Shamrock Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (28th March 2025)

 

Shamrock Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Shamrock Rovers FC v. Derry City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 7, Tallaght Stadium, Friday 28^th March 2025, kick-off 8pm

Tiernan Lynch’s Derry City went into the international break a rejuvenated side following their 1-0 away win over Sligo Rovers two weeks ago, their first in the Sligo Showgrounds since August 2021. The three points lifted the Candystripes off the foot of the table and into 7^th, condemning their hosts to tenth place in doing so. Next up for City is a trip to Shamrock Rovers, a side who put four past Lynch’s Larne side on his last visit to Tallaght in UEFA Conference League action.

Derry City:

Heading down to Sligo rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division table, and without the suspended Carl Winchester and injured Kevin Holt, Derry City needed a victory to escape the relegation zone. Knowing that defeat would leave them bottom going into the two week international break, Tiernan Lynch’s side were desperate to get one over the team who effectively put an end to Derry’s title charge in each of the last two seasons. When the team sheet came out and City had no central defenders on the bench, there were fears that the league’s top scorers could continue their three-and-a-half year unbeaten streak over the Candystripes at home.

It was the hosts who started the game the brighter, despite a coming together between Cian Kavanagh and Dom Thomas straight from kick-off igniting a fracas and slowing the first minutes. The first meaningful attempt of the evening came just after the quarter hour mark, when an inch-perfected lobbed ball from Reece Hutchinson on the halfway line dropped for Jad Hakiki, who lobbed over Brian Maher. With multiple heads-in-hands in the away end, Sam Todd cleared off the line to keep the scores at nil-nil. Heroic defending from the centre back, but it wasn’t the first time that a ball over the top undid the City rearguard.

Five minutes later though, and the away side had a breakthrough. As City’s free-kick supremo Michael Duffy stood over the dead ball on the twenty minute mark, you had a feeling we’d get something out of it. His inswinger was a troubling one for the Sligo defence, evading everyone in the box and bouncing before nestling in the top corner. Despite Rovers’ protestations (the linesman flagged for offside before the referee said it didn’t touch anyone and awarded the goal), the travelling support went into raptures as the Candystripes went a goal to the good.

On a difficult pitch, the match got scrappy and neither team could get the ball down to play much football, leading to a fairly uneventful remainder to the first half. With Ciaron Harkin replacing Sadou Diallo following injury and Shane Ferguson coming on at half-time for Dom Thomas, it seemed like Derry were prepared to sit in and fight for the victory. Danny Mullen’s introduction on the 69^th minute give City energy in the front line, as he pressed the Rovers defence and made himself a nuisance. A sliced effort from him just minutes after coming on proved to be Derry’s last decent opportunity of the game.

Hearts were in mouths across the Showgrounds as the lively Jad Hakiki broke on the counter-attack after nipping the ball from Adam O’Reilly. He drove into the box and played one-two with Cian Kavanagh before sliding in Stephen Mallon. The former City winger had a golden opportunity to level his side on the 86^th minute but took one touch too many and fired straight at the onrushing Brian Maher. A great save from City’s number one to clinch the point for the travelling side; their first in the Showgrounds since 2021. A huge three points for Tiernan Lynch’s men, who enjoyed the victory as much as the travelling support in the corner. City off the foot of the table and hopefully out of the relegation zone for good.

The game against Sligo Rovers wasn’t one for the football purist. The pitch made it difficult for both teams, who resorted to lumping it long to get the ball up the park. Michael Duffy’s goal was his fourth of the campaign and City’s fifth. It was Duffy’s third goal from a dead-ball situation; two penalties and a freekick. Only one of City’s goals in 2025 have come from open play, that was Duffy’s equaliser against Shelbourne on the opening day, meaning it’ll be six weeks when City next play since their last open-play goal. That’s a worry for Tiernan Lynch, who’ll be hoping to create more down the middle and get Liam Boyce in dangerous positions more often. The former Hearts man showed his close-control and technical prowess in the Showgrounds but doesn’t find himself poaching in the box often.

