Dundalk v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Dundalk FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 29, Oriel Park, Friday 1^st September 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City and Bohemians played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Dalymount last Friday, but it was a result which wasn’t ideal for either team. Still level on points, Derry and Bohs remain firmly within the title race, but Shamrock Rovers’ win over Dundalk sees them four points clear at the top. That win also means that Rovers' gap to City and Bohemians has been extended to seven points.

 

            Derry do have a game in hand, an away fixture at UCD in early September, as well as a vital tie against the league leaders on the 15^th. In theory at least, a win over UCD and Rovers would cut the gap to the top to one point should Derry hit a patch of good form, and other results go their way. Therefore, Derry’s title hopes are far from over, but they can’t afford to drop points at this stage of the season.

 

            The Candystripes are away to Dundalk on Friday, hoping to win in Oriel Park for just the second time since 2013. This is definitely a surprising stat, but it makes some sense when considering how good that Dundalk team was for large parts of the 2010s. They won five league titles out of a possible six between 2014 and 2019 and qualified for the Europa League group stages. Current Derry stars Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney were central to large parts of their success, whilst manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was part of the Lilywhite’s title-winning team of 2014.

 

            Derry’s last win in Oriel Park was definitely one for the history books. It was the last game of the season in 2021 and Derry, revitalised under new manager Ruaidhrí Higgins, needed a win to clinch European football (with a bit of help from St. Pat’s in the form of an FAI Cup final win that year). After going 1-0 down in the first half, a Ciaron Harkin rocket on the stroke of half-time brought the Candystripes level. Just seven minutes into the second half, Jamie McGonigle slid it past Peter Cherrie to score what would turn out to be the decider.

 

            This season Derry are unbeaten against Dundalk. Back in March, the sides drew 0-0 in the Brandywell. Five weeks later, Dundalk scored twice in two minutes to go ahead in Oriel Park before a Cian Kavanagh header equalised in a game that would finish 2-2. When the sides met in the Brandywell in May, City were dominant. Goals from Jordan McEneff, Brandon Kavanagh and Michael Duffy ensured a comfortable 3-0 win.

 

            This Friday’s tie holds more weight though. Dundalk are currently sitting in sixth, four points behind Derry in the last European spot. The Candystripes are three points behind St. Pat’s in second and have a goal difference of +17, compared to the Inchicore side’s +18. Pat’s face a tricky tie away to Shelbourne, who themselves sit level on points with Dundalk and are in the race for Europe. If other ties go Derry’s way (Shels beat Pat’s and Bohs beat Rovers), they could find themselves in second place with a win over Dundalk.

 

            Neither Ronan Boyce nor Cameron Dummigan featured against Bohemians last Friday, whilst former Dundalk defender Mark Connolly was replaced by Shane McEleney after just seventeen minutes. Connolly seemed in some discomfort after going down early on but continued to play on prior to his early departure. These are three key players who Ruaidhrí Higgins will not want to be without going into the latter stages of the league campaign. Patrick McEleney hasn’t started since coming off injured in Derry’s 3-3 draw against KuPS on August 3^rd, but has frequently featured from the bench since. The captain is another man who Higgins will want to keep as fit as possible for the remainder of the season. Aside from these concerns, and the long-term injuries to Colm Whelan and Ciaron Harkin, the Derry manager seems to have no other injury worries. Danny Mullen was impressive on Friday and will hope to kick-on after scoring his first goal for City too. Summer signing Sam Todd is yet to feature but was named on the bench against Bohemians. He may be involved soon due to City’s injury hit back-line.

 

            Dundalk are on a decent run as of late, winning two, drawing two and losing one in their last five games in all competitions. That loss came against league leaders Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght last Friday. Similarly to Derry, Dundalk progressed from the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League after beating Bruno’s Magpies of Gibraltar 3-1 on aggregate. They slipped to a disappointing 5-3 aggregate defeat in the second round against KA Akureyri, who currently sit 7^th in the Icelandic top division. That loss threatened to derail their season, but wins over Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers in the FAI Cup sees them in an intriguing quarter-final tie against Galway United. The Lilywhites will hope to go far into the cup this season, with European qualifiers awaiting the winner.

 

            Stephen O’Donnell tends to play a 4-2-3-1, but played a back five against Shelbourne earlier this month. He has also set his team up in a 4-4-2 and a 4-3-3 this term. Dundalk’s Welsh goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the League of Ireland. He has started all 28 of the Lilywhites’ league games this season, keeping 7 clean sheets. English right back Archie Davies has been impressive for Dundalk too, starting 26 games and making three assists. Across the rest of the Dundalk backline, Hayden Muller has made 25 appearances whilst left-back Darragh Leahy has 22. Scottish centre back Darren Brownlie has been brought it from Partick Thistle to add stability in the defence.

 

            The Dundalk midfield consists of former Derry players Greg Sloggett and Keith Ward, who have made 20 and 19 appearances respectively. Alfie Lewis has made 21 league appearances whilst former Rochdale man Conor Malley has made 24 starts. 20 year old winger Ryan O’Kane is a prospect on the wing, chipping in with five goal involvements this season. Daniel Kelly also has five goal involvements from the wing this term, as does striker John Martin. Club record goalscorer Pat Hoban has netted ten goals this year and is always a physical threat in the frontline. The return of former fans-favourite Daryl Horgan, who has made 17 appearances for the Irish national team since leaving Dundalk in 2017, is a real statement signing by the Lilywhites. He left Dundalk for Preston North End six years ago, and has since lined out for Hibernian, Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage. Horgan scored a late winner in the FAI Cup second round against Bray Wanderers.

 

            Each point is precious when it comes to this stage of the season. With nine games left for Derry, and one less for Dundalk, both sides will likely go all out in search of a win. With a Dublin Derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians the highlight of the round on Friday, Derry’s title hopes could be skewered should results not pan out as they hope. A Rovers win would put them ten points ahead of Derry if the Candystripes lose to Dundalk. The old cliché that the last run of games are all cup finals is more evident than ever now.

