Derry City to take part in two fundraising friendlies as they drop to fourth in race for Europe
by Chris Ashmore
Derry City are now in a real battle with Shamrock Rovers to see who will get third spot in the Airtricity League Premier Division – and the guarantee of a place in the Europa League qualifiers.
Rovers beat title chasing Cork City 3-1 on Friday night in Tallaght as once again the champagne was put on ice for John Caulfield’s men, who have hit a bit of a speed wobble in recent weeks as they bid to get over the line.
This result enabled Rovers to leapfrog over Derry City into third spot. The Hoops are now one point ahead of Derry, with six games left. Significantly, the Brandywell outfit has a game in hand.
Once again, City will be without a competitive game this weekend – it’s FAI Cup quarter-final time and consequently there are no league fixtures – but they will still be in action twice in the coming days, with two friendly charity games having been organised.
In both cases, proceeds will go towards flood related causes.
First up, on Wednesday, is a friendly against Institute at Wilton Park at 6.30 pm. The proceeds will go to the Riverside Stadium Ground Appeal. Admission will be in the form of a bucket collection.
Derry boss Kenny Shiels is fully supportive of the game.
“When I saw Drumahoe I couldn’t believe it. It’s awful for Paddy (McLaughlin) and everyone associated with the club,” admitted Shiels.
“The damage that last week’s flood has done to their ground is incredible, so, hopefully, the Derry City supporters and the Institute fans come out next week and give the financial support they need.”
Then, on Friday, Derry will play Finn Harps at Maginn Park in Buncrana with the proceeds going to the Flood Damage Fund. Admission is €10/ £10.
Dozens of families in Inishowen have been left homeless, businesses ruined and bridges washed away after the severe flooding last week
Interestingly, this is a dress rehearsal for the club’s forthcoming league clash on
October 15th. That could be a north-west derby to savour with City p pushing for Europe and Harps trying to avoid the drop.
“The money from the Harps game is going to the victims of the flooding and devastation caused in the community of Inishowen. We feel it is only fitting that we give something back to the people who have helped us throughout our season by coming out to support us and letting us play in the community,” Shiels explained.
“We are very grateful that in our time of need they have shown great warmth and empathy to our very own predicament. Which pales into significance when you compare it to the damage that the flooding created in the Inishowen community.”
Meanwhile, Finn Harps got a massive boost on Friday as goals by Tommy McBride and Danny Morrissey helped them to a 2-0 win away to Limerick.