The long-ball nature of the game in Sligo often bypassed the midfield, leaving City’s two in the middle to fight for second balls and break up possession. In a way, that suited Adam O’Reilly and the later introduced Ciaron Harkin – two players who aren’t afraid to get stuck in. City’s centre backs were solid too, beating Cian Kavanagh to every ball in the air and refusing to be bullied by the former City and Pat’s forward. Sam Todd, being left-footed, and Hayden Cann provided balance either side of captain Mark Connolly in the middle, who looked back to his assured best. Sadou Diallo was withdrawn through injury, although Carl Winchester will be back against Rovers following suspension. Tallaght’s large pitch could suit the Candystripes, who have been impressive at times this season when playing with the ball on the ground.

With a two week break and positive away win under the belt, Tiernan Lynch will have his side well-drilled going to Tallaght on Friday. These games are always entertaining, with this one likely to provide more fireworks. City have taken all three points away to Rovers just once since 2017, back in March 2023. After breaking the curse of a winless streak in Sligo though, City will be gunning for the same again this week.

Shamrock Rovers:

The achievement of five league titles in a row was one step too far for Shamrock Rovers in 2024, albeit four in a row isn’t bad going. After a slow start, winless in the first four, Rovers strung a bit of form together but had a stop-start summer period as they juggled European qualification with a title challenge. Their FAI Cup journey ended at the first hurdle last year, with defeat to Bohemians in Round Two. With all focus on European qualification, getting to the second round of Champions League qualifying before making their way to the Europa League play-offs, Rovers entered the UEFA Conference League league phase (mouthful) via defeat to PAOK of Greece in the aforementioned Europa League play-off round.

Despite their inconsistency, the Hoops finished second in the Premier Division, just two points behind winners Shelbourne. In fact, they were top on the final day until Harry Wood’s late goal in the Brandywell clinched the title for the Tolka side. Thinking of it, Rovers should thank us for completely collapsing and giving them a hit at another title. A decent finish in the end for Stephen Bradley’s men, but it was on the European stage were his side shone brightest. An injury-time header rescued a point at home to APOEL Nicosia, before Rovers made light work of Tiernan Lynch’s Larne side – despatching their northern counterparts 4-1 in Windsor Park. Victory over TNS of Wales, Bosnia’s Borac Banja Luka and an impressive draw away to Rapid Vienna saw Rovers unbeaten and already qualified for the knockout play-off round going into their last game, becoming the first Irish side to progress through the group stages of continental competition. Chelsea but five past Rovers in Stamford Bridge in the final game, with Marc Guiu netting a hat-trick. After beating Molde away in the knockout round first leg, Rovers had their hearts broken when they lost to the Norwegian side on penalties in the second leg. Molde have since been eliminated by Legia Warsaw. No matter where your allegiances lie, Rovers’ European run was some feat, and did wonders for the coefficient. Fair played to them.

A cool seven million quid in the bank off the back of their European escapades, but the draw of knockout football and an assumedly healthy bonus couldn’t persuade some of Rovers star men to stay. Markus Poom’s loan from Levadia Tallinn came to an end, as did Johnny Kenny’s from Celtic. Rovers failed in a late swoop to bring Kenny back after an appearance for Celtic meant he couldn’t register for anyone other than the Glasgow side or Rovers this year. Wing-back Neil Farrugia made the move to Barnsley, whilst winger Darragh Burns saw his loan from MK Dons expire before being snapped up by Grimsby Town.

Long-time centre back Seán Hoare switched to St. Pat’s, whilst Carl Lennox and Gideon Tetteh moved to UCD and Athlone Town respectively. 18 year old striker Cian Dillon joined Queen’s Park Rangers, whilst Coonan Noonan joined Waterford on-loan and has been one of the Blue’s best players this year. Striker Marc McNulty also departed, leaving Rovers light up front. Moves for Johnny Kenny and former Bohemians striker Jonathan Afolabi didn’t materialise. Derry’s Pat Hoban was also rumoured to be a target. Rovers, then, turned their attention to Michael Noonan of St. Pat’s. They handed the 16 year old his debut in the Conference League against Molde, where he became the youngest ever goal-scorer in European competition proper when he bagged in the second half. The re-signing of Rory Gaffney then took the pressure of the youngster’s shoulders to lead the line, as he and Aaron Greene provide experienced heads up top.