 

Pól O’Hare – 30 August 2023

 

 

Bohemians v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Bohemian FC v Derry City FC, Dalymount Park, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 28, Friday 25^Th August 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City will be eager to put a disappointing week behind them and focus on their title charge when they face Bohemians on Friday. Two penalty shootout defeats in the space of four days saw the Candystripes eliminated from both the Europa Conference League and the FAI Cup. Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men now fight on just one front, for the League of Ireland Premier Division title, and have only ten games remaining to overturn a five point deficit to the top.

 

            Despite keeping clean sheets against both Tobol Kostanay in the third qualifying round of the UECL, and St. Pat’s in the second round of the FAI Cup, Derry City find themselves out of both competitions following two cruel penalty shootout defeats. After playing 240 minutes of football in their last two fixtures, Higgins’ men travel to north Dublin on Friday to face a Bohemians side who sit level on points with City, behind only on goal difference.

 

            Bohs are unbeaten in seven games, since a 3-1 defeat against Sligo Rovers in late June, and find themselves in the fight for the league title. Manager Declan Devine, former Derry City manager and player, joined the club prior to the end of the 2022 season and was tasked with a rebuild after a sixth placed finish last term. The Dublin side began the 2023 campaign positively too, winning seven of their first ten games, leaving them top of the table until round fourteen in early May.

 

               When Derry face Bohs, there is often little to separate the sides. In the last ten meetings between the teams, there have been five draws, four Derry wins and just one win for Bohemians. That sole win for the Dubliners came earlier this season, when a second-half Dean Williams penalty in the Brandywell took the three points back down to Phibsborough. In fact, the Candystripes haven’t lost in Dalymount since September 2020, when Keith Ward and Andre Wright both scored in second half stoppage time to ensure a 2-1 Bohs win. Friday’s meeting will be the last of the four in the 2023 season. Last time out, a 0-0 draw was contested in Derry, whilst a Ryan Graydon goal separated the sides in Dalymount four weeks prior. Both teams have won three of their last five league games and, with five points separating first and fourth, a win is vital to both side’s title push.

 

            There have been some memorable encounters between the two in recent times. Derry played some of their best football this season in the first half in Dalymount in May, dominating a ten-man Bohs side before defending some resilient pressure from the home side in the second half. Derry’s 3-2 win in Dublin in July 2022, which included a Dawson Devoy wondergoal for the hosts, sticks out as another noteworthy encounter. Earlier that season, James Akintunde scored a 93^rd minute winner for City to sink his current employer. The English forward started Bohemians’ most recent game, a 6-0 win over Rockmount in the FAI Cup.

 

            A 3-3 draw late in the 2021 season was a classic Bohs-Derry fixture. Liam Burt opened the scoring after just 7 minutes for the home side. Just after the hour mark, Jamie McGonigle levelled the tie with a wonderful curling strike into the top corner. Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, a former fans favourite at the Brandywell and previous Bohemians player, put City ahead on the 76^th minute. Georgie Kelly, who came through the youth ranks at Derry, levelled the tie once again five minutes later. Derry thought they’d won it after James Akintunde scored a late goal in the 91^st minute, but a 96^th minute Ciaran Kelly equaliser ensured the points were shared. City finished fourth that season, just two points above Bohemians, and qualified for European football after Bohs lost in the 2021 FAI Cup final.

 

            Ruaidhrí Higgins will have to rejuvenate his side after such a tough week both physically and mentally. Two penalty defeats and 240 minutes played across two fixtures will take its toll on the players, but the close and competitive nature of the current title race will serve as motivation to finish the season strongly for players and staff alike. After coming off injured against Tobol in Tallaght, Will Patching was replaced again in extra-time against St. Pat’s. Cameron Dummigan was in immediate discomfort after awkwardly twisting his hip in a tackle in normal time and was replaced by Danny Mullen. Shane McEleney, who was carrying a niggle following the game against Drogheda, was replaced by Mark Connolly on the hour mark. These knocks will hopefully not be serious, as Ruaidhrí Higgins needs as deep a squad as possible coming into the final stages of the season.

 

            Bohemians seem to have as strong a squad as possible coming into the tie against Derry. They’ll be hoping to continue their excellent form and take third place from the Candystripes. St. Pat’s, who sit one point clear in second place, will likely defeat UCD at the weekend and will expect to hold onto their current standing no matter the result in Dalymount. Declan Devine hasn’t deviated from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation this season and tends to have favourites when it comes to his main starting eleven. Just thirteen players have made over twenty or more league appearances this season for Bohemians (one of which being Grant Horton who has returned to Cheltenham following the expiration of his loan).

 

Bohs’ goalkeeper James Talbot has started all 27 of their league games this season, keeping an impressive ten clean sheets but conceding an average of more than a goal per game. Polish defender Kacper Radkowski, on loan from Slask Wroclaw, is the only other player in the Bohemian squad to start every league game. The midfield trio of captain Adam McDonnell, eighteen year old James McManus, and James Clarke, has been the go-to  recently. Bohs are strong in this position on the bench too, with the experienced heads of Jordan Flores and Keith Buckley both making over twenty appearances this term. McManus was the subject of bids believed to be around €250k from unnamed English clubs during the summer after impressing for the Dublin side, despite juggling League of Ireland football with completing his Leaving Cert.

 

Jonathan Afolabi, formerly of Celtic, is in superb form lately. He has netted in eight of his last seven league appearances and has scored in both of his sides’ FAI Cup games this season. The 23 year old will have been highlighted as one of Bohs’ main threats. Declan McDaid and Kris Twardek have made more substitute appearances than starts this season but offer quality in the wide areas when featuring. They have seven assists between them this term. The return of former star player Danny Grant from Huddersfield Town, who was close to a move to St. Pat’s, has further boosted the Bohemians front-line. He has made two assists in just three appearances since returning to Dalymount. Alistair Coote has ten goal involvements in 21 games, whilst former City striker James Akintunde has one goal and one assist in fourteen since leaving the Brandywell.

