Out of form teams looking to get back on track with some silverware

SETANTA SPORTS CUP FINAL Crusaders v Derry City: Venue: The Oval Kick-off: 4pm On TV: Setanta:HAVING BEEN "tweaked" to within an inch of its existence in the last few years, this season's Setanta Sports Cup draws to a conclusion this afternoon at the Oval in Belfast where a high quality game would at least allow the organisers to embark on their annual rethink while on something of a high.

Attendances have dropped off badly and the commitment of some of the competing sides has again been open to question but the fact that the final will be contested by clubs from opposite sides of the Border has helped to generate interest in the decider.

Neither side goes into the game in the sort of form they would have liked, however. Derry City, whose fans would particularly love to see their club lift this trophy, were well beaten by St Patrick’s Athletic at home last week and haven’t really looked in great shape, in no small part because of injuries, since their remarkable semi-final first leg defeat of Shamrock Rovers.

Crusaders, meanwhile, are coming into the game off the back of a bit of a hiding by Linfield in the IFA Cup final last week and Stephen Baxter’s men have actually only won twice in all competitions since their 4-0 league defeat of Glentoran at today’s venue more than a month ago. Baxter will have to pick his men up after last week’s loss and hope that they embrace the opportunity for “one last hurrah,” as he puts it. Veteran centre-half Paul Leeman, a former team-mate of City boss Declan Devine, admits that becoming first Irish League side to lift the trophy since 2005 is a tall order but, he says, “after beating Sligo Rovers we are entitled to believe we have a chance”.

Devine, meanwhile, has players back after what has been a tough spell with injuries. Rory Patterson came through 90 minutes last week and should start again while Owen Morrison and Patrick McEleney should also be available for selection.

Kevin Deery, though, is out with a dislocated kneecap while Stewart Greacen (knee) and Mark Farren (hamstring) are also sidelined leaving Devine with cracks to paper over if the dream of an all-Ireland title is to be delivered.