There is a full programme of Premier Division fixtures down for decision on Monday evening and the Candystripes will be hoping to continue their recent run of form when they entertain St Pats at the Brandywell (KO 5.45).
New manager Ruaidhri Higgins has watched his charges pick up 11 points from his six games in charge so far, although 10 of those have come away from home.
The game will definitely be a case of putting friendships to one side for a few hours for the City manager as he locks horns with close friend Stevie O’Donnell in the opposite corner.
The Derry manager insisted he wasn’t in the least bit surprised to see the Inchicore team challenging at the top end of the table and said he knew this would be a tough night for his side.
“Stevie knows the league inside out and he has brought in some fantastic players this season. They’re two points off the top and they’re up there for a reason.”
“It’s another huge test for us but we’ve been playing well ourselves and we will approach the game in a positive frame of mind.”
“We’re glad to have David Parkhouse and Danny Lafferty available again after suspension. Marc Walsh remains a doubt but other than that everybody is good to go.”
City follow this one up with a trip to Drogheda on Friday night before a 14-day fixture break brings the chance to get the batteries re-charged.