 

Whether it’s high scoring or not, Derry’s trips to Dalymount are entertaining affairs. The Derry faithful often travel in numbers to Bohemians away, and with over 3100 making the journey to Tallaght last week, many will make their way down to Dublin again on Friday. The home support in Dalymount is one of the best in Ireland in terms of creating an atmosphere and throwing the title race into the mix will add that little extra fire to the tie. Derry have kept three clean sheets in their last three – in playing time that is – but with Afolabi’s tendency to find the net recently, Brian Maher and his defence will be made to work if they’re too make it four in a row. Champions Shamrock Rovers also face Dundalk on Friday, looking to extend their lead at the top. A Dundalk win would do Derry, Pats, and Bohemians a favour in terms of keeping Rovers close. It would, however, put Dundalk on 46 points which is Derry and Bohs’ current tally. A win for both City and Dundalk on Friday would see the Candystripes come within two points of Rovers in top spot, with a game in hand against in UCD coming in September. Derry could really do with that win to keep the title dream alive.

 

Pól O’Hare – 23^rd August 2023

Derry City v St Patrick’s Athletic: FAI Cup Match Preview

 

Derry City v St Patrick’s Athletic, FAI Cup Round Two, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Sunday 20^th August 2023, kick-off 5pm.

 

            Derry City bowed out of the UEFA Europa Conference League following a cruel penalty-shootout defeat against FC Tobol on Thursday. After a gruelling two hours of football in Tallaght Stadium, the Candystripes couldn’t find a winner despite drawing the tie level on aggregate through a Will Patching penalty in the first half. The Kazakhstani side capitalised on penalty misses from Ben Doherty and Brian Maher to set up a group stage play-off against Czech side Viktoria Plzeň, who beat Gzira United of Malta 6-0 over two legs to progress.

 

            Ruaidhrí Higgins spoke of his devastation at being knocked out in such a manner, but expressed his pride in the team after the match. It’s a quick turnaround for City as they regroup to face St. Pat’s in the second round of the FAI Cup on Sunday. After 120 minutes of football on Thursday, Higgins will have to work with a fatigued squad in order to pick his strongest starting eleven.

            Despite the match against Tobol Kostanay going to extra-time and penalties, Derry know how to deal with a domestic game in quick succession of a big European tie. After their 1-0 defeat in Kazakhstan last week, City faced a long trip home and didn’t get back into Derry until midday on the Friday. With just two days back in the country, City defeated Drogheda United 3-0 to come within five points of the Premier Division summit on Sunday.

 

            Derry City will be hoping for similar luck this time round. St. Pat’s have only beaten Derry once in the history of the FAI Cup, a 2-0 final win in 2014. The two sides haven’t faced each other in the cup since 2018 either, when City came out 1-0 winners following a late Aidy Delap goal. This season, Derry and Pat’s have faced each other thrice in league action. Both sides have beaten each other this term already - Derry coming out 2-0 winners in the Brandywell in April and Pat’s winning 4-1 in Inchicore in June. An entertaining 1-1 draw was played out in the opening game of the season between the two teams in February.

 

St. Pat’s, despite a slow start to the league season, enjoyed a purple patch following the appointment of Jon Daly as their new manager in May. Since taking over as interim manager on May 2^nd, the Saints have played seventeen games, winning ten, drawing three and losing four. Two of those four losses came to F91 Dudelange in the UECL first round, emphasising Daly’s impressive job in turning round Pat’s domestic form. Derry sit one point behind the Inchicore side in the league table and play them in the Brandywell on the last game of the season. That game may be vital in the races for both the league title and for European places come November.

 

            In terms of FAI Cup action this season, Derry progressed to the second round following a comfortable 3-0 win over Athlone Town. Pat’s also faced First Division opposition in the first round, beating Longford Town 2-1 to reach this stage. A place in the quarter final awaits for the winner, and with Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne both bowing out in the first round, City and St. Pat’s will fancy their chances of going the full way. Should Derry progress, they could set up a north-west derby with rivals Finn Harps in the quarter final. The Ballybofey side beat Leinster Senior League opposition Skerries Town 5-0 on Friday evening.

 

            As Derry’s game against Tobol reached the latter stages, the City players were getting increasingly fatigued. Will Patching was replaced by Patrick McEleney early in the second half after going down injured. The former Manchester City midfielder has been in fine form of late but may not start on Sunday, depending on the severity of his knock. Michael Duffy has played a lot of football after coming back from injury, and Mark Connolly was heavily affected by cramp in extra-time. Brian Maher, who unfortunately missed a penalty in the shootout, played well but suffered a nasty fall in the second half. Tadhg Ryan, who kept a clean sheet in the first round tie against Athlone Town, may be in-line to start on Sunday as a result.

 

            St. Patrick’s Athletic, after losing 5-3 on aggregate to F91 Dudelange in the first round of UECL qualifying, haven’t had much disruption to their schedule due to European involvement. They also have had nine days of preparation following their 0-0 draw at home to Bohemians last Friday, ensuring they have a fresh squad to face Derry. Joe Redmond, who suffered a serious hamstring injury earlier in the season, has recently returned to the St. Pat’s squad. The 23 year old is a former Ireland U21 international and is Pat’s’ captain when fit. He scored an 89^th minute equaliser against Derry on the opening day of the season in Inchicore. Tom Grivosti, who partners Redmond in central defence, is out for the season after suffering an unfortunate ACL injury in late May.

 

            Despite playing seventeen league games this season, former Feyenoord defender Noah Lewis left St. Patrick’s last week. 17 year old full back Sam Curtis can deputise at centre back however, whilst new signing David Norman played on the left of a back three for Northampton Town last season. Former Liverpool, Aberdeen and Oldham Athletic right back Ryan McLaughlin is a recent addition to the Pat’s defence. The 28 year old has been included in the squad twice but is yet to feature. Chris Forrester is always one to look out for too, racking up twelve goals and four assists in the league this season. Former Hearts and Atlanta United winger Jake Mulraney also has twelve goal involvements in twenty-two this term. English goalkeeper Dean Lyness has been impressive between the sticks this season too, keeping eight clean sheets in twenty-two league games.

