Shamrock Rovers Look to Extend Lead at the Top of the Premier Division
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Shamrock Rovers, currently sitting atop the Premier Division table, travel to Derry tonight looking to further cement their grip on the title. The Hoops have been in impressive form of late, securing four wins in their last 14 days, while their closest rivals have struggled. This recent surge has seen them open up a gap at the top of the table, with champions Shelbourne facing an uphill task to catch up.
Derry City, under the management of Tiernan Lynch, have certainly made an impact this season, but questions remain as to whether they can sustain a challenge for the title come November. The City boss is relishing the opportunity to test his side against one of the league’s top teams, stating, “This is where we want to be. We want to be up challenging and be around the top end of the table.” Lynch is expecting a big crowd at the Brandywell, with the opening of the north stand earlier this year, and is hoping that the home support will play a significant role in the game.
According to Lynch, the home crowd is vital to Derry’s success, stating, “I’ve been saying this now for a number of weeks. The importance of our crowd, especially at home, whether they realise it or not, is they’re our 12th man.” He believes that the energy and noise generated by the crowd can be a major factor in their favour, particularly when the game is tight. Ronan Boyce is a doubt for City due to injury, while Carl Winchester returns after serving a ban.
Shamrock Rovers manager, Stephen Bradley, is not concerned about the state of the pitch at the Brandywell, stating, “It’s not ideal. I don’t think anyone will tell you they want to play on that kind of pitch.” However, he believes that his side’s familiarity with playing on such pitches will give them an advantage. Bradley also highlighted the threat posed by Derry’s attacking players, saying, “Similar to St Pat’s, if you look at their attacking players, they have as good as anyone in the country.”
The visitors have a relatively clean bill of health, with Lee Grace the only doubt. Meanwhile, Shelbourne, who currently sit second in the table, host Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park. The Reds have struggled of late, managing just three victories from their last 15 matches. Manager Damien Duff believes that his side are carrying “the weight of the world on our shoulders,” and is urging his players to play with more freedom.
Duff stated, “It’s about releasing the shackles, maybe even playing with a smile on your face over the next two games. Getting a couple of points on the board now is plain and simple [our only concern].” Shelbourne will be without Sean Gannon due to suspension, while goalkeeper Conor Kearns is a doubt after coming off with a thigh problem last Monday.
In other fixtures, St Patrick’s Athletic host Waterford, with Stephen Kenny’s side looking to bounce back from a convincing defeat to Shamrock Rovers last Monday. The Saints will be without talisman Jamie Lennon due to suspension, and will have to overcome a number of injury problems in midfield. Waterford manager John Coleman believes that his side performed well against Shamrock Rovers, stating, “I thought overall our play was quite good last week.”
Cork City, under new manager Ger Nash, face Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park, while Bohemians travel to Drogheda looking to avenge their 1-0 loss earlier in the year. The Gypsies will be without Alex Lacey due to a hamstring injury, but Leigh Kavanagh returns to the squad.
The Premier Division title race is heating up, with several teams still in contention. Shamrock Rovers will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, while their closest rivals will be hoping to keep pace. With a number of tough fixtures taking place tonight, the table could look very different by the end of the weekend.
Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers: Team news and quotes sourced from RTE.ie
Shelbourne vs Sligo Rovers: Team news and quotes sourced from RTE.ie
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Waterford: Team news and quotes sourced from RTE.ie
Cork City vs Galway United: Team news and quotes sourced from RTE.ie
Bohemians vs Drogheda: Team news and quotes sourced from RTE.ie
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