Ciaron Harkin says Derry City aren't looking over their shoulders

A seventh league defeat of the season on Monday night against Dundalk has left Declan Devine’s side just five points above the relegation play-off spot and Harps, who have a game in hand.

However, such is the unpredictable nature of this season’s Premier Division campaign that Derry can still potentially catch Waterford in fourth place should they win their final three league matches.

And that’s the target for City midfielder, Ciaron Harkin going into tonight’s final home match of the campaign against Shelbourne.

“We aren’t looking over our shoulders, we’re looking up and trying to catch the teams above us. The sooner we do that the better.”

Harkin believes the 17-days break in play for the Candy Stripes had an impact on their slow start against Dundalk which ultimately won the game for the visitors.

However, he believes the team have shown enough character in recent outings to suggest they can finish the season strongly.

“It was a bad start and it was probably one of the worst teams you could have a bad start against with the quality they have at the back and throughout their team, it makes it harder to get back into the game.

“But I thought we showed character and made a right go at it. In the second half we let them back into it and made it hard for ourselves and it ended up a disappointing night.

“It had been a long time since we played. It would’ve been better to have a game sooner after the Waterford game.

“We just have to go again on Friday and hopefully get as many points on the board as possible as soon as possible.”

Derry have arguably suffered more than most in the absence of a home support this season given the usual large attendances and hostile reception for away teams at the Lone Moor Road venue.

And the lack of atmosphere certainly didn’t help in Monday’s 2-1 defeat on a dreary night at a rain-drenched Brandywell.

“If fans had been there we might have had a better start and might have been able to get that second goal if they were pushing us on but it is what it is.

"There will be no fans in the next few games either and we just have to find a way to get better performances and get points on the board.

"There were positives but it’s about bringing that into the next three games. There were a few good performances from the boys coming back from injury. So hopefully we can get together as a team and get as many points on the board as we can.”