Derry City under pressure for victory over Bohemians: Keith Ward

The Candy Stripes have experienced an indifferent start to the new campaign having narrowly lost to Dundalk at Oriel Park, and ‘got out of jail’ with a last minute equaliser at home to Finn Harps before Monday night’s trip to St Pat’s was called off.

And now they must do what they failed to do on four occasions last season - defeat Bohemians who beat them to a third place finish in 2019.

Bohemians certainly held the upper hand on Derry last season in terms of results, winning once - a 2-0 victory at Brandywell last April - and drawing three times.

However, former City midfielder, Ward admits there wasn’t much between the sides and the Dubliner expects a ‘tough’ night on Foyleside for the Gypsies as Derry look to get off the mark.

“I think Derry might put a little bit of pressure on themselves because they’ll want to start as well as they can,” he said.

“I didn’t see the Harps game but I think Harps will be decent this year and to lose Dundalk 1-0 in the 80th minute or so, I’m sure they didn’t come out of that too disappointed.

“I’m sure Derry will be looking to get their season going on Friday night.

“I don’t think there was a lot in the games with Derry last year,” he added.”I think Decky has done a great job since coming in. They’ve got their identity back with a few local lads coming in and there’s a buzz around Derry at the moment on the back of the club.

“It’s going to be a very tough game. They’ve made good signings. Conor McCormack has come back to the club, you have Conor Clifford and (Walter) Figueira looks a serious player.”

No one was predicting a top three finish and European football for Bohemians or Derry due to their respective close-season turnovers last year.

Expectations are greater this season for both clubs although Ward, who finished third with Derry in 2016, has stressed how difficult it will be to improve on last year’s results.

“I think it’s fair to say we punched above our weight. At the start of last year we were a bit of an unknown quantity coming in and we lost a lot of experience.

“But the young lads came in and hit the ground running with James Talbot, James Finnerty, Conor Levingston - they all had great seasons.

“Hopefully this year is like last year where if anyone gets injured or loses a bit of form, then whoever comes in can do well. It was a real squad effort last year which got us third place.

“Experience-wise, we’re still a very young team and people need to remember that. We’ve lost Derek Pender this year but the team which finished on the pitch on Monday night had an average age of 21.

“If we are realistic, you look at Dundalk and Rovers as the teams to catch. They will be up there but it’s too early to set targets and put pressure on yourself.

“You want to get to the break as best as you can. That’s what we did last year - we got to the break in a healthy position.

“But until then we will just start the season as well as we can, especially after losing our first game (1-0 against Rovers). We know going to Derry on Friday is going to be a tough game. Derry are a top side.”

Keith Long has recruited well this year and was able to ring the changes for the visit of Sligo Rovers to Dalymount Park on Monday night last. Ward was one of four players to make way from the 2-0 win at Waterford but he’s hoping he’ll be back in contention for tonight’s trip to Brandywell.

“To be fair to Keith, the fixtures come fast and he always makes changes. We’ve brought in a lot of good signings and have a big squad. That’s what a big squad is for.

“The new signings have been great. Chris Twardek came in from Sligo and we’re delighted to have him. Dan (Casey) has come back and he’s a top centre half and Ciaran Kelly has come in from Pat’s so we have a lot of healthy options.

"I don’t think we have any injuries going to Derry, we have a fit, healthy squad.

“You just have to look after yourself as a player and make sure you’re ready and hope you get picked on Friday night, knowing that if you’re not at it then you’re in trouble with the squad we have available.”

“Hopefully the conditions are a bit better than they have been because the first three games haven’t been great as a spectacle.

“We’re looking forward to it. If you want to be pushing up the league and challenging at the top, these are the games you have to look forward to and hope you come away with a result.”

Ward has always had a soft spot for Derry since his two year spell at the club under Kenny Shiels and he’s relishing his return tonight.

“I had a great time in Derry. I loved living in the city, I loved playing for the club and had a great relationship with Kenny Shiels. We had a serious team that year and came third.

“Derry is still one of the best places to go and play. The crowd get behind the team and it’s a great atmosphere. I know people give out about astro turf but I actually enjoy playing on it as you can get the ball down and play. I’m looking forward to it.”