Ruaidhri Higgins calls on fans to help Derry City 'get over the line' tonight

Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round

Derry City vs. HB Torshavn

Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

Tonight, 7:45pm

Ruaidhri Higgins is calling on Derry City fans to roar their team on to victory against HB Torshavn tonight, insisting the supporters can make all the difference.

The Derry City boss has experienced first hand the influence that the fans can have on major European nights, and he is hoping for the same again this evening, as the Candystripes attempt to progress past the first round in Europe for the first time in nine years.

Last week’s 0-0 draw in the Faroe Islands leaves the game on a knife-edge  

“Playing in Europe is different in that you’re playing against opposition that you’re not used to coming up against so straight away it intrigues people,” he said. “I know our crowd will come here and get right behind the players and team and try to get us into the second round for the first time in a long term.

“The crowd helped us get over the line in the Sligo game, without a doubt. Our performance in the second half got them behind us, so we need to come with that level of intensity so the crowd react and that’s what we’ll try and do. We’ll need everyone in the ground to get this over the line.”

While Derry City had the better opportunities in the first leg, neither team were able to find a goal and that leaves the game still finely in the balance.

“We knew from the outset that it was 180 minutes,” Higgins continued. “They have won their last three European games at home so it was never going to be as straightforward as people think. From the 30-minute mark onwards I thought that we were the team that edged it, we were the team playing in their half, and we’re just disappointed that we didn’t take one of the opportunities. We have an opportunity now to go and try to get a big result.

“If we repeat our second half performance and take our opportunities when they present themselves then there’s no reason why we can’t win.”

Torshavn had spent all week in Derry preparing for the game, but Higgins is hoping they find the Brandywell an intimidating experience for what is the Candystripes’ biggest game of the season to date.

“It’s nine years since we went through a round in Europe and we have to try and change that and make sure that we change it,” he continued. “It builds momentum around the city and the club and that’s what we want to do.

“It was important that we brought a result back to the Brandywell. Given that we’re at home in front of a packed house, making loads of noise, then hopefully it helps us get over the line. When we sign players here, we always talk to them about how special the crowd can be so hopefully they can sample that.”

Higgins will work off the same squad as last week, with Ciaron Harkin and Colm Whelan the only players missing through long-term injuries.

Foyle Cup frenzy

Meanwhile, the City boss has been out and about at the Foyle Cup this week and he praised the impact it has had on the city.

“It’s a football frenzy and it’s brilliant,” he agreed. “It’s great for the city when you see all the boys and girls flying around in their differ tracksuits and their different colours. It brings back a lot of childhood memories. What it does is that it gives people who aren’t from Derry a flavour of what this city can offer. It’s brilliant and hopefully they can all enjoy it, parents included.

“I still hear players now, current and retired players, talk about the Foyle Cup and the Milk Cup. It’s very clear in people’s memories and all those kids who are now playing will look back with great fondness I’m sure in years to come.”