Danny Grant, a man with a tattoo of Dalymount Park, crossed the divide to sign from Bohemians – much to the delight of the Bohs fans as you can imagine. Ed McGinty, who impressed on-loan at Sligo Rovers, signed from Oxford United, whilst former Cork City midfielder Matty Healy joined from Belgian outfit Royal Francs Borains. Adam Matthews, the former Celtic fullback who started in that famous win over Barcelona in Parkhead in 2013, was another statement signing to strengthen the defence. Lastly, right-back Sean Robertson, who spent the second half of last season at Derry City, joined for the Hoops after seeing his contract mutually terminated at the Brandywell.  Decent business all-round from the Tallaght side.

The departure of Johnny Kenny left a gap in the forward line in the shape of a man who bagged 13 goals in the league and five in the UEFA Conference League. A brilliant young striker, it’s yet to be seen if Bradley’s side can replace those goals this year. Michael Noonan is yet to get off the mark in the league, with Graham Burke being their top scorer in the league with two. Aaron Greene, Danny Grant and Aaron McEneff have also all converted in 2025. We know all too well Shamrock Rovers’ main threats. A midfield consisting of last season’s PFAI Player of the Year Dylan Watts, Jack Byrne, Aaron McEneff, Gary O’Neill and Danny Mandriou has seen the addition of Ireland U21 international Matty Healy.

Fullback Josh Honohan was recently called up to the Ireland senior provisional squad, the only LOI player included, whilst Cape Verde international Roberto Lopes forms an experienced back-line alongside Dan Cleary and Lee Grace. Adam Matthews has been injured this season whilst Dan Cleary came off with a knock last time out, but former Candystripe Sean Robertson will be out with a point to prove. I think he looked lively at City, aside from the miss against Sligo Rovers which would’ve put us top of the league. Ed McGinty and Leon Pohls aren’t bad options between the sticks either. When you factor in young talents such as Victor Ozhianvuna, who debuted in the Aviva on the opening day, you wouldn’t be mad putting money on Rovers to regain the title in 2025.

Round-up:

Sitting in sixth with a game in hand, registering two wins, a draw and two losses from their first five in the league, Rovers will be looking to extend their two game winning streak from before the international break. That streak included coming from behind away to league leaders Drogheda United and victory over title hopefuls St. Pat’s. Bolstering the second best defence in the league, the Hoops will be out to limit City’s attacking talent and exploit their pace as they have done against Derry in the recent past.

The Candystripes sit level on points with Shamrock Rovers and will hope to use the Tallaght pitch to get the ball down and play good football. With victory in Sligo breaking a near-four year hex in the Showgrounds, City will be aiming to go one further and get only their second win away against Shamrock Rovers in eight years. Avoiding a repeat of a defeat akin to that seen in Tiernan Lynch’s last game against the Hoops will be key. He’s out for revenge. There are always goals in this tie, and with both sides tasting victory last time out, I suspect Friday night will be no different.

 

Pól O'Hare – 24^TH March 2025

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (15th March 2025)

 

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (15^th March 2025) 

Sligo Rovers FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 6, Sligo Showgrounds, Saturday 15^th March 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Tiernan Lynch’s start to life as a League of Ireland manager hasn’t gone quite to plan, with his Derry City side sitting bottom of the Premier Division table after five games. It’s early days though, and with a promising showing in a 1-1 draw with Galway United last week, he’ll hope that his side earn a win over bogey-side Sligo Rovers on Saturday.

Derry City:

Coming into last Friday's tie with Galway United, a side unbeaten in their first four and with the second best defence in the league last year, Derry City would have needed a much improved performance to avenge back-to-back defeats in their previous two. With key midfielder Carl Winchester suspended, Tiernan Lynch gave a debut to Hayden Cann and set out with a back five in defence. City started the brighter too, holding most of the ball in the early stages. Dom Thomas came painfully close with a snapshot which flashed just wide of the post within three minutes, before Liam Boyce nodded a cross from the Scotsman narrowly wide fifteen minutes later. Derry’s peppering of the Galway goal continued as Michael Duffy, Kevin Holt and the aforementioned Thomas each worked Brendan Clarke within the first 40 minutes.