 

Elsewhere in the second round, fans of Cork City and Waterford will have to wait until Monday to witness their sides’ second meeting of the year after the tie was postponed prior to kick-off. Despite being 2-0 up away to UCD, Galway United were left frustrated after Storm Betty put a premature end to their game. That match will restart from scratch on Monday evening. Bohemians comfortably defeated Munster Senior League side Rockmount 6-0, whilst Dundalk edged past a resilient Bray Wanderers. Daryl Horgan’s first goal following his return from Wycombe insured that the Lilywhites left the Carlisle Grounds with a 1-0 win. Drogheda United also beat First Division opposition by a single goal, holding onto an early lead to win away to Kerry. In one of the more obscure ties of the second round, St. Patrick’s C.Y.F.C face Wexford on Sunday.

 

Both Derry City and St. Pat’s will hope for a successful cup run this term. Derry, who won the cup in 2022, and Pat’s, winners in 2021, both know that favourable draws in the quarter final will leave them within touching distance of another Aviva day out. Nine of the sixteen teams playing in the second round play in either the First Division or the regional Senior Leagues, meaning that both the Candystripes and the Saints are two of the favourites to win the competition. Due to this fixture taking place on Sunday, whilst four of the eight other ties took place on Friday, Derry and Pats will have more of a feel of what to expect in the quarter final. The draw for the quarters takes place on Tuesday 22^nd August at 12.30pm.

 

Pól O’Hare – 19 August 2023

Derry City v FC Tobol Kostanay: Second Leg Match Preview

 

Derry City FC v. FC Tobol Kostanay, UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round Second Leg, Tallaght Stadium, 17^th August 2023, kick-off 19.45pm Irish time (00.45am Kazakhstani time)

 

            Derry City fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first round of their UECL Third Round qualifier against Kazakhstani outfit Tobol Kostanay last Thursday. A left footed wonderstrike from Roman Asrankulov, which kissed the crossbar before nestling in the top corner, was all that separated the sides in the first leg.

 

            The home team started the brighter of the two sides. Within one minute Ivorian forward Serges Deblé released a shot from inside the box which, fortunately for Derry, was straight at Brian Maher. Derry’s first promising foray forward came when Will Patching found Paul McMullan within the Tobol half. The Scottish winger drove towards the Kazakh defence before jinking between two players, a run which Derry fans are quickly becoming accustomed to. A cynical trip from Asrankulov was necessary to prevent the former Dundee man from bearing down on goal, and the following freekick from Patching was punched away by Ivan Konovalov in the Tobol goal.

 

The Kazakhstani side were lucky to keep all eleven men on the pitch after Serikzhan Muzhikov’s two footed lunge on Adam O’Reilly, just yards from the referee. Austrian referee Stefan Ebner felt that the tackle wasn’t even worthy of a card, despite showing nine yellows during the course of the game. This wouldn't be the last time that Ebner would be in the spotlight either.

 

Derry City had Brian Maher to thank once again early in the second half. Mark Connolly’s poor clearance landed at the feet of Deblé who clipped it forward to Islam Chesnokov. The winger was one-on-one with the City shot-stopper who bravely made himself big and smothered the ball.

 

Ten minutes later, the deadlock was broken. Chesnokov picked the ball up on the halfway line and switched it wide to Miljan Vukadinović. The former Serbian international laid it off to left back Roman Asrankulov who fired the ball into the top corner via the woodwork. An unstoppable drive to give the Kazakhstani side the lead.

 

Derry had a chance of their own just five minutes later. Sadou Diallo, who has been in fine form of late, unleashed a strike from range which seemed to worry Ivan Konovalov. Will Patching got to the rebound and was bundled over within the penalty area. Ebner waved away Derry penalty claims and awarded a free kick to Tobol for a supposed dive from the Englishman. Soon after, a scuffed kick from Konovalov landed to Patching again. The midfielder played it to Michael Duffy who cooly took it past the Tobol defender before firing it into the side netting. A close miss in what would pan out to be Derry’s best opportunity of the game.

 

FC Tobol, therefore, take a 1-0 lead into Derry’s ‘home’ tie in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, but Derry City are definitely not counting themselves out just yet. In European qualification, a 1-0 lead is slender. Tallaght’s smooth playing surface will work to the advantage of both teams. Ruaidhrí Higgins and Milić Curčić want to play attacking football and, as has been seen with Derry’s win over KuPS and Tobol’s win over Basel, both managers have no problem in going all out to get a result.

 

With a 3-0 win over Drogheda at the weekend, Derry City will be confident in their quality going into Thursday’s second leg. As predicted last week, Higgins made five changes to the Derry side which lost in Kazakhstan. Ciaran Coll, Jordan McEneff, Brandon Kavanagh, Danny Mullen and Shane McEleney started. The squad depth required to rotate heavily yet still win comfortably is testament to Derry’s smart recruitment in recent years. Paul McMullan, Will Patching and Patrick McEleney changed the game in the second half after coming on however. Their introductions brought additional quality in the final third and ensured Derry came away with a vital three points. Jamie McGonigle will be glad to have gotten on the scoresheet again, whilst Michael Duffy added another goal and assist to his tally this season.

 

FC Tobol also played on Sunday, losing 2-1 away to Kairat Almaty. Ivan Rogać and Ivan Konovalov were the only two players to start both against Derry and against Kairat. This means it’s the second time in as many weeks that Curčić made considerable changes to his starting eleven ahead of a big European game. He only made two substitutions too, bringing on Chesnokov and Deblé, thus keeping the rest of his starting squad fresh for Thursday. Tobol, who have reached the final of the Kazakhstan Cup, seem to have given up on league ambitions this year. They sit in 7^th, thirteen points off Astana in third, with just eight games remaining. Should they beat Ordabasy in the cup final, they will qualify for the second qualifying round of the 2024/25 Europa Conference League. Therefore, they can afford to rest players in the league in order to give UECL group stage qualification this season their best shot. Curčić has been rewarded for his recent exploits too, winning the Kazakhstan Premier League Manager of the Month award for July.

 

Neither side seem to have any new significant injury concerns going into the second leg. Despite coming off injured against KuPS, Cameron Dummigan was named in the squads for both the first leg against Tobol, and against Drogheda on Sunday. Despite not featuring in either, his presence on the bench suggests that he should be fit enough to play some part in affairs if called upon. Shane McEleney was replaced by Mark Connolly after going down in the second half against Drogheda, but hopefully his injury is not serious. Michael Duffy seemed to hold his ankle briefly after a challenge against Drogheda also, but his cool finish late in the game seems to have eradicated any doubts of an injury. Tobol’s two substitutions against Kairat Almaty seemed tactical as they went into half-time 2-1 down and needed an attacking injection.

