Target Practice for City ‘hit-men’
0 Comments | Derry Journal (Derry, Northern Ireland), August 27, 2010
With no competitive fixture this weekend due to the FAI Cup programme, Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny (right), led his players to a Donegal shooting gallery last night, the emphasis totally on archery plus target practise with guns!
Visiting the indoor Donegal Air Soft Company’s establishment in Newtowncunningham, Kenny’s bonding session was certainly enjoyed by his players – particularly his youngsters – who used bows and arrows before taking their chances with rifles in what proved a bonding session with a difference.
“We’ve no competitive match this weekend, so we opted to do something different,” said Kenny.
“It does no harm to have a change to the normal weekend routine and I think the players enjoyed the experience, it certainly was something different,” he laughed.
No doubt, sharp-shooters such as David McDaid, Patrick McEleney and James McClean will have made their presence felt, while the more senior members of the squad will have decided to err on the side of caution having encountered such equipment for the first time in their careers.
Meanwhile, Derry travelled to Castlederg on Tuesday night and recorded a 2-1 win over Intermediate side, Dergview in a match which served a purpose as far as Kenny was concerned.
“It was a useful exercise and while we led 2-0 thanks to goals from Thomas McBride and Matthew Harkin, we conceded a late consolation goal.
“I thought we passed the ball well on the night and it’s always good to have a look at our young players who are continuing to work hard in an effort to break into the first team panel,” added the Dubliner.
“We’ll have a practise game this weekend as we prepare for our trip to Waterford and with Ruairi Harkin and Eugene Ferry are only injuries, we have three players suspended for that match which is not ideal.”
David McDaid, Shane McEleney and Mark McChrystal all must serve one match bans and while Kenny does have options defensively, the loss of McDaid, who has performed particular well when operating in “the hole” behind striker, Mark Farren, will cause him problems.
And with that in mind, no shortage of attention will have been place on players such as McBride, Darren McCauley and Michael McCrudden, as possible midfield replacements for next weekend’s tough fixture.
Of course, Kenny could also opt for a change in formation against Waterford, but much will depend on what came out of the two practise matches.
New Gear Available
Meanwhile, a new consignment of Derry City jerseys have arrived from Hummell this week and those new strips are now on sale at the 3D Lighting Showroom based in the Aileach Business Park, Coshquin.
New jeseys, home and away, plus other new kit has gone on sale as the local club enters the final furlong in the 2010 First Division campaign.