In typical fashion, and despite dominating the first half, City found themselves a goal down going into the break. A long throw from Ed McCarthy found its way to New Zealand international Moses Dyer at the back post, who poked in to give the away side an advantage just minutes before half-time. City’s fortunes turned six minutes into the second half though. When a bouncing ball was caught on the volley by Sadou Diallo, it deflected off the upper-arm of Pat Hickey and went wide. Referee Neil Doyle duly pointed to the spot and flashed a yellow card at the American. It looked dubious from the replay, you can see why the travelling support found themselves hard done by. Michael Duffy made no mistake from the spot however, as he rifled one into the roof of the net to level the scores.

Despite the finding the equaliser, Derry failed to truly threaten Brendan Clarke’s goal in the remainder of the second period. Deep into injury time at the end of the half, a misjudged bounce from Kevin Holt saw Jimmy Keohane nip in to go one on one with Brian Maher. The veteran midfielder tried to clip the ball over the Derry stopper, but was denied by a strong right hand from the 24 year old. A major heart-in-mouth moment for City, who picked up a fourth point of the season.

Friday night didn’t yield the win that the City faithful are so desperate for, but the first half in particular showed that when this team click’s the attacking football can be impressive. Dom Thomas, Liam Boyce and Michael Duffy caused The Tribesmen’s defence all sorts of issues before the visitor’s scored.  The Candystripes sit bottom of the table, but there isn’t a panic-stations factor that you might expect from a team in that position. I’m convinced that this team will click and give someone a hammering, but there are no easy games in this division anymore. With just one win, one draw and three losses from the opening five, City will hope to come out firing with a huge performance to beat John Russell’s Sligo Rovers on Saturday and pick up a first win in three weeks.

Michael Duffy’s penalty was his fourth goal of the season, but City’s wait for a goal from open play will extend past the one month mark when they kick-off in Sligo. Duffy’s header from a Dom Thomas cross on the opening day of the season is City’s only goal from open play this year; there has been a free kick and two penalties since then. With the attacking quality in this team, City will surely begin to climb the table when the likes of Liam Boyce, Pat Hoban and Danny Mullen manage to find goals from central areas.

Going into Saturday’s game, City are without the suspended Carl Winchester, who serves the final of his two game punishment. Cameron Dummigan is City’s only long-term injury concern, whilst new signings Gavin Whyte and Shane Ferguson made the bench last week. Paul McMullan spent the full 90 on the bench, that’s the first game of his Derry City career in which he hasn’t been involved. Hayden Cann showed that he’ll provide good cover in centre back, whilst Ben Doherty and Ronan Boyce looked promising as wingbacks should Lynch continue to employ the back-five system. Brian Maher will also be on the hunt for just his second clean sheet of the season, after conceding eight in the first five. With a two week break, then an away game with Shamrock Rovers after this one, Tiernan Lynch will be hoping that City can clinch a first competitive win in Sligo since August 2021.

Sligo Rovers:

After a 6^th placed finish in 2024, Sligo Rovers’ 2025 campaign hasn’t got off to the start they wanted. After five games, Sligo find themselves in the relegation zone. They’ve conceded twelve in those fives, but launched set out on launching comebacks against both Waterford and St. Patrick’s Athletic which resulted in tense finishes. A first victory of the season at home to Shamrock Rovers, followed by a point away to Cork City, showed that Rovers’ season may be on the turn.

That opening game against Waterford in the Showgrounds saw the home side go 2-0 down within 33 minutes, before scoring five minutes into the second half and missing a penalty which would’ve had them level on the 57^th minute.  Waterford eventually ran out 3-2 winners, but Rovers showed fight to come close to their visitors and pressed hard late on to find an equaliser. It was a similar story two weeks later in Inchicore, when they conceded twice in as many minutes, before pulling one back through an own goal to go into half-time 2-1 down. It was 3-1 on the 52^nd minute, but a Cian Kavanagh double saw Sligo level in the 78^th minute. By the 80^th though, Pat’s were ahead again and held on for a 4-3 win. A 3-0 loss away to FAI Cup winners Drogheda United means that they’ve conceded 10 in their last two against the Louth side.

John Russell, after becoming Sligo Rovers manager in July 2022, quickly proved that he could do a job on a low budget. His first experience in management, aside from a gig at Westport United, Russell has Sligo Rovers playing direct football and grinding results over the line. Their ten draws was the third lowest in the Premier Division last season, whilst they won thirteen and lost thirteen of the other 26. Russell would have been happy enough with a 6^th placed finish, despite winning just one of their last six. Their 51 goals conceded was the second worst in the division, although seven of those came in one match away to Drogheda United in September. Being tighter at the back will have been a big aim for Sligo in 2025.

