Cameron McJanett opens Derry’s account against rivals Finn Harps in April clash. Pix by Joe Boland from North West Newspix
With five matches to go, they trail the leaders by five points and are likely to need maximum points if they are to prevent a three-in-a-row for the Hoops.
Even if they do fall short, Derry supporters will feel the future is bright.
Just what it holds for rivals Harps remains to seen.
Ollie Horgan has struggled to work his magic this season after seeing his squad decimated.
Nevertheless, they are still in with a fighting chance as they look to pip UCD and come away with the play-off spot.
The Brandywell will be bouncing tonight for this derby clash (kick off 7.45 pm).
City have have held the upper hand so far – two wins and a draw in the previous three games – and the wins have come by just a single goal.
Higgins has sounded a clear note of caution ahead of the Donegal side’s arrival this weekend.
“It’s a big game for us because at this stage of the season the next game is always huge,” he said.
“Being a North-West derby adds to the excitement for the players and the fans but current form doesn’t always count for a lot in these.
“I have a lot of respect for the job that Ollie Horgan is doing for them and anything we get on Friday night will definitely have to be earned.
“We’re playing really well ourselves and if we keep our focus and maintain those levels we can win the game.”
Horgan feels his side will need everything to go their way tonight: “We’ve managed to get ourselves off the bottom, barely, and we’ll need more if we want to stay above UCD.
“We’ve done well at Derry in recent seasons but if you look at the two teams, they are absolutely flying and pushing Shamrock Rovers to the pin of their collar for the league title while we’re at the other end of the table.
“We’re down bodies big time through injury and suspension with lads doing all they can to get back on the pitch but games are running out.
“The saying is that form goes out the window in derby games and so we’ll hope that’s the case tomorrow night and we come away with a result.”
David Webster misses out through injury, while Conor Tourish, Eric McWoods and Elie-Gael N’Zeyi Kibonge are doubts. Ethan Boyle will serve the first of a two game suspension for accumulating 12 yellow cards.
City will be without the suspended Ryan Graydon while skipper Patrick McEleney is a doubt having come off during last weekend’s win over St Pats.
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