UCD -v- Derry City

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Fri, Aug 09 2013




UCD

Last weekend's massive result for UCD will give them confidence heading into this game against Derry City. Last week goals from Dean Clarke, Cillian Morrison and David O'Connor propelled the Students to a well deserved 3-1 win over basement side Bohemians.

 

The last time Derry came to the Bowl they hit six past the Students without reply but it was a very different story when the teams squared off up in the Brandywell. On that occasion it was once again the away side that came out victorious as UCD claimed yet another famous victory for Martin Russell's young side.

 

Speaking ahead of Friday nights game Russell had this to say, "We know there is still plenty of work to be done even though we have secured some good results of late. I firmly believe that with the talent, work ethic and ambition within the club we will once again secure our top tier status."

 

On the injury front UCD may have to play without Robbie Benson who has been a key member of the students attack linking up well with Dean Clarke since the departure of David McMillan.

 

It is however the discipline front that UCD are now going to suffer from over the next two games as Mark Langtry and James Kavanagh both serve the second of a three match ban the pair were given for been sent off against Shelbourne.

 

DERRY CITY

Derry have been beaten twice at home in the past week so they will be hoping that the fresh surroundings of the Belfield Bowl can inspire them to a much needed victory.

Kick off in the Bowl is scheduled for 19.45.

 

The Candystripes are currently sitting five points behind league leaders Pats and will be desperate to turn around the recent dip of form.

 

Devine speaking ahead of the game was under no illusions that a defeat on Friday night would be totally unacceptable for a team in Derry's position.

 

"We have been doing very well in the league this season and I feel that if we are to secure three points against UCD on Friday night it would put us in a very strong position. As with last week's set of fixtures, I feel that all the games this week are very tough for every side, and I can see points being dropped by teams above us.

 

"That of course makes it vitally important for us to pick up the three that will be on offer. We were bitterly disappointed with the result on Monday night but we can't afford to dwell on that and we must put it behind us and concentrate on the league for the time being.

 

"We know that our record in the bowl has been very decent of late but with UCD on a good run themselves, we know we can not underestimate the quality that they have in their side and we know that it will be a very difficult game."

 

Derry have a number of injury concerns heading into this game. The men from the North Of Ireland will be without the services of  Kevin Deery and Stewart Greacen who both have knee complaints. Barry Molloy who has played a key role for Derry so far this season is also set to miss out with a calf injury.

 

Referee: Neil Doyle

 

MATCH FACTS

The two games this year between the side have had a combined total of 12 goals.

 

Derry have scored six more goals this season than UCD have.

 

UCD have won the same amount of games as Derry have lost with that grand total adding up to six games.

 

BETTING

UCD 10/3 Draw 5/2 Derry 4/5

 

PREDICTION

UCD have a habit of upsetting the odds so I think this one will end 2-2

 

UCD

Injured: None

Doubtful: Robbie Benson (knee)

Suspended: James Kavanagh, Mark Langtry

 

Derry City

Injured: Kevin Deery (knee), Barry Molloy (calf), Stewart Greacen (knee)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None