Confidence high as Derry take on Tobol

Jamie McGonigle believes victory over Drogheda on Sunday night has kept the momentum going for the Candystripes ahead of tonight's crucial Europa Conference second leg tie against Tobol.

Despite being one nil down on aggregate, the Brandywell side have more than a decent shout at reaching the play-off stage of the competition.

Derry gave a good account of themselves in Kazakhstan before a wonder goal from Roman Asrankulov made the difference but McGonigle believes, with the right support in Tallaght, anything is possible.

“It's a huge game,” he said. “Out there we were well in the tie and out there I didn't think once that they battered us at any stage, but hopefully we can get a good crowd going to Tallaght, along with a bit of noise and hopefully an early goal, who knows what will happen.

“I think Tallaght suits us, in recent games we've played well down there. It's just about starting well and hopefully we can put them on the back foot and make them come out and play and we'll see what happens.”

He added: “The win over Drogheda definitely keeps our momentum going, keeps our confidence high, especially hitting three goals and keeping a clean-sheet, so it definitely bodes well for Thursday night.”

Sunday night's win over Drogheda lifted City up to third in the table and with a rich vein of form recently, competition for starting places has been hotting up.

“You can see the squad that Ruaidhri has built, if people aren't starting those players are coming off the bench and making an impact, the squad is as strong as it has been in a while and we're making the most of it now at the minute.”

He added: “Confidence is high and especially when subs are coming on and making an impact, that's what you want, you need a bit of competitiveness in the squad.

“Obviously a friendly competitiveness, no one begrudges anybody or anything like that, it's healthy competition in the squad and in the changing room.”