 

It was announced last week that UEFA denied Derry City's request to change their 'home' venue for the second leg to Windsor Park in Belfast, despite both the IFA and Linfield giving the switch the green light. This would have been a symbolic event, holding more significance than merely sporting. 

Derry, resultingly, have been given 3500 tickets for Tallaght’s West Stand. An email from the club stated that other stands would be opened pending ticket demand. The Brandywell was bouncing against HB Tórshavn and KuPS in the last few weeks, something which players and staff have attributed to the club’s European success this season. Despite the distance, Derry fans will surely be on top form to replicate this atmosphere down in Tallaght.

 

A UECL group stage play-off against the winner of the tie between Czech club Viktoria Plzeň and Malta’s Gzira United awaits the victor on Thursday. Plzeň comfortably defeated the Maltese side in the first leg, winning 4-0 at home. It will be the furthest that either Derry or Tobol will have progressed in European competition. In avoiding teams such as Aston Villa, Fiorentina and Eintracht Frankfurt in the play-off, whoever progresses will not write themselves off in the final round. It’s a big one for all involved on Thursday.

 

Pól O’Hare – 15 August 2023

 

Derry City v Drogheda United: Match Preview

Derry City v. Drogheda United, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 27, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 13 August 2023, 6.30pm kick-off

 

            Derry City face Drogheda United for their first league game in over a month, sandwiched between two crucial UECL Third Round ties to FC Tobol Kostanay. The Candystripes fell to a 1-0 defeat in Kazakhstan but will be hoping to bounce back at home on Sunday.

 

            The last time Drogheda visited the Brandywell they earned a 1-0 win, despite the early sending off of Emmanuel Adegboyega. The second half dismissal of Cameron McJannet meant that both teams had ten men on the field going into the latter stages, and it was the visitors who capitalised. Elicha Ahui scored from close range following a Gary Deegan free kick to give his side the win in a frustrating game from a Derry point of view. That was Drogheda’s first win in the Brandywell since a 2-0 victory in September 2015, with Patrick McEleney the only member of that Derry team currently at the club.

 

            Derry claimed revenge in the form of their own 1-0 victory in the most recent encounter between the sides. Adam O’Reilly netted his first goal for City that evening with a low drive just eleven minutes in. Some Brian Maher heroics were needed to ensure that all three points came back up the road, denying Freddie Draper from close range late on. The Lincoln City loanee also struck the woodwork in the first half.

 

            Freddie Draper and Elicha Ahui are two players who Derry will not have to worry about this time round. Draper, despite reported interest from the Candystripes, returned to Lincoln in July following the expiration of his loan. He was swiftly loaned to Walsall, ending speculation of a move to the Brandywell. Ahui, too, was a loanee from Lincoln City. The 19 year old right back recently agreed a move to Ayr United in order to further his development. Emmanuel Adegboyega is another young talent who has left Drogheda for pastures new this summer, signing for Championship side Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.

 

            Draper was a key part of Drogheda’s attack in the first half of the season. At the age of just 18, the English striker was entrusted with leading the Drogs’ frontline. He thoroughly impressed too, scoring eight goals and recording three assists in twenty-one appearances. It’s no wonder why Ruaidhrí Higgins wanted him to bolster his own attacking options. Ahui made twenty appearances for Drogheda before his return to Lincoln. His only goal was the aforementioned winner against Derry, but the young defender looked comfortable playing at League of Ireland level. Adegboyega started in twenty one games this term, keeping three clean sheets. Standing at 6'3", the 19 year old was a physical presence in the Drogheda defence, and will join a strong Irish contingent at The Canaries. 

 

            Drogheda have scored ten goals in six league and cup games since losing Draper earlier in the summer, winning just two in that period. His last appearance came on the 23^rd of June, when he was shown a straight red card, thus missing the final match of his loan spell. Since that date, Drogheda have won one league game, a 3-1 win away to UCD. A 2-1 win in the FAI Cup against Sligo Rovers followed, setting up a favourable second round tie away to Kerry FC. Despite a solid 0-0 draw against Shamrock Rovers, a team whom they are undefeated against in league action since February 2022, Drogheda fumbled a 2-0 lead to draw with Sligo Rovers three weeks later. Moreover, despite equalising twice in Dalymount against Bohemian last week, Drogheda would eventually slump to a 4-2 defeat.

 

They currently sit in 8^th position in the table and will look to distance themselves from a relegation scrap come the Autumn. United are currently five points clear of Cork City, who tried to lure manager Kevin Doherty away from Weavers Park just last week. The Drogheda faithful will have been glad to hear of Danu Kinsella-Bishop’s equaliser against for UCD against Cork on Friday, as a win for the Rebels would’ve cut the gap to the Drogs to just three points.

 

            United’s main attacking threats come in the presence of Darragh Markey and Dayle Rooney in the midfield. St. Pat’s academy graduate Markey has racked up six assists and a goal this term, whilst Rooney has eight assists and three goals to his name. The former Shelbourne winger is also the only member of the side to have featured in all twenty-six league games this season. League of Ireland stalwarts Ryan Brennan and Adam Foley can’t be written off either, having scored nine goals and earned two assists this season between them.

            With the sending off of Evan Weir last week, it is likely that on-loan Shelbourne defender Conor Kane will start in that left full back position. With just two league appearances this season, he’ll be out to prove a point. Derry, however, may look to play to his lack of match sharpness and focus attacking play down his side. 17 year old Andrew Wogan has also been preferred to usual netminder Colin McCabe since early June, and will likely start on Sunday. He kept Drogheda’s fourth clean sheet of the season against Shamrock Rovers on July 7^th.

 

Aside from the long-term injuries to Colm Whelan and Ciaron Harkin, Derry have a mostly clean bill of health going into the game against Drogheda. Patrick McEleney, who was replaced by Sadou Diallo after just half an hour against KuPS last week, made a twenty-five minute cameo in Kostanay on Thursday. Cameron Dummigan also came off injured in Finland and was an unused substitute against Tobol. Don’t be shocked to see the likes of Jordan McEneff and Brandon Kavanagh start on Sunday following substitute appearances in Europe either. 

