Derry City will host St Patrick’s Athletic in the Brandywell tomorrow night in a re-arranged Airtricity Premier Division clash.
The original tie was postponed in July due to the Candy Stripes’ involvement in the Europa League. Kick off tomorrow night is 7.45pm.
It is a game the home side must win if they are to maintain their slim hopes of European qualification through the league.
Last Friday night’s 4-1 defeat to Cork City at Turner’s Cross means they are 10 points behind league leaders, Dundalk (managed by former Derry City boss Stephen Kenny), and nine points behind tomorrow night’s opponents, who will return to the top of the league with an away victory.
Defeat for City would mean they will almost certainly have to rely on success in the FAI Cup.
However, they face a difficult North West derby in the next round – an away trip to Sligo Rovers, who have become something of a “bogey team” to Declan Devine’s men in recent years.
Meanwhile, due to Republic of Ireland internationals, City’s home league clash with Shelbourne will now take place this Saturday (kick off 5.00pm) while their tie with Shamrock Rovers will now take place at the Brandywell on Saturday, 12 October, also with kick off at 5.00pm.