers not in action until tomorrow, when the Bit O’Red host Cork City at the Showgrounds, there is an onus on second-placed Derry City to make up some ground at Dundalk this evening.

The Candystripes have made a good start to the campaign and a win over Stephen Kenny’s much-improved Lilywhites will, temporarily at least, move them to within two points of Sligo. Dundalk, while currently residing in third on 12 points, have been much stronger away from Oriel Park to date — with a 100% record on the road — but they have failed to pick up a win on their own patch.

Kenny, who had two spells as Derry manager, is expecting a tough test: “Derry City are a really good side. They are in second place and being talked about as challengers to Sligo Rovers, and rightly so. They have really good players and play some good football, so it is all set up for a great game between us.

“We don’t fear anyone and we’ve only lost one match so far, so we’re pleased how things have gone with the new group but we are going for the win on Friday. We haven’t won at home yet and we’re hoping we can get that first win this week.”

Stephen O’Donnell is the only absentee for Dundalk, while Stewart Greacen, Sean Houston and Kevin Deery miss out for the visitors.

Shamrock Rovers will look to avoid a sixth draw on the bounce when they entertain Bray Wanderers at Tallaght at 8pm. The Hoops remain undefeated, but are already 12 points behind Sligo, so breaking the trend against the Seagulls is simply a must if they are to pursue a title challenge.

Sean O’Connor is a major doubt with an ankle injury, while Barry Murphy and Tommy Stewart are also concerns after a bout of sickness. For Bray, skipper Danny O’Connor and his brother Kevin are ruled out, while there are also doubts over Shane O’Connor and Owen Hyland.

Rovers boss Trevor Croly says: “It will be important for us to start the game well and with a high tempo. Bray have some dangerous players who can be very good on the counterattack; we will need to be organised to prevent being punished by that on the night.”

Elsewhere, struggling Shelbourne go in search of their first win when Drogheda United make the trip to Tolka Park, and bottom side UCD entertain St Pat’s at Belfield.