Ruaidhrí Higgins may not want to risk key players like Will Patching and Michael Duffy from the start in order to have as strong a squad as possible for the return leg against FC Tobol in Dublin next week. In saying that, he also knows how hard Drogheda can be to break down and will not take the game lightly. It is important that Derry do not treat this game as merely a distraction to their UECL qualifiers, as they now sit eight points off Shamrock Rovers on top, four from St. Pat’s in second, and three for Bohemian in third.

 

The Candystripes have just eleven league games remaining to mount a serious title charge and overtake the three Dublin clubs above them. A late Shelbourne equaliser against Shamrock Rovers saw the champions drop points, whilst St. Pat’s and Bohemian played out a 0-0 draw on Friday. Both results will be good news to Derry supporters, knowing that a win against Drogheda on Sunday will narrow the gap to the summit to five points. City also have two games in hand on the three teams above them but must be cautious not to waste such an opportunity.

 

Pól O’Hare – 11 August 2023

FC Tobol Kostanay v Derry City: Match Preview

FC Tobol Kostanay v Derry City: Match Preview

 

FC Tobol v Derry City, UEFA Europa Conference League Third Round First Leg, Kostanay Zentralstadion, Thursday 10 August 2023, kick-off 8pm Kazakhstani time (3pm Irish time)

 

            Derry City put on yet another historic European performance last week as they defeated Finnish side KuPS 5-4 on aggregate, progressing to the Third Round of European competition for the first time since 2009. Following a 2-1 win in the first leg at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, the Candystripes travelled to Finland knowing that a draw would suffice in order to progress further in the UECL.

 

            Both teams went at it from the start, with KuPS dominant in the early stages. Just over twelve minutes in, a loose ball in the centre of the park was intercepted by Cameron Dummigan. The former Oldham Athletic man fed the ball to Paul McMullan who, in similar fashion to his assist in the Brandywell, drove down the right flank. After a feint unbalanced Collins Sichenje, the Scotsman clipped the ball to the back post where Cian Kavanagh was on hand to head Derry into a 3-1 aggregate lead. Another European assist for McMullan and another vital European goal for Kavanagh. Knowing that they now needed three goals to win the tie, KuPS went on the attack. An Anton Popovitch corner on the 24^th minute was fumbled by Brian Maher, allowing Jasse Tuominen to bring the score level on the night. Twenty minutes later, the Finnish striker turned provider. A long ball forward was nodded down by Tete Yengi then flicked by Tuominen into the path of Saku Savolainen. The 26 year old’s shot was deflected by Ronan Boyce and flicked over Maher in the Derry goal to give KuPS the lead. It was 3-3 on aggregate going into half-time.

 

            Ten minutes after the restart, the ball found its way to Michael Duffy on the left wing. His pass to Will Patching was dummied by the Englishman and struck by Sadou Diallo from distance. Diallo’s first shot rebounded back out to him, but he made no mistake with his second effort, leaving Kreidl stranded and giving Derry the aggregate advantage once again. The Finns had an instant reply. Savolainen found himself one on one with Maher and cooly poked the ball under the onrushing Derry goalkeeper, levelling the tie. On the 69 minute mark, Sadou Diallo floated a lovely ball into the KuPS box. It was directed into the bottom corner by Michael Duffy who wheeled away in celebration. With twenty minutes to go, KuPS needed two goals to progress and seemed to lose hope. Despite the introduction of fresh attacking legs in the form of Jake Jervis and Pyry Lampinen, the Finns failed to threaten Derry’s lead. The thirty or so travelling fans, along with the Derry players and staff, were delighted when referee Dario Bel blew the final whistle. With Kazakhstani side Tobol Kostanay defeating Basel 4-3 on aggregate, the City faithful knew that the long journey to the East awaited them.

 

            For the first time in fourteen years, Derry City find themselves in the third round of European qualifying. In 2009, after defeating Skonto Riga 2-1 in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, Derry were drawn against Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia. Despite a 1-1 draw in the Brandywell, Sofia progressed thanks to a 1-0 win in Bulgaria. The Candystripes will be hoping for a different outcome this time round. After defeating FC Honka in the first round, Tobol overcame Swiss giants Basel 4-3 on aggregate. Despite an impressive 3-1 home win over the nine-man Swiss side, Tobol lost 2-1 in Switzerland. That wasn’t the first time they met Basel in Europe either, losing 3-1 to FCB over two legs in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup in 2006/07. As it happens, Derry progressed to the First Round proper of the UEFA Cup that season. With famous home and away wins over IFK Göteborg in the first round, City hammered Scottish side Gretna 7-3 in the second round. In the first leg of the first round proper, Derry held a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain side to a scoreless draw in the Brandywell, before losing 2-0 in the Parc des Princes. That European escapade is the Candystripes’ most famous, but there are whispers that the run of summer 2023 may be up there.

 

            There is, believe it or not, a connection between Derry City and Tobol Kostanay. Former Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton winger Andrei Kanchelskis was named Chief Executive Officer of Tobol Kostanay in July 2023. In October 2015, the Irish Mirror reported that Kanchelskis had applied for the vacant Derry City manager job following Peter Hutton’s sacking a month prior.[1] Paul Hegarty was Derry’s caretaker manager at the time and was favourite to the land the job permanently. Ultimately, Kanchelskis was unsuccessful and Kenny Shiels was named Derry’s new manager prior to the 2016 season.

 

            Tobol have an interesting continental history. Similarly to Derry, the Kazakhstani side have never got further than the third qualifying round of European competition, despite winning the 2007 UEFA Intertoto Cup. As reward for winning the Intertoto Cup that year, Tobol were entered into the second round of UEFA Cup qualifying, were they lost 3-0 to Polish side Dyskobolia Grodzisk. After winning the Kazakhstan Premier League for the second time in 2021, Tobol entered the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League in the first qualifying round. Ferencváros, who beat Shamrock Rovers 4-1 in the play-off round of the Europa League that season, defeated the Kazakhstani side 5-1. After dropping into the UECL following this defeat, Tobol defeated Lincoln Red Imps 3-0 in the second round before losing 2-1 to Zrinjski Mostar in the third round. They reached the UECL third round the season prior too, losing 6-0 to Žilina after impressively defeating Hajduk Split 4-3 in the second round. Defeating Basel 4-3 is probably Tobol’s most impressive European result in their history. Other notable results include a 1-0 home win over Austria Wien in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup, and a 1-1 draw with Galatasaray in 2009-10 Europa League qualifiers.

