National LeagueHaving waited over four months, the timing couldn't be more opportune for Waterford United to end their 16-match run without a win at home to Finn Harps tonight.
It's a meeting of the Premier Division's bottom two at the RSC in the proverbial relegation six-pointer.
Shamrock Rovers' eight point deduction exempted, Harps have been bottom all season. Meanwhile, Waterford's inexorable dip in fortunes has been quite remarkable. Having begun the season with three wins from their opening four games to go top of the table for an all to brief week in April, it's been freefall ever since with off the field upheaval and financial difficulties matched by the team's steady decline on it.
If Waterford were to lose tonight they would go bottom of the table on goal difference. Harps would also have two games in hand.
"This is an absolutely massive game for us. If we get beat it could be the end," admits Waterford captain David Mulcahy.
Mulcahy returns to Waterford's midfield following suspension, though defender David Breen remains banned.
Harps wait on goalkeeper Gavin Cullen (groin), defender and skipper Declan Boyle (groin) and midfielder Michael Funston (hamstring). Mark Scoltock is set to start in place of Boyle in central defence while Michael Boyle and Shaun McGowan stand by to come into the side if needs be.
Cork City will want to consolidate their leadership with a win over Bray Wanderers at Turner's Cross, enabling them to concentrate fully on their trip to the Czech Republic next week to meet Slavia Prague in the Uefa Cup.
Derek Coughlan continues in the centre of Cork's defence for chief injury victim Alan Bennett (hamstring).
Suspension deprives Bray of Colm Tresson, Philip Keogh and Robbie Dunne. Michael Roche is called up from the under-21s.
Alan Mathews may hope that he has got his wish with John Feighery's appointment to take charge of Longford Town's visit to meet Derry City at the Brandywell. Much to the anger of Derry, Longford manager Mathews has twice called on "stronger" referees to be put in charge of Derry's home matches.
Barry Ferguson, sent off at the venue in the League Cup semi-final a fortnight ago, is out with a broken wrist while fellow defender Danny O'Connor is suspended. Shay Kelly continues in goal.
Derry, unbeaten now in 18 games in all competitions, are without the suspended Killian Brennan while Brian Cash is out with a back injury.
Shelbourne hope to further close the gap on second place with a victory over Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park, for which midfielder Stuart Byrne is suspended.
Rovers have midfielder Will McDonagh available following his five-match ban, but are without the suspended Keith Doyle and Jason McGuinness (though a knee injury has put him out for up to a month) and Gavin McDonnell (chest).
A win would be much appreciated by either side in tonight's other Dublin derby at Richmond Park between St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians. St Patrick's, without a win in five games, face Bohemians at Richmond Park and hope that goalkeeper Barry Ryan (hip) and Stephen Caffrey (fractured nose) are fit to play.
UCD are hopeful that Mick O'Donnell will recover from injury to start against Drogheda United at Belfield.
Fixtures (7.45 unless stated). Premier Division: Cork City v Bray Wanderers; Derry City v Longford Town; St Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians; Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne; UCD v Drogheda United; Waterford United v Finn Harps (7.30). First Division: Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers; Limerick FC v Galway United; Monaghan United v Dublin City.