The summer losses of Max Mata, to Auckland FC, and Fabrice Hartmann, whose loan from RB Leipzig expired, saw Sligo Rovers lose two players who contributed to 15 goals in the first half of the season. Midfielder Ellis Chapman stepped up, scoring nine and assisting three to become the Bit’O’Red’s talisman from the centre of the park. The Englishman swapped the west coast for North Dublin in the off-season though, signing for Shelbourne and representing a big loss for Russell’s men. Wilson Waweru, signed last season from Galway United, scored seven in the league, whilst Simon Power and Conor Malley both notched four.

Sligo Rovers had a tough preseason in terms of departures, losing some of their key players. Ed McGinty’s loan from Oxford United came to an end before he signed for Shamrock Rovers. Winger Simon Power and captain Niall Morahan left for St. Pat’s and Bohemians respectively, whilst JR Wilson and Kailin Barlow joined promotion hopefuls Athlone Town. Highly rated 16 year old Aidan Gabbidon left for pastures new too, signing for Malmo in Sweden, who will have to pay compensation for the youngster.

Losing a number of his best players, it would always be a tough window for Sligo Rovers. The marquee signing is ex-Ireland U21 midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes, who made 50 appearances for Scottish side Hibernian after signing from St Mirren in 2021. If they can keep him fit, they have a player with Scottish Premiership quality entering the prime of his career. Winger Francely Lomboto, who made more than 90 appearances for Galway United, signed to provide width, as did New Zealand international Oskar van Hattum. The 22 year old spent his entire career to date with Wellington Phoenix and featured in all of his nation’s matches at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Ronan Manning also made the switch from Galway United, joined in the midfield by Matthew Wolfe, Jad Hakiki and 18 year old Brazilian by Guilherme Rego Priosti from Esbjerg, Dundalk and Longford Town respectively.

Former Derry City striker Cian Kavanagh joined from St. Pat’s and has scored twice this season – unfortunately already missing two penalties. Defender Harvey Lintott joined on loan from Northampton Town after making 16 appearances in League One last season, whilst the shrewd acquisition of Sam Sargeant from Waterford is a good replacement for Ed McGinty between the sticks.

With a necessary rebuild in key positions, Sligo Rovers have brought in talent, but their start to the season shows that it hasn’t quite gelled just yet. Similar struggles for Derry City and Sligo Rovers in the early stages of 2025. Level on points with the Candystripes at the bottom, scoring four more but also conceding four more, this game looks like it will be entertaining though. The Bit’O’Red still look quite light in defence, although could have scraped draws against Waterford and St. Pat’s if Cian Kavanagh converted his spot-kicks. They’re always a bogey team for Derry City and are on the hunt for a second home win of the season, opening a further buffer on the Candystripes at the bottom of the table.

Round-up:

As the two-teams occupying the bottom two spots of the Premier Division table meet on St. Patrick’s weekend, fans of both Derry City and Sligo Rovers will be hoping for sunshine, blue skies and entertaining football on Saturday. Both sides desperate for a win after picking up just four points from the first five games, Sligo Rovers have the worst defensive record but are the highest scorers, while only Shamrock Rovers have scored less goals than Derry - they’ll both be looking to go all-out at each other in the Showgrounds. Derry City will be hoping that their preseason win over Sligo Rovers will spur them on to a first competitive victory there in three and a half years, while Sligo Rovers look to extend said record until the next meeting in Connaught between the two in July. We’re bottom of the league, haven’t won here since 2021 and Rovers are encouraging fans to dress as leprechauns for a world record attempt. What could possibly go wrong?

Pól O’Hare – 11^th March 2025

 

 

Match Preview: Derry City v Galway United (7th March 2025)

 

Match Preview: Derry City v Galway United (7^th March 2025)

Derry City FC v. Galway United FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 5, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 7^th March 2025, kick-off 7.45pm (LOITV)

 

After losses against both Waterford and St. Patrick’s Athletic in the past week, Tiernan Lynch will be hoping that his side bounce back to gain points at home to an unbeaten Galway United on Friday. With just one goal scored from open play this season, the Candystripes have the task of breaking down one of the League of Ireland’s most resolute defences and getting the better of the team who had the second best defence in the Premier Division last season. The fixture list isn’t getting any easier for City, who are desperate for a second win of the season.

