Derry start the second half of the season against the league leaders

Derry City will get their league campaign back up and running this Friday evening when they host current league leaders Dundalk at the Brandywell.
After the short mid season break the Candystripes have a very tough task against Stephen Kenny’s in-form Dundalk side.
Both teams signed off before the break with draws, Dundalk with a scoreless draw at home versus St Patrick’s Athletic and Derry with a two all away draw against Sligo Rovers.
Peter Hutton had his side report back for duty on Monday morning just in time to watch the UEFA Europa League Draw, a draw which saw Derry drawn out against Welsh side Aberystwyth Town.
Speaking ahead of the game Derry manager Peter Hutton had this to say, “It’s great to be back after the short break. Most of the lads took part in the Barry Molloy testimonial game on Sunday and then all reported back for training on Monday morning.
They came back in looking not just physically rested but mentally as well. It’s been a turbulent start to the season and the break is probably what they needed as a squad. Having said that, we got straight back into the job of preparing for what will be a very tough task on Friday evening. Dundalk have shown why they are most pundits’ favourites for the league title this season. Stephen (Kenny) has them playing excellent football this season and we know that we need to prepare for them and then deliver on the pitch come Friday evening.
Derry will be without the services of Danny Ventre who sits this game out in order to serve his one game ban for picking up his eight yellow card. David Elebert is the only injury concern as he still struggles to recover from a calf strain.
In other news, in order to facilitate Derry’s European campaign, the games versus Athlone Town and Bray Wanderers have been changed.
Athlone Town v Derry City will now take place on Sunday 6th of July with a 3pm kick off.
Derry City v Bray Wanderers will now take place on Sunday 13th of July with a 5pm kick off.