Buckley looks to end Derry’s unbeaten run
The fact the second-placed Candystripes are on a six-game winning streak while Pat’s are looking to make it five on the spin, sets up a tantalising encounter in Inchicore, as Saints boss Liam Buckley acknowledges.
“It’s going to be a great game of football, a real top of the table clash,” he said. “Derry are a top group who like to get the ball down and pass it, while we’re a top group too, so it really should make for an entertaining game.”
Derry boss Declan Devine agrees.
“I have no doubt the game will be a very exciting and entertaining and one that could go either way,” he said. “Both teams will be full of confidence after recent results but I know our lads will be up for it and hopefully we can keep our good run of form going.”
Having suffered last minute heartbreak in the Setanta Cup semi-final against Shamrock Rovers, Cork City — who yesterday announced a friendly against Burnley at Turner’s Cross on July 15 — travel to Oriel Park to face a Dundalk side which is thriving under Stephen Kenny (kick off 7.35pm).
Cork boss Tommy Dunne said: “We will try to play properly and if we are in a winning position, we will try and eradicate the mistakes and get over the line. If we find ourselves in that position, we need to be confident, not panic and try to get the win under our belts. We will be positive in our approach and do what we can to get the result.”
Colin Healy is likely to miss out again for City while Dan Murray will also be absent. In front of the television cameras, fourth in the table Dundalk will be looking to notch their first home victory of the campaign.
“It’s going to be tough,” said Stephen Kenny. “Cork City have some wonderful players and are playing very well. But we will be fully focused on our own game. We want to get that home win.”
In tonight’s other Premier Division games UCD host Shamrock Rovers (7.45pm) and Bohemians are at home to Bray Wanderers (7.45pm). In the First Division it’s Mervue United v Athlone Town (7.45pm), Finn Harps v Waterford United (8pm) and Wexford Youths v Cobh Ramblers (8pm).
God Save the Queen will not be played ahead of this year’s Irish Cup final, according to reports.
The decider between Cliftonville, who have a mainly Catholic support base, and the mainly Protestant Glentoran will be staged at Windsor Park on Saturday, May 4.
The decision was taken in the interests of fostering a “politically neutral environment” for the game, the BBC said.
In 2009, a similar decision was reached before the final between Cliftonville and Crusaders.
The UK national anthem was also not played when Cliftonville took on north Belfast rivals Crusaders in this year’s League Cup final.
The IFA say the playing of the anthem at future finals will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
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