Derry City:

It was a Friday night to forget for Derry City as they slumped to a home defeat against Waterford. As a suspended Tiernan Lynch watched from the gantry, his City side were struck with the sucker punch of two first half goals to contend with going into half-time. The first came nine minutes in, when left-back Kyle White found himself in acres of space up against an out-of-position Ciaron Harkin in the Derry box. The 20 year old latched on to Conan Noonan’s pass and dummied it past the defender before toe-poking into the bottom corner to give the away side a deserved 1-0 lead. That lead was doubled six minutes before the break. Another delivery from Conan Noonan, this time and in-swinger from a free kick, deflected and found its way to the feet of defender Kacper Radkowski. The Polish centre half took one touch before firing low and past Brian Maher at his near post – one which City’s number one won’t want to see again.

Derry had chances throughout the game on Friday night, despite a lacklustre first half and scattergun second. Liam Boyce had two opportunities in the first half, one a header comfortably gathered by Stephen McMullan and the other coming from a Dom Thomas cross. Thomas’ low, left-footed ball in was flicked by a diving Boyce and went tantalisingly over. Boyce wasn’t to know this, but that was going to trouble the keeper if left. Gavin Whtye, on his first start for the club, found the linesman flag denying him a debut goal when his left-footed volley in the box was deemed to be offside. The second half was more positive for City, who played with more energy and strove to make attacking inroads. When substitute Ben Doherty was felled by Navajo Bakboord in the box, Pat Hoban stepped up to net his 200^th career goal and pull one back for City. That should’ve been grounds for a comeback, but guilt-edged misses from Robbie Benson and Mark Connolly squandered hopes of taking any points from the game. A Conan Noonan shot cleared off the line really should’ve saw Waterford three to the good. With regards to the referee, no comment.

With St. Pat’s grabbing their first win of the season in an entertaining 4-3 win over Sligo Rovers, Derry City’s players looked to have a long weekend ahead of them before travelling to Inchicore on Monday night. The first half performance on Friday left a lot to be desired. City failed to test Stephen McMullan to any real degree, whilst Waterford’s direct passing through the centre of the park led to the first goal and exposed previously seen weaknesses in the Derry defence. Keith Long won the tactical battle, with balls over the top to 36 year old Pádraig Amond seeing him outpace both of City’s centre-halves at times in the second period. The Candystripes also struggled to break down Waterford’s low block, something which we saw last season. The dreaded sideways passing crept into City’s play as they looked for openings which rarely appeared. In more positive terms though, it was Ciaron Harkin’s first Derry City start in three years and three days following an ACL injury hell and he played with good desire despite not operating in his natural midfield role. Danny Mullen also returned to the squad following an injury in preseason whilst last season’s top goalscorer Pat Hoban notched his first of the campaign. Kevin Holt looked solid in the air on Friday and his ability on the ball, particularly being left-footed, gave balance to the defence. He looked particularly calm whilst in the middle of a back three. Ronan Boyce missed out through injury, whilst new signing Hayden Cann failed to make the bench.

After suffering injuries and suspensions to key players in their win over Sligo Rovers four days prior, St Pat’s looked a weakened side going into Monday night. Starting in a 4-4-2 formation, Chris Forrester was their only recognised central midfielder in their squad. If you thought this would have given Derry City an advantage though, you’d be wrong. In fact, if you made a list of things that could have gone badly in that match, it’d probably be quite accurate to what did actually happen.

After starting brightly, holding most of the ball and putting together some decent passing moves, Derry City were behind after a quarter of an hour. Aidan Keena broke past Mark Connolly and evaded the slipping Kevin Holt before playing in Mason Melia, who went down in the box after feeling contact from Ben Doherty. To be fair, it looked more of a penalty in real time than it did on the replay, the referee clearly thought this too as he appeared to ignore Pat’s penalty claims before pointing to the spot seconds later. Dubious call number one of the night. Keena stepped up and finished expertly to see his side take the lead. Minutes later and City had penalty shouts of their own waived away when the ball ricocheted up off the arm of John Redmond, strong protestations from the Derry players and even an ‘oooh’ from the commentators. Dubious call number two from our match referee in a moment that the LOITV editors found unnecessary to show a replay of – interesting.

