Derry City can take control of the title race this weekend with two victories in the space of four days, starting against Bohemians on Friday night.
The Candystripes face the Dublin side for the second time in a week following their win in the FAI Cup semi-final, before hosting Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell on Monday.
Victory in both games will take Ruaidhri Higgins’ team two points clear of League leaders Shelbourne with just three fixtures remaining.
City go into Friday’s clash confident after last week’s win at Dalymount, but Higgins has warned that it will be a completely different challenge for his team.
“Obviously, it was a good outcome for us and Bohs will be disappointed, so I’m sure they’ll use their hurt from last week and put it into this game,” he said.
“I’ve seen an awful lot of Bohs in recent times, particularly at Dalymount, where they’ve been really, really good. Results at times just haven’t gone their way, but they’ve had some big results as well.
“They’ve had good results against Rovers and Shels so they’ll come here with absolutely no fear, I’m sure of that. We’ll give them the respect they deserve because they’re a good team and get ready to go again.”
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With every point now vital, this could be the weekend that Higgins and his players take control of the title race.
“We’re in a really strong position in the League so you’d expect the place to be bouncing on Friday and I’m sure it will be,” he said. “Every single point, every win you can get between now and the end of the season is so, so important and we’ve a couple of home games here that we need to try and capitalise on again, starting on Friday night against difficult opposition.
“I think this is an unbelievably powerful football club when everyone is sailing in the one direction and that’s the way it feels at this minute in time and, as I said, when that happens, we’re a powerful club so hopefully it can remain between now and November the 10th.”
City have, meanwhile, been boosted by the news that striker Danny Mullen has agreed a one-year extension to his current contract.
The 29-year-old, who joined the club last July, has made 51 appearances and scored 13 goals.
“It’s great news for the club and good for Danny as well,” said Higgins.
“Danny’s had a major, major impact here. He’s probably not had the amount of minutes that he would like, but he’s certainly been a huge asset to the club since he’s come in the door.”