National League

Today

Waterford United v Derry City (6.00)

The race for third spot is still wide open and a win here for Derry would put them in a healthy position. They jumped two places to joint fourth after last weekend's second successive win and are now just four points away from Shelbourne in third, with a game in hand.

"There is a very good chance of getting the third spot if things go our way in the last few games," says manager Kevin Mahon. "We've had some good results lately and I know Shelbourne have to meet Cork and St Pat's on the run in. Still, this game won't be easy for us with Waterford also needing the points badly at the other end of the table."

Mahon will again be missing Sean Hargan and Gary Beckett through injury as well as Martin McGann, who has a broken nose. "We've had to make some changes with a few players missing but this squad is doing well and we'll stay with them for this game," said Mahon.

Waterford, meanwhile, are still stuck at the bottom despite holding second-placed Cork to a scoreless draw in last week's visit to Turner's Cross. Michael Devine was outstanding in front of goal on that occasion and they are still just four points from relegation safety with a game in hand over Dundalk.

"Needless to say this is a vital game, but I think it's most important that we don't get beaten," said manager Mike Flanagan. "We've played some reasonable games lately although the problem has been finding the ammunition to finish them off. A couple of wins now would go a long way and hopefully this can be one of them."

Derek McGrath remains the only injury problem for Flanagan, leaving him with an otherwise full-strength squad. Additional problems remain, however, when it comes to finding goals, with Karl Gannon still the top scorer on four. Their recent scalp of Shamrock Rovers was also the first home win since October and with Derry's European ambitions to inspire them, it won't be easy to contain the visitors.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 98/99: United 1 Derry 2, Derry 1, United 0.

Recent league form: United: LDLWD; Derry: DDLWW.

Leading scorers: United: Gannon (four); Derry: Coyle (eight).

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 9/4, Away: 11/8.

Referee: T Tully (Cork). Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.

First Division Athlone Town yesterday had their deducted league point restored by the FAI Appeal Board. The point was deducted by the FAI Board of Control earlier this season due to the late payment of financial obligations but the Appeal Board found that decision to be outside the FAI's own league rules.