FOOTBALL: UNSTABLE DERRY CAN PAY THE PRICE AGAINST PYUNIK; CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
By Ian Wilkerson
Racing Post, UK
July 18, 2007, Wednesday
DERRY CITY pulled off a shock when they beat SPL new boys Gretna in
the qualifying rounds of the Uefa Cup last season, but they could
prove to be the victims in the Champions League tonight when they
entertain Armenian champions Pyunik.
Pyunik have won their national title for the last five years and
appear to be in line for another success with three games of the
campaign to go.
They have won ten of their 13 league games and have certainly not
disgraced themselves in their recent attempts in European competition,
losing narrowy to Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine and CSKA Sofia of
Bulgaria.
After finishing behind Shelbourne in the Eircom Premier last term,
it has been a season to forget for Derry, who met Paris St-Germain
in the Uefa Cup just nine months ago.
Former Hearts boss John Robertson has only taken the helm for one
match following the departure of Pat Fenlon and they find themselves
a disappointing seventh.
That 4-1 success over Sligo was only their second home success in
their last eight, so Robertson has plenty of work to do.
A great deal of debate could be generated on the merits of each league,
but the Armenians certainly look to be overpriced.
Derry face the prospect of a terrible ordeal for the second leg,
which sees them travel via London and Prague, but 5-1 for an away
win looks a big price.