Airtricity Premier Division: Derry City at Finn Harps for the ‘big kick-off’

Derry City travel to North West rivals Finn Harps tonight for their opening game in the 2016 Airtricity Premier Division.

Newly-promoted Harps have won only one of 30 meetings between the sides – that was back in 1998 – but will go into the game roared on by a capacity crowd at Finn Park.

New City boss Kenny Shiels said his players were looking forward to the game and would give it their “best shot.”

He said: "Harps are bringing continuity and momentum from their promotion which are big things in football. It’s been a while since they have met in the league but it’s a rivalry that is good for football."

Harps manager Ollie Horgan is also looking forward to the game.

He said: "On paper you’d have to say Derry are the better side but we have players who I believe can make the step up to this division.

“Home advantage is a little bit of a leveller on Friday but we have 16 games away from home this season as well and it’s going to be a marathon."

One player set to miss out is Harps latest signing, former Derry City captain Barry Molloy, who joined the Ballybofey outfit during the week.

The midfielder had announced his retirement following a season with Irish Premiership champions Crusaders but was coaxed back into the game by Horgan.

However, he is set to miss tonight’s clash as he is understood not to be match fit.