Derry City hoping for improved performance to stop Shelbourne's winning run

Although the fiasco around their managerial search continues to tarnish the FAI, their domestic product will provide entertainment to feast on Easter Monday.

The first long weekend double-header is sure to maintain the pattern of bumper crowds, with Damien Duff again the star attraction at Tolka Park.

Six straight wins, conceding in just two of them, has accumulated a seven-point cushion at the summit for his Shelbourne side.

Third-placed Derry City arrive in Drumcondra with a quality squad yet unable to shake off their inconsistent tag. Friday’s 1-0 defeat at home to promoted Galway was the latest evidence of their flakiness.

"I'm not going to make excuses because it was a very poor performance from us – in fact it was unacceptable" Ruaidhrí Higgins said.

"We now have to pick ourselves up. Shelbourne are flying and we’ll have to be an awful lot better than we were on Friday if we want to get anything."

Higgins has Ciaron Harkin back following a torturous two years of recovery from his ACL but it will be the summer before Colm Whelan is back from his identical setback.

Adam O'Reilly, Ben Doherty, Sadou Diallo, Cameron Dummigan and Patrick McEleney were all sidelined on Friday – while top scorer Pat Hoban only passed a late fitness test – but a couple of Derry’s wounded could be back.

Donegal native Mark Coyle would’ve relished facing his neighbours but the Shelbourne captain has amassed five bookings and serves a one-match ban.

Sligo Rovers leapfrogged Derry by recording a notable win in Waterford and travel to face a St Patrick’s Athletic losing ground quickly.

Shamrock Rovers are experiencing the opposite form, their first wins of the season coming in consecutive matches to allay any concerns over their title