Waterford FC v Derry City, RSC, 7.45pm
Waterford are back in the top-flight for the first time in a decade and welcome Derry City to the RSC tonight.
The sole representative from last year’s First Division, the recruitment of the likes of Ishmahil Akinade, David Webster, Bastein Hery and Gavan Holahan adds players with proven ability in League of Ireland football.
For the Candystripes, the 800km round trip is the first of two successive away matches as next week they visit Sligo. Cork City’s double means Derry are looking forward to European football and will be hoping to push on domestically after a challenging season last time out with the tragic loss of talismanic captain Ryan McBride.
The sides last met in the league in October 2007with the Blues coming out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Vinny Sullivan and Willie John Kiely.
Derry City boss Kenny Shiels said ahead of the opening clash of the new season: “It’s all about being positive and staying positive.
“Even in adverse situations, and I’m sure that the boys have learned a lot from the pre-season we have had.
“It’s been indifferent to say the least, but you take it on the chin, you move on, you stay positive.
“We’re really thankful for the new stadium we are about to move in to. ”
Team news
Waterford: The Blues have been hit by injuries and both their captain Paul Keegan and John Martin will miss out on Friday’s game.
Derry City: Kenny Shiels has brought in a number of players from outside the league into a new looks squad including Armin Aganovic from Raufoss IL and David Hopkirk from Dunfermline Athletic. Rory Hale has come in from Galway along with his brother Ronan on loan.
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