Lupano sure Candystripes can turn slow start around

DERRY City travel to St Patrick’s Athletic this evening (5.45pm) desperate for a positive result after a poor start to the season which has left them bottom of the Premier Division.

Defeats to Longford and Waterford have placed the Candystripes under mounting pressure as they head to unbeaten Pat’s looking for a reversal in fortunes.

It could well be a defining few days for Derry, who travel to Inchicore before returning to the Brandywell on Tuesday to face champions Shamrock Rovers.

Their poor start could well be forgotten with a good return over the next few days, and defender Danny Lupano is adamant that results will come because of the determination and the talent in the squad at present.

“We can’t keep thinking about the two losses, we have to move forward and think about the next game, focus on the next game,” he insisted.

“I believe in our group. We have good players and we have good chemistry. Some of the players don’t really know each other yet, but we’re getting to know each other and, once we get going and once we get those three points and get that momentum, I believe the team will be flying.

“Everyone is positive that things will be fine. The people can see that the performance against Waterford compared to the first game of the season was so different in terms of the application and the hunger. Everything was much better, so everyone has to stay positive and think about going down to St Pat’s and getting a result.”

Today’s game is something of a milestone for City captain Eoin Toal, who will be hoping to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club with a victory.

The 22-year-old, signed by Kenny Shiels back in 2017, is one of the more experienced players in the squad despite his young age, and Lupano is hoping that the team can get the win for him.

“I’m very happy for Eoin,” he said. “Since I came in during pre-season he has been excellent. That is a very big achievement for a young defender and I’m sure he and his family will be happy and proud. He was excellent in the last game and has been excellent since pre-season, and I’m hoping he will carry on with that form.”