Preview – Derry City v Dundalk

Derry City vs Dundalk – Friday 9th August 2024 – KO 7.45pm – Brandywell

SSE Airtricity Premier Division

Match sponsored by M&D Services / Tony Doc

Ruaidhri Higgins believes his squad is very much up for the challenge as they start the final ten league games of the season with a home match against Dundalk on Friday night.

The City boss was full of praise for his players as they came away from Tolka Park with a point on Monday, despite playing for an hour with ten men following Sam Todd’s sending off for two yellow cards.

“We were much the better side at eleven v eleven and no-one could have complained if we had gone in two up at half time” he said.

“We obviously had to change things around after the sending off, but even then, the players stood up to a man. Brian Maher had one save to make in the whole 95 minutes and I couldn’t have been prouder of them.”

The Dundalk game will bring its own challenges of course and the Limavady man knows only too well that the Louth side have plenty of motivation of their own.

“It’s been that kind of league this year and every game presents its own challenge. There is so little between a lot of teams.

“Dundalk have a list of league winners in their side and they’ll have a clear plan coming here. We have to be ready for that and the mood around the place this week leaves me in no doubt that we will be.

“Form-wise, apart from a poor performance in the first leg of our European tie in Gibraltar, we’ve been very good over the past six or eight weeks.

“We’re in a much better place in terms of the squad too- both Ronan Boyce and Jordan McEneff have put their hands up after injury to let us know they’re ready.

“Shane McEleney has recovered from his knock and he should be involved which is a great help with Sam suspended.

“Patrick (McEleney) isn’t far away either, but Friday will just be a week or so too soon. All in all we’re very happy and we can’t wait for Friday night’s game.”

Derry’s record at the Brandywell has been very impressive of late- winning seven and drawing two of their last nine games in all competitions at the Lone Moor Road venue- including a current run of five wins on the spin.

No doubt there will be a big crowd there for this one as the hosts go in search of the win that would take them top of the table with Shelbourne not playing until Saturday night.

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As usual, both Drive105 and Radio Foyle will be providing live commentary coverage of the game.