The remaining half hour of the first half came and went but the match was thrown back into life two minutes into the second period. After a heavy touch by Mason Melia in the centre circle, Carl Winchester hit the 17 year old with a strong tackle, taking both ball and man. Once again, the referee put his hand to his top pocket to pull out a yellow card. After being surrounded by protesting Pat’s players, he removed his hand from his top pocket and showed Winchester a straight red card. A harsh decision, the third in the ‘dubious’ category of the night. Twenty minutes later and the game was wrapped up. Jake Mulraney found space to carry the ball from the right flank into the centre of the pitch. Just as Keena received the ball on the half-turn, he was downed by Adam O’Reilly. This time it was a fair enough penalty and was converted cooly by Aidan Keena for his fifth in four games. Some player to be fair to him.

Across the two games last weekend, Derry City failed to impress. Two losses from two and four goals conceded left a lot to be desired. The two against Waterford were defensive errors, the first saw Kyle White sneak in behind Ciaron Harkin and the second saw Brian Maher beaten at his near post. Against a weakened St. Pat’s, both goals came frustratingly from penalties. As per the X account @gametwohalves, Derry City had an expected goal tally of 3.33 on Friday night, their highest since a 4-1 win over UCD in May 2023. Whilst I’m not big into xG readings, it shows that chances were created and simply not finished. A clinical edge would’ve seen us nab three or four against Waterford. The St. Pat’s game was a different story. The referee’s performance aside, City created very little. Joseph Anang didn’t have a save to make and a speculative effort from distance from Adam O’Reilly in the second half was City’s closest chance. We’ll need a big improvement on Friday to get points out of a Galway United side who held Shelbourne to a draw on Monday night and haven’t lost this season.

Carl Winchester will be suspended for the visit of Galway United on Friday, whilst Cameron Dummigan is still an injury miss. Ronan Boyce’s absence in the last two games leaves the right back berth decidedly short – both Ciaron Harkin and Adam O’Reilly filled in there recently and it seems there’ll be some rejigging to fit a makeshift right fullback in the squad against Galway. Whether the officials are to blame or not, Derry City’s disciplinary record has been poor since coming into the new season. With just four games played, we’ve picked up fifteen yellow cards two red cards (including Tiernan Lynch) and given away three penalties. Aside from the obvious – gifting goals and leaving players walking tightropes – it’ll have opponents and referees alike hyperalert to any sniff of a foul. We saw against Bohemians how little a referee feels a manager has to do to justify sending him off.

In some more positive news, 18 year old Sean Patton was brought in to replace Pat Hoban when City needed a goal in the second half in Richmond Park, although he and his attacking teammates didn’t find much joy in behind the Pat’s defence. Danny Mullen came in for his first appearance of the season after picking up an ankle injury against Sligo Rovers in preseason. New signings Dom Thomas, Liam Boyce, Shane Ferguson, Robbie Benson and Hayden Cann all failed to feature against St. Patrick’s Athletic. They and their teammates will hope to bounce back and leave the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night with at least a point. It’s early days yet, but there aren’t any easy games in the Premier Division anymore.

Galway United:

After winning the First Division by 25 points in 2023, scoring 98 goals in the process, much was anticipated of Galway United’s return to the Premier Division after a six year hiatus in 2024. Despite losing four of their first eight games, Galway United found form and became one of the hardest teams in the division to beat. They went nine games unbeaten mid April and the end of May last year, before later losing just two of their last twelve to consolidate a fifth placed finish. Said finish in fifth meant that they ended the campaign just three points behind Derry City in fourth, and seven behind European spots. They only scored 33 goals in 36 games, averaging 0.92 per match, but conceded just 29 all season. Only Shelbourne conceded less goals than John Caulfield’s side in 2024.

Galway United fans will be hoping for much of the same in 2025. United have a real knack of grinding out results. Their defensive solidity and work ethic make them one of the league’s most well-drilled outfits. With the addition of goals this season, there’s no reason why Galway won’t be striving to finish in the European places. Despite losing eleven players, two of which are loan deals, Galway tied their most important players down before going on to make new additions. Left sided centre back Rob Slevin, a target for Derry City last year, committed for another year. As did Patrick Hickey, the American midfielder who scored a brace against St Pat’s on matchday two after bagging away to Cork City a week prior.

