Derry City’s Cameron McJannet celebrates with team-mates after Friday’s win
But there will still be no fans at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium to cheer on the Candystripes to make it three wins out of three in back to back games.
It hasn’t taken new city manager Ruaidhri Higgins long to get a tune out of Derry City who were rooted to the bottom of the League of Ireland when he took over.
Wins in Sligo and Phibsborough have eased the immediate pressure on the Candystripes and has changed the outlook from one of gloom to hope. City are now up to seventh place, with Longford Town propping up the table.
Harps’ were left to rue a goalkeeping error on Friday when they lost 2-0 at Finn Park to Shamrock Rovers.
In a clear sign of how quickly things can change, a win for Derry would move them level on points with their rivals, when a couple of weeks ago they were 10 points apart.
Derry City will be without Darren Cole who is injured while Ciaran Coll will face a late fitness test.
For Finn Harps, Ryan Connolly is still out.
And there are doubts about Shane McEleney, Stephen Folan, Johnny Dunleavy and Conor Barry.
Ahead of the North West derby, Higgins said: “It’s a great occasion to be managing the team for the first time at the Brandywell, especially in a North West derby, but I’m obviously very disappointed that our own supporters can’t be here.
“We’ve done really well in those last two games but that’s gone now and this is another challenge.
“Harps have started well this season and arrive here above us in the table.
“We have to look to build on what we’ve done so far and just go and try to win the game.’
Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan said: “Derry are flying now in their first two games under Ruaidhri.
“It’ll take a massive effort when we go up there tonight.
“We’ve picked up a few knocks in the last game and so we’ll probably be left sweating to see what team we’ll be able to field come kick-off.”
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