National League Previews

Sunday

Premier Division

Derry City v St Patrick's Ath (Brandywell, 3.15)

"This is a major match for us," Derry manager Kevin Mahon stressed. "Pat's have beaten us 1-0 both home and away already this season even though they were very close encounters.

"We go into the game with confidence as we're enjoying a good run. Spirits are high and we would dearly love to turn over the champions tomorrow. In a way we have nothing to lose and intend to do everything in order to get a result."

Gary Beckett is Derry's main doubt as he struggles with a hip injury. Paul Hegarty plays his last game before starting a two-match ban. St Patrick's are in tremendous form with six straight wins this year having scored 15 goals.

Generally, the Brandywell has been a happy hunting ground for them over the years, but manager Liam Buckley is cautious and quick to point out that his side were in excellent form prior to losing to Dundalk at Oriel Park back in November.

"Derry have a good squad of players and are in contention for third place and I'm sure they'll relish playing the champions and league leaders on their own patch," said Buckley.

The injuries, ankle and thigh respectively, that kept Colin Hawkins and Packie Lynch out of the representative game last week have cleared up and both are fit to play.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: St Patrick's Athletic 0 Derry City 0, Derry City 1 St Patrick's Athletic 1, St Patrick's Athletic 1 Derry City 0. 1998/99: St Patrick's Athletic 1 Derry City 0, Derry City 0 St Patrick's Athletic 1.

Current league form: Derry City: LLWWD; St Patrick's Athletic: DWWWW.

Leading league scorers: Derry City: Coyle (seven); St Patrick's Athletic: Gilzean and Molloy (12 each).

Betting: Home: 7/4; Draw; 12/5; Away: 6/5.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

First Division

Cobh Ramblers host Galway United in a second versus third clash at St Colman's Park tonight.

Cobh have beaten Galway twice in the league already this season and manager John O'Rourke knows it's a game they need something from if they are to stay in the hunt for promotion.

However, Cobh's goalkeeper Alan O'Shea is out with injury while Pat Maher and Willie Byrne face late fitness tests.

Tommy Lynch takes charge of Limerick for the first time at home to Monaghan United.

Matches (tonight): Cobh Ramblers v Galway United, Home Farm/Everton v Kilkenny City, Limerick FC v Monaghan United.