League Preview: Derry City -v- Bray Wanderers

DERRY CITY

Two of the league's early-season pacesetters meet at Maginn Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm) with European places still very much in the balance.

Kenny Shiels' side ceded the initiative in the race for third with a 2-1 defeat against Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park last Friday.

Rory Patterson had equalised for the Candystripes following Kevin Devaney's opener, but Stephen Folan struck late on to snatch all three points for the home side.

The result means Derry remain a point behind Shamrock Rovers in third place having played their game in hand as the Hoops welcome Finn Harps tonight.

"We certainly were lethargic last week," Shiels told BBC Radio Foyle.

"You could see it. Anybody who has seen us play this season would never had seen us as insipid as we were.

"But it's obvious if you are two thirds into a season and you have to take a month off, it's a joke and not a funny joke for us."

Defenders Darren Cole and Dean Jarvis are out for the Candystripes while Nathan Boyle is a doubt.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray made it three games unbeaten in the league last week as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Limerick at the Carlisle Grounds.

Darragh Noone's opened the scoring for the Seagulls with a well-taken first-half header before Chiedozie Ogbene equalised after the break.

Harry Kenny's side had a chance to keep all three points when they were awarded a penalty but Gary McCabe saw his effort saved by Brendan Clarke in the Blues goal.

European football looks a distant goal for the Seagulls as they sit four points behind the Candystripes with a game extra played, but a win could make things very tight.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge against Derry City on Friday night,” Kenny told the club's media team.

“We have beaten Derry in the two previous games this season with Tim Clancy getting the winner in both games.

“There was certainly nothing between the teams earlier in the season and I expect no different this week.”

Mark Salmon and Peter Cherrie are doubts with ongoing hamstring and back injuries but Kenny has an otherwise full squad to choose from.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season with identical outcomes: a 3-2 win to Bray Wanderers.

Tim Clancy has been the Seagulls' matchwinner on both occasions, notching late goals at both Maginn Park in March and the Carlisle Grounds in June.

BETTING

Derry City 8/15; Draw 3/1; Bray Wanderers 11/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 – 1 Bray Wanderers

Derry City

Injured: Darren Cole (illness), Dean Jarvis (quad).

Doubtful: Nathan Boyle (knee).

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Peter Cherrie (back), Mark Salmon (hamstring).

Suspended: None.