Stakes high at the Brandywell

While neither managed a win in the Setanta Sports Cup during the week, both Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic go into tonight's televised league game at the Brandywell with the opportunity to go clear at the top of the table after taking six points from their opening two games.

The manner in which St Pat's have achieved their 100 per cent record has already prompted speculation that John McDonnell's previously less fancied side might lift the title for the first time in almost a decade.

"I'm happy for Johnny because he's had it rough over the years and now it looks as if he's getting a bit of luck," says City boss Pat Fenlon of his opposite number.

"Pat's have been in the shade of Shelbourne and Bohemians for the last couple of years, now they're in the limelight and have a lot of money coming in.

"Good luck to them, it's great for St Patrick's and good for the league . . . . it's just a pity that there's not another 10 people like Garret Kelleher to get involved with clubs."

Fenlon made bids for both Gary O'Neill and Joseph Ndo, both of whom have scored important goals since arriving a few weeks ago at Richmond Park while the club's other key close-season recruit, Alan Kirby, has scored four times in his three Setanta Cup outings to date.

All are available for this evening's game at the Brandywell where RTÉ, still awaiting the first goal of its new campaign, will be hoping they maintain their recent run of form. Dave Mulcahy is still ruled out by injury while Stephen Quigley is a doubt after picking up a knock in Dungannon.

Derry's Seán Hargan, Killian Brennan and Karl Bermingham returned to training this week. Recently-arrived goalkeeper Ola Tidman has recovered from a virus but Pat Jennings is expected to retain his place unlike Dave Rogers, who is suspended.

Drogheda United head for Galway without long-term injury victim Shane Barrett while Paul Keegan is suspended and Stephen Gray and Graham Gartland are both doubts.

FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated).

Premier Division: Galway United v Drogheda United, UCD v Cork City, Waterford United v Bray Wanderers, Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic (7.55, live on RTÉ 2), Longford Town v Sligo Rovers (8.0). First Division: Limerick 37 v Kildare County, Monaghan United v Kilkenny City (8.0), Shelbourne v Dundalk (8.0).