General
- Thursday October 27th, 2016 @ 17:34
Team News: SAINTS Vs Derry City (Friday, 7.45pm)
St Patrick's Athletic host Derry City in their final SSE Airtricity League fixture of 2016 as Liam Buckley's side look to end the season with a win (kick-off 7.45pm).
The Inchicore side will be aiming to secure the three points as they bid to finish fifth in the league standings, with the Candystripes already assured of third place whatever the result in Richmond Park on Friday.
In team news, the Saints remain without the services of Michael Barker (metatarsal), Darren Dennehy (hip), Lee Desmond (knee), while late fitness tests will be made on Billy Dennehy, Graham Kelly, Conor O'Malley and Jack Bayly.
"The lads are going into Friday's game in good form as Tuesday's win was very pleasing from a performance point of view," manager Liam Buckley told stpatsfc.com when referring to his side's 5-2 win over newly crowned league Champions Dundalk, a game that saw Ian Bermingham score on his 201st appearance for the club.
"I was really impressed with the performances from our forward players and it was great to see youngsters like Rory Feely and Jonathan Lunney making an impression too. We've got one more game now to get through before the close season begins so it's important we end on a positive note and take that through to next season."
"Derry have had a terrific season. Like ourselves they had a good FAI Cup run, and have beaten the top sides during the campaign. We've had two tight games with them earlier in the season and I'd expect another one on Friday. Fingers crossed though, if we can be clinical in front of goal like we were the other night, we can pick up another three points to finish off the season."