 

            In their 56 year history, Tobol have played four less European games than Derry City (44 to Derry’s 48). Despite this, they have won 17 times, compared to Derry’s 11, and have lost 18 games. This makes for stark contrast to Derry City, who have lost 28 European matches. In saying that, Derry’s first European tie, in which they lost 5-0 to Steaua Bucharest in 1964, came three years before Tobol Kostanay’s creation, under the name Avtomobilist in 1967. According to UEFA’s club rankings, Tobol Kostanay currently sit at 232^nd. HB Tórshavn, who Derry defeated in the first round, sit at 191^st, whilst KuPS sit at 124^th for reference. Derry are seemingly punching above their weight, placed at 367^th.

 

            In terms of league form, FC Tobol seem to be struggling to get a run together this season. They currently sit in 6^th place, with eight wins,two draws and six losses after 16 games. Their negative goal difference of -1 will certainly be of interest to Duffy, McMullan and co. In a similar fashion to Ruaidhrí Higgins, Tobol manager Milo Curcic tends to field either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. He has deviated from this just twice this season, moving to a 3-4-3 against Kairat Almaty and Kaysar back in May. Both games ended in losses.

 

Tobol Kostanay currently have three international players in their squad. Midfielders Ramazan Orazov and Samat Zharynbetov, along with defender Bagdat Kairov, have 34 combined appearances for the Kazakhstan national team. Russian goalkeeper Ivan Konovalov came through the ranks at Spartak Moscow and made 20 appearances for Rubin Kazan. He joined Tobol from Scottish side Livingston, where he made 7 appearances between 2022 and 2023. The Russian was in that 2022/23 Livingston squad alongside former Shelbourne and current Cork City midfielder Jaze Kabia, and former Dundalk winger Stephen Bradley.

 

            The centre back partnership of Bojan Mlađović and Ivan Rogać has started in all four of Tobol’s UECL fixtures this season. The former can deputise at left-back and plied his trade in Serbia prior to his switch to Tobol in February. The latter began his career in Red Star Belgrade’s second team and made two appearances for Serbia’s U20s. Despite making just four league appearances, left back Roman Asrankulov has also started in all of Tobol’s European games, having to deal with Swiss international winger Dan Ndoye against Basel. Jovan Ilić and Samat Zharynbetov are mainstays in the Tobol midfield, whilst Ramazan Orazov has tended to feature in attacking midfield.

 

Right winger Islam Chesnokov has scored and assisted in the UECL this year, whilst netting thrice and creating three assists in the Kazakhstan Premier League. A direct winger with an eye for goal, he’ll certainly be a handful for Ben Doherty. On the other flank, Miljan Vukadinović has scored twice in Europe this season. He played 16 times on loan at Slavia Prague from Mladá Boleslav in 2015/16 and featured for the Serbian national team against Panama and the Dominican Republic in 2021. Completing Tobol’s front three is Ivorian striker Serges Deblé, who has two goals and two assists in the UECL this term. With five goals and two assists in thirteen in the Kazakhstan Premier League this season, the 33 year old definitely knows where the back of the net is. With teams like Charlton Athletic, Angers, and Nantes on his CV, his pedigree cannot be undermined.

 

Derry will be high on confidence following their win over KuPS, as will Tobol considering their impressive win over Basel. Despite a long day of travelling to Kostanay, via Budapest and Tbilisi, Ruaidhrí Higgins will be wanting to come home with a solid result. It seems like both managers are taking no chances ahead of Thursday’s game. Last Sunday’s proposed league game away to UCD was postponed in order to allow Derry more preparation time, whilst Milo Curcic rested his entire preferred starting eleven in his side’s 2-0 defeat to FC Kaysar at the weekend.

 

Derry City themselves are in conversation with UEFA, the IFA and the FAI ahead of changing City’s ‘home’ fixture to Windsor Park in Belfast, from Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. There is no doubt that Derry fans would travel in numbers to Tallaght, but with a 7:45 kick off, a lot more would make the shorter trip to Windsor. With a capacity of 18,500, Derry fans will be hoping to pack Linfield’s stadium should the venue change be confirmed in the coming days.

 

I can’t see at least one of Tobol’s front three not being in amongst the goals on Thursday, especially in front of their own fans. Their quality seems to be shining above the rest on the European stage. However, as Derry proved both home and away to KuPS, they have no problem in recovering from going a goal down in Europe. Sadou Diallo has scored twice in Derry’s four European games this season. Paul McMullan has two assists in Europe, whereas Michael Duffy has a goal and two assists. Cian Kavanagh has also netted twice in his two European appearances. Their away clean sheet against HB Tórshavn will provide extra motivation.

 

After last week’s matches, Derry City are now the only team left on the island of Ireland fighting on the European stage. In the early hours of last Friday morning, a number of Derry fans made their way to City of Derry Airport to welcome the team and travelling fans back from Finland. The players know how much a European run means to City supporters and, despite the distance, know just how much support they have back home. They’ll strive to put on another historic performance in Tallaght (or Windsor) next Thursday. First though, Derry City will have to show Tobol Kostanay what they’re about in Kazakhstan.

 

Pól O’Hare - 8 August 2023

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[1] Paul O’Hehir, ‘Manchester United legend has applied for the Derry City manager job’, Mirror Sport, 11 October 2015 (https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/manchester-united-legend-applied-derry-6613585)

KuPS v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Kuopion Palloseura vs. Derry City FC, UEFA Europa Conference League Second Round Second  Leg, Väre Arena, Thursday 3^rd August, kick-off 7pm Finnish time (5pm Irish time).

