Derry can not slip up

National League/Waterford United v Derry City: Between the impending departure for Scotland of their manager, Stephen Kenny, and the absence of any word from the arbiter in the dispute between Shelbourne and the league, Derry City's preparations for this evening's game can not have seemed ideal to the players.

Defeat would all but mathematically end their challenge for the title, but they will have been boosted by the combination of the result on Friday night that has put them in a position to considerably increase the pressure on their rivals - if only they can win again at the RSC.

Kenny is again set to be without central defenders Darren Kelly and Ken Oman, so Clive Delaney, who made his first start of an injury-ravaged season at Inchicore, will almost certainly partner Peter Hutton again.

Waterford, meanwhile, need the points available if they are to avoid the ignominy of a play-off against the second-placed side in the first division. Gareth Cronin has Alan Cawley back from suspension, but Alan Reynolds is banned while Ger McCarthy is doubtful due to a foot injury.