Derry City v Limerick FC, Maginn Park, 5pm
Derry City seek to put together three wins in a row and move clear in third place when they host Limerick at Maginn Park at 5pm today.
Back to back victories over Bohemians and Finn Harps coupled with results elsewhere this weekend mean that Shiels side have the opportunity to move clear of Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers in the race for third place. With Dundalk drawing in Sligo last night, City also have the opportunity to close the gap to the Lilywhites.
Aaron Barry returns following suspension and City will have a nearly a full panel available for selection. International clearance has not yet been received for Mikey Place and Jozef Dolny but apart from that City are at close to full strength. An impressive performance from Eoin Toal provides real competition at centre half, but it is likely that Barry will retrun to partner Darren Cole, who netted his first goal for the Candystripes in Finn Park on Monday.
City will be looking to record their first win over Limerick this season, with the three fixtures this season all ending in 1-1 draws. The first game, the opening home fixture of the season was disrupted due to floodlight failure. That rearranged fixtures ended in a draw, whilst Limerick snatched an equaliser deep in injury time in the game in Markets Field.
Key to City’s success in recent weeks has been their ability to keep clean sheets, and the Candystripes will be hoping that with a more settled back line that they can continue to build on this in the coming weeks.
Limerick appointed Neil McDonald to replace Martin Russell and the manager still has eyes on European qualification. The new boss has put his stamp on the squad, with experienced defender Robbie Williams departing for Cork City. Ex City player Shaun Kelly has been transfer listed and is also ruled out of the trip to Donegal with an ankle injury.
City fans are reminded that an event earlier in the day will see heavy traffic in the Buncrana air. Supporters are encouraged to travel early and to co-operate with the instructions of the stewards and the gardai.
