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Michael Rafter: scored his sixth Derry goal in last week's win against Bohs. ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
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5 things to look out for in this weekend's Airtricity League games

Seven games in the Airtricity League tonight (and two more tomorrow). Here’s what we’re looking forward to on the domestic scene.

1. How will Derry handle the Oriel Park pitch?

Sligo’s blistering start to their title defence has left Derry in the shade but the Candystripes took full advantage of their prime-time slot on RTÉ last Friday with a four-goal thumping against Bohemians. If there was any doubt that Declan Devine has this side playing some fine football, that argument was conclusively put to bed.

Tonight they face a different proposition against Dundalk in Oriel Park. Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Drogheda and Limerick have all tried and failed to break down Stephen Kenny’s men on the artificial pitch but Sligo’s 3-1 win proved that the surface shouldn’t be an excuse. Now Derry need to match that.

2. Pat’s need to make hay

Though Bray had their chances in the Carlisle Grounds last weekend, St Pat’s were comfortably the better side and took all three points courtesy of Chris Forrester’s fine finish. The goals aren’t exactly coming thick and fast for the Saints but the win will give them some needed momentum after a stop-start few weeks.

Thanks to the fixture gods, Pat’s have the perfect opportunity to string together a winning streak now. They play struggling UCD in the Bowl tonight and then have one of their games in hand at home to winless Shelbourne. If other results go their way, Pat’s could be as high as third come Monday night and their early-season losses won’t seem so serious after all.

3. Croly’s teething problems continue

If Trevor Croly wants to take the positives out of his first seven league games as Shamrock Rovers manager, he can point to the fact that the Hoops and Sligo are the only unbeaten teams. On the flip side Rovers have become bankers for a draw and despite a solid defence, they can’t seem to buy a win.

Gary Twigg’s towering presence was always going to be missed and though Mark Quigley is an able replacement up front, he seems to be more at home when dropping deep in search of the ball. He will be as frustrated as any with his slow start to life in Tallaght and there is no doubting the intensity of his effort — will the goals follow though? The Hoops host Bray tonight.

4. Can Elding continue his hot streak?

It was no surprise when Sligo’s goal-machine Anthony Elding was announced as Airtricity/SWAI Player of the Month for March. There’s almost a sense of shock now when the Englishman doesn’t score — last week’s brace against Shelbourne took his league tally to eight since moving from Grimsby.

Elding is back on the box tomorrow afternoon when Tommy Dunne and Cork visit the Showgrounds for RTÉ’s televised game. Can the league’s form man continue his hot streak and bag a few new admirers?

5. Chance for Wexford to close the gap

While Sligo soar in the Premier Division, there is little to choose between the teams in the First Division with just five points separating the top six clubs.

After starting the season with back-to-back defeats, Wexford have steadied the ship and are unbeaten in their last three. Tonight they host league leaders Longford in Ferrycarraig, and a win would see them move up alongside the visitors on 10 points.

Airtricity League fixtures (all Friday, 7.45pm unless stated)

Premier Division

  • Dundalk v Derry City
  • UCD v St Patrick’s Athletic
  • Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers (Friday, 8pm)
  • Shelbourne v Drogheda United (Friday, 8pm)
  • Sligo Rovers v Cork City (Saturday, 3.55pm)

First Division

  • Athlone Town v Finn Harps
  • Salthill Devon v Waterford United
  • Wexford Youths v Longford Town (Friday, 8pm)
  • Cobh Ramblers v Mervue United (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Sligo goal-machine Anthony Elding wins March award

Setanta Sports Cup to introduce goal-line assistants next week

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