It’s a new dawn at the Brandywell Stadium as the new Derry City take on the newly-established Cork City Foras Co-op in what should be a fascinating first match of the new season. With both sides being tipped to challenge for promotion, it is a massive game on Foyleside.

New Derry City captain Kevin Deery is injured and so Mark McCrystal will take the armband for the first match of the season. Stephen Parkhouse and Patrick McEleney will both also definitely miss out.

Cork City Foras Co-op make the journey north without any injury or suspension concerns. New signings such as Dave Rogers, Declan Edwards and Admir Softic will all be hoping to make their debuts in this important game.

“It has been tough to get a squad together in such a short space of time, but I am pleased with the signings we have made,” said manager Tommy Dunne. “Derry is a very tough place to go, even when you are well-prepared and organised, so with the difficulties we have had it will be a difficult game for us.

“The First Division will be very strong this year, and Derry will be one of the strongest teams in the division, but we will travel up there determined to give a good account of ourselves and hopefully achieve a positive result.”