John Caulfield and Ollie Horgan seemed to broaden their horizons when it came to recruitment this year. Australian winger Daniel Stynes, who spent the last four years playing for Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets in the A-League, was the first addition. He was followed by eleven time New Zealand international winger Moses Dyer. He came through the ranks at Auckland City, but had spells in Norway, Canada and America before signing for Galway from Vancouver FC. Welsh goalkeeper Evan Watts was signed on-loan from Swansea City to provide cover and competition to the ever-present Brendan Clarke, whilst 18 year old striker Max Wilson joined him on loan from Preston North End. Former Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps academy prospect Sean Kerrigan signed on an intriguing deal from Michigan State University, as he gets his first taste of professional football aged 22. The loan signing of Cian Byrne from Bohemians is Galway’s only dealing with another Irish club and seems to be a shrewd acquisition.

Retaining their star performers has been Galway’s best business going into 2025. Patrick Hickey, who contributed to eight goals from midfield last year, was tied down to a new deal despite rumoured interest from Shamrock Rovers. Rob Slevin, key to the defensive line, was also kept on for another year, warding off interest from Derry City. Slevin’s average Sofascore rating in the league last year was 6.98, behind only fellow centre back Killian Brouder, goalkeeper Brendan Clarke and the aforementioned Hickey. Clarke kept 16 clean sheets last season, joint top in the division, despite having to make just 2.3 saves per game – owing to the quality of he and his defence. A solid team of solid performers quite clearly.

Full-back Jeannot Esua is staking a claim for the title of the league’s best right back at the minute, notching two assists in the first four games of the campaign. Greg Cunningham, a former Ireland international and Premier League left-back, offers a calm and experienced head on the other side of the back four. Brouder and Slevin have Colm Horgan, Cian Byrne and Garry Buckley for cover in one of the best defences in the league. Brouder volleyed into the top corner to equalise away to Drogheda United last weekend. Conor McCormack, a former Derry City captain, has been an ever-present in the Galway midfield since signing in 2021 and seems to be only getting better with age. Jimmy Keohane’s talents don’t need much explanation either, he returned to Ireland after a four-and-a-half year spell with Rochdale last summer and is another tidy, experienced head in the centre of the park. David Hurley only scored twice in the league last year, but netted 22 in the First Division a year prior. The width provided by Belfast man Bobby Burns will likely cause defences problems, whilst Stephen Walsh and Moses Dyer will be tasked with leading the attack. Walsh bagged nine last year, including a winner in the Brandywell.

Unbeaten and with six points from their first four, Galway United have started how they mean to go on. They’ve drawn with champions Shelbourne and current high-fliers Drogheda United, alongside defeating St. Pat’s. Beating Derry City both home and away in 2024, they’ll be looking for a similar outcome on Friday. Hard to beat and quick going forward, Tiernan Lynch will have his side well warned of his opposition’s strengths. There haven’t been more than two goals in this tie since September 2017 so if either side are to win the game, they’ll have to take their chances.

Round-up:

Hoping to bounce back from a disappointing duo of fixtures, Tiernan Lynch’s men will aim to beat Galway United for just the second time since 2017. This meeting last year yielded home and away victories for Galway, whilst City found a 2-0 home win in June. The other fixture resulted in a scoreless draw in Eamonn Deacy Park in early May. Galway United have only won twice at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in the last decade, once in May 2015 and the other in March 2024. City have won six at home against United since that third last league win for the Tribesmen on Foyleside back in September 2009.

With just one goal scored from open play and one win on the board in 2025, the pressure’s on Derry City to get something out of Friday’s match. With a slight habit of gifting goals to the opposition, i.e. through three penalties and a couple of mistakes, City may look to take a leaf out of John Caulfield and Ollie Horgan’s book on defensive solidity. Galway United, on the other hand, are unbeaten after four games and know how to grind out points. With one just one defeat on the road in the league since July, they’re coming to Derry with a gameplan in mind – to continue their unbeaten run against a City side who have had a stuttering start to the campaign. Ah jaysus, as they say.

Pól O’Hare – 3^rd March 2025