 

            It’s half-time in the tie and it is Derry City who take a narrow lead into the second leg in Kuopio. A magnificent second half comeback saw the Candystripes overturn a 1-0 deficit to beat KuPS 2-1 in the Brandywell, with players and staff alike praising the electric home atmosphere.

 

            Goals from Will Patching and Cian Kavanagh cancelled out an Axel Vidjeskog penalty in the first round, but the Finns won’t write themselves off just yet. As mentioned by Simon Collins of the Derry Journal, KuPS were without three starting defenders due to visa issues.[1] Ibrahim Cissé, Clinton Antwi and Collins Sichenje did not travel last week, but have all been heavily involved this season. Furthermore, the possible return of midfielder Anton Popovitch following an injury will strengthen KuPS as they look to make good of their home advantage. The Brandywell crowd saw glimpses of the talent in the Finnish side last week, particularly in the first half. Number nine Jasse Tuominen was deployed on the left wing and looked lively, whilst Tete Yengi would have netted if it wasn’t for the right hand of Brian Maher. Urho Nissilä, whom I highlighted as a particular danger prior to the first leg, seemed confident. A few shimmies and stepovers showed that the Finnish international had a bit about him. Ruaidhrí Higgins and the Derry faithful will be glad to know that the 27 year old left KuPS earlier this week, following the expiration of his contract. In the backline, young centre back Tony Miettinen maintained a calm head and looked comfortable in possession. His battle with Jamie McGonigle in the first half showed that the twenty year old was not overawed by the occasion by any means. Austrian goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl was impressive between the sticks too, with his passing ability proving key to the Finns’ build-up play.

 

            Despite a slow first fifteen, Derry City upped the tempo and grew into the match. Brian Maher, in spite of a few wayward early passes, was solid when called upon. His save on the hour mark was crucial in keeping Derry from going 2-0 down. Full backs Ben Doherty and Ronan Boyce were central to the home side’s opportunities in the first half. The former tested Kreidl with a drive from distance, meanwhile Boyce struck the woodwork twice in quick succession. The centre back partnership of Mark Connolly and Cameron McJannet was strong throughout, whilst Cameron Dummigan did a superb job in defensive midfield. With a number of Irish League players making an appearance in Northern Ireland senior squads in recent times, the Lurgan born midfielder is surely not far away from a call-up himself. Will Patching also looks back to his best, scoring three goals in his last five games – including against KuPS last week. With a recent nomination for the SSE Airtricity/SWI Player of the Month award, the Manchester City academy graduate’s recent performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

 

            Patrick McEleney was the standout player on the pitch last week. He barely put a foot wrong and set the standard as he captained the Candystripes to victory. His passing was top-notch, and his confidence on the ball showed how much he enjoys playing on the European stage. This game against KuPS will be the midfielder’s 48^th in European competition, including two Europa League group stage runs with Dundalk. Another man who is no stranger to European competition is Michael Duffy. The Galliagh man posed a constant threat on the left side and was swarmed by yellow shirts whenever a hint of a cut inside appeared. The former Celtic winger’s assist for the winner highlighted both his quick thinking and quality. Substitutes Paul McMullan and Cian Kavanagh did exactly as instructed coming off the bench too. McMullan’s surging run provided the assist for Patching’s leveller, whilst Kavanagh was positioned perfectly to bag the winner ten minutes later. Adam O’Reilly returned from a three match suspension and had a great opportunity to score Derry’s third late on but fired straight at the KuPS netminder.

 

               An Artu Heinonen double saw the KuPS cruise past KTP at the weekend, regaining top spot in the Veikkausliiga in the process. The 24 year old was a late substitute in the Brandywell, but following the departure of the aforementioned Urho Nissilä, will be hoping to claim a starting berth this time round. This win came at the right time for KuPS and ended a four game winless run. Despite having played one more fixture than second placed SJK, this confidence boost will be welcomed by Jani Honkavaara as his side prepare for the second leg against Derry.

 

Both managers know just how a fragile a one goal lead can be going into the second round. Should Derry score first, the Finns will need three to progress. Should KuPS score first, they will level the score on aggregate and will strive to make use of their home advantage. With the away goal rule scrapped in 2021, the tie will surely balance on the first goal in Kuopio on Thursday.  A goal-fest is certainly not out of the equation, with both managers usually preferring to set up in a more attacking manner. In saying that, KuPS boast the best defensive record in the Veikkausliiga. Similarly, Derry City have conceded just two more goals than Shelbourne this season and possess the second best defence in the League of Ireland. If there are goals, expect them to be of some quality in order to get past these two defences.

           

            The winner between Derry City and KuPS will face either Swiss outfit FC Basel or Tobol Kostanay of Kazakhstan. Tobol provided one of the shocks of the round, as they defeated a nine-man Basel 3-1 last Thursday. Whilst fans of both Derry and KuPS would have preferred an away day in Switzerland, Tobol Kostanay would certainly prove the more favourable draw. Derry have already pocketed at least €150,000 following their first round win over HB Tórshavn, but progression to the third round would see €550,000 added to their prize pot. Qualification to the play-off round would see an income of €750,000. It’s definitely too premature to be speaking of group stage qualification, but it would net €2.94m according to Goal.com.[2]

 

            The Candystripes’ win last week saw the Republic of Ireland’s coefficient rise by 0.250 points. Elsewhere in the country, a hefty 4-0 defeat at the hands of Ferencváros sees Shamrock Rovers all but out of European competition this year. Dundalk will also need a massive performance to overturn their 3-1 loss against KA Akureyri, who currently sit 7^th in the Icelandic topflight.  Derry, therefore, may be Ireland’s best shot at having representation in the third round of the UECL this season.

 

Pól O’Hare

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[1] Simon Collins, ‘KuPS manager says he must devise a plan for Derry City's 'direct approach' as defensive trio return’, Derry Journal, 31 July 2023 (https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/kups-manager-says-he-must-devise-a-plan-for-derry-citys-direct-approach-as-defensive-trio-return-4238325)

[2] Chris Burton, ‘What do Europa Conference League winners get? Prize money & qualification berth explained’, Goal.com, 24 May 2022 (https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/kups-manager-says-he-must-devise-a-plan-for-derry-citys-direct-approach-as-defensive-trio-return-4238325)