AS he prepares his side for their fourth game in 10 days ahead of the visit of Bray Wanderers to the Brandywell tonight, Derry City manager Declan Devine has bemoaned the glut of matches they’ve already had to play this season, writes Paul Buttner.

Though there will be three less games this year due to the Premier Division reverting to 12 teams, their run to the final of the Setanta Sports Cup has meant Derry have been victims of their own success at this stage. Devine, however, feels that the season is too cramped in general.

“We’re trying to cram in as many games as we possibly can because clubs are only paying players 40 weeks,” said Devine. “We’ve played (20) games already this year, that’s insane after 12 or 13 weeks of the season, it’s crazy.”

Striker Rory Patterson, who came off at half-time in Friday’s 2-1 win at Bohemians with an ongoing ankle injury, is a doubt tonight along with Barry Molloy (hamstring). Defender Stewart Greacen and captain Kevin Deery (both knee) and striker Mark Farren (hamstring) remain out.

Bray, unbeaten in five games, add Shane O’Connor, Seán Hurley and Conor Earley to their travelling party.

Now eight points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten Sligo Rovers remain without midfielder Joseph Ndo (hamstring) as they head to the UCD Bowl. Central defender Gavin Peers is suspended while winger Ross Gaynor is a doubt having missed Friday’s 3-0 win over Shelbourne due to illness.

Chris Turner remains suspended as Shamrock Rovers look to build on Friday’s win over Drogheda United when they travel to bottom of the table Monaghan United, while St Pat’s host struggling Dundalk.

Tonight’s fixtures (7.45 unless stated): Derry City v Bray Wanderers, Brandywell; Drogheda United v Cork City, Hunky Dorys Park; Monaghan United v Shamrock Rovers, Gortakeegan, 8.0; St Patrick’s Athletic v Dundalk, Richmond Park; Shelbourne v Bohemians, Tolka Park, 8.0; UCD v Sligo Rovers, UCD Bowl.