League of Ireland preview: Derry City head to Shels needing a win as Shamrock Rovers host Bohs
UNAVAILABLE: Referee Paul Norton gives James McClean of Derry City a red card against Dundalk last week. Picture: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile
After seven games without a win, Tiernan Lynch is looking for a change of fortune but the calls for a change of Derry City manager are becoming increasingly loud.
Peter Hutton was this week the latest figurehead to proclaim Lynch is fighting for his job after his 50th game at the helm ended in a 2-2 draw at Dundalk.
Injuries that restricted the availability of James McClean, and continue to sideline captain Michael Duffy and goalkeeper Brian Maher, have been a factor but seventh position isn’t acceptable for the most expensively assembled squad in the league funded by billionaire owner Philip O’Doherty.
They visit a side situated just a place above them, Shelbourne, but the lack of enthusiasm around Derry about next Friday’s historic first ‘home’ game at Celtic Park GAA ground against Shamrock Rovers is telling.
Lynch, who succeeded Ruaidhrí Higgins at the start of last season and secured runners-up, batted away queries about his future during his midweek press conference.
“They are your comments, not mine,” he retorted about the board losing patience with the Belfast man.
He added: “You make your own luck but this is a group of players who have been kicked in the teeth week after week with a new injury, having to chop and change too often.
“The way this league is, two wins changes your season. Two defeats gives you everything to fight for.”
Elsewhere, Shamrock Rovers welcome cross-city rivals Bohemians to Tallaght for their second meeting of the season.
Bohs are the only team to beat the champions but Stephen Bradley’s side claiming top spot after what’s now predicted as a slow start is ominous for the challengers.
“I don’t have much interest in how Rovers are doing, only that we enjoy playing them and going to Tallaght,” said Bohs boss Alan Reynolds, referencing four wins in the last five meetings.
“Our striker Colm Whelan had to start every game because we’ve missed others through injury but it’s great to have Douglas James-Taylor back and available.”
Bradley said: “It’s another Dublin derby and you look at the recent game against Shelbourne, we should be 4-1 up with the game over, then two minutes later they pull one back to make it 3-2.
Rovers have defender Dan Cleary back from injury but Rory Gaffney, Dylan Watts and Lee Grace are out.
Meanwhile, two of the division's in-form teams, Dundalk and Galway United, clash at Oriel Park. Four wins and three draws in their last seven has elevated Ciarán Kilduff’s side into fourth.
Galway’s back-to-back wins over the Easter weekend got them back on track after a sticky start but their home game against Shelbourne last Friday fell victim to a downpour.
“Galway United will be a really tough test for us,” says Kilduff, who is relieved to have former Ireland winger Daryl Horgan back from suspension.
“They’re a team in really good form at the moment and scoring goals in a rich vein of form, “We’re proud of our home form but nothing will be taken for granted. It’s a key game for us and we know we have to do what we can to win it.
“Our support has been amazing, and I hope the energy is good on and off the pitch. That makes a huge difference for the players.”
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