John Caulfield wary of Brandywell bounce

John Caulfield expects Derry City to make every effort to bounce back from an opening night defeat when they host Cork City in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division at the Brandywell this evening (7.45pm).

While Cork got their campaign up and running by beating Bohemians 2-0 at Turner’s Cross, Derry lost 2-1 away to Finn Harps and, under new manager Kenny Shiels, will be anxious to make amends for their first home league game of the season.

“The fact that they lost last week means we are expecting them to come out and have a right cut off us,” says the Cork manager. “It’s their first home game and they will be hoping to have a big crowd. Derry are like ourselves, it’s always a good venue to play in and they’re passionate people, so we are looking forward to that.”

For promoted Harps, their follow-up act could hardly be tougher — tonight they’re at Oriel Park, home of champions and cup-holders Dundalk (7.45pm).

Last weekend the Lilywhites got the defence of their league title off to a flyer when they beat Bray Wanderers 3-1 at the Carlisle Grounds.

“We put in a brilliant performance against Bray,” says manager Stephen Kenny. “I’d consider it one of our best performance in recent seasons in what were difficult conditions. It was a very convincing win on the night and we have to take it into this weekend. We want to start off the season at home with a win.”

Next up for Bray is a trip to Eamonn Deacy Park (7.45pm) and a meeting with a Galway United side which sprang the surprise of the opening round of games by beating St Pat’s 3-1 at Richmond Park.

“It was the start to the season that we were looking for,” says Galway boss Tommy Dunne. “There were a lot of positives to take from the game and now we’re looking to bring those into the Bray Wanderers match.

“It’s vitally important that we improve our home form because it wasn’t good enough last year.

“I’m hoping to see a big crowd at Eamonn Deacy Park to push the players on.”

In tonight’s other Premier Division games, Shamrock Rovers, who also have three points on the board, host First Division champions Wexford Youths in Tallaght (8pm), Bohemians are at home to Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park (7.45pm) and Longford Town welcome St Pat’s to the City Calling Stadium (8pm).

In the First Division, it’s Waterford United v Limerick at the RSC, Athlone Town v Shelbourne at the Athlone Town Stadium, and UCD v Cabinteely at the UCD Bowl, with all three games kicking off at 7.45pm.

Here’s a little extra sport. Watch the latest BallTalk for the best sports chat and analysis