Double Match Preview : Derry City v Waterford & St Pat’s (28th February & 3rd March 2025)

 

Double Match Preview : Derry City v Waterford & St Pat’s (28^th February & 3^rd March 2025)

 

Derry City FC v. Waterford FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 3, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 28^th February 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

St. Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 4, Richmond Park, Monday 3^rd March 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

In Tiernan Lynch’s first home game as Derry City manager, his side had the perfect response to defeat against Shelbourne by digging deep to beat Bohemians 1-0. An early Michael Duffy free-kick proved decisive for the Candystripes, whose opponents defeated Shamrock Rovers a week prior and came into the game on a high. Up next for City is 2025’s first double game-week, as they host Waterford on Friday and travel to St. Pat’s on Monday.

Derry City:

With Bohemians the likely favourites going into Friday’s encounter, given their victory over Shamrock Rovers and Derry’s defeat against Shelbourne, it was the home side who took control in the frantic opening stages. Within a minute, Adam O’Reilly had cruised past two challenge Iin the Bohs midfield before sliding the ball in-behind to Dom Thomas, who’s shot was straight at James Talbot. Almost exactly on the ten minute mark, Michael Duffy did what he does best. His free kick from distance dipped over the wall and perfectly into the top corner to give the hosts an early advantage. Following on from his free-kick in last year’s FAI Cup semi-final, Bohs fans must have nightmares when City’s number 7 stands over a dead ball.

Within two minutes of the goal, more drama had unfolded. A coming together between City’s Shane Ferguson and Bohs manager Alan Reynolds resulted in straight red cards for both managers and a yellow for Ferguson. Taking my DCFC-tinted glasses off, I still can’t see how Tiernan Lynch coming out of his technical area was sufficient grounds for dismissal. Aside from Ronan Boyce being lucky to stay on the pitch after two late tackles in quick succession, the first of which saw him booked, the first half drew to a close without either side having any clear cut opportunities. Conor Parsons came close with a header seven minutes after the restart but, given the windy conditions, City kept relative control of the play and Bohemians failed to really threaten until late on. The home side suffered a fright two minutes into the six of stoppage time when Ben Doherty’s loose touch saw Dayle Rooney pick up the ball up and give the away side a three-on-two attack. Within a few seconds, Sam Todd evaded all danger when his perfectly timed slide tackle stopped Rooney in his tracks. Ross Tierney’s follow up made Maher work but went wide of the post as City hung on the for the points. A match-winning tackle by City’s left-sided centre-half, who found himself in the Premier Division Team of the Week alongside Michael Duffy for his efforts.

Last Friday night was a professional job by the Candystripes and despite losing their manager early on, they showed energy, tenacity and passion to get the victory over the line. Sam Todd and Mark Connolly were solid at centre back, avenging the performance against Shelbourne, as they kept Lys Mousset and later Colm Whelan quiet. Ronan Boyce caused the Bohemians left side problems with his overlapping runs, despite being fortunate to stay on the pitch. Carl Winchester and Adam O’Reilly’s work-rates and energy kept City ticking in the midfield, whilst Dom Thomas and Michael Duffy both had immense performances on either flank. The fact that both wide men play as inverted wingers, preferring to cut inside on their stronger foot, gives City balance out wide and flexibility to swap wings. Liam Boyce cleaned up every heavy touch and loose pass in front of the Bohs defence. Once he adds goalscoring to his armoury for City, he’ll be formidable. It was tight between Michael Duffy, Carl Winchester and Adam O’Reilly for my man of the match.

We saw a side of Derry last Friday which we haven’t seen much of in the past couple of years. Even at 1-0 up, Brian Maher’s goal kicks were long and towards either flank. They weren’t down the centre where Bohemian’s taller centre backs could win it off Boyce and they weren’t passed short to the centre backs, avoiding the threat of inviting pressure. It’s a different approach to the one under Ruaidhrí Higgins and it was refreshing to see the side play more direct attacking football, even if it wasn't pretty at times. Even when the wind made it hard to play a long ball approach, City resisted the urge to keep it on the ground and play it safe – they weren’t happy to settle for a 1-0 right up until the very end. That’s a good thing too, I can think of games against Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne last year where we sat back on a 1-0 lead and conceded late in both to drop points against fellow title contenders.

In some good, old-fashioned transfer deadline day drama, Derry City announced the signing of Dundee United defender Kevin Holt. A left-sided centre back, he’s exactly what we need. At 32, people raised eyebrows over spending a rumoured £40k fee to land him but, judging by the reaction of Dundee’s fans, we have a player on our hands. A Scottish Championship winner last season, Holt has captained Dundee United and scored four times in 29 this season as his side currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership. Another experienced player with leadership qualities and an eye for goal from defence, this is a real statement of intent. It’s also wound up supporters of certain other clubs in the league which is good craic too.

Waterford conceded 47 goals in 36 league games last year, averaging at 1.31 per game. Given that statistic, I’d say City will try that direct approach on Friday too. It won’t work every week, but given Waterford’s big pitch, there could be space to exploit. That may differ for the St Pat’s game on Monday though. The pitch in Inchicore is tighter and, with all due respect to Waterford, the quality of Pat’s’ midfield and attack mean that you don’t want to cede them possession by giving away loose balls.

Looking back on last year’s results, you can see that Derry didn’t win ANY of their Friday-Monday game weeks. On Friday 1^st of March 2024, we beat St Pat’s 2-1 in the Brandywell before drawing 2-2 with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Monday 4^th. That can be compared then to Easter weekend, just weeks after the aforementioned two results, when we lost 1-0 at home to Galway United on Friday 29^th March and drew 0-0 away to Shelbourne on 1^st April. If I remember correctly, City were booed off the pitch in Tolka that day. Those inconsistencies will need to be ironed out this year, as there are three more Friday-Monday’s after this weekend. That’s 24 points up for grabs across those Friday-Monday game-weeks that we can’t afford to be missing out on. With a good record against Waterford, unbeaten in the last six against the Blues, and given St. Pat’s’ stuttering start to the campaign, Tiernan Lynch will be hoping that his side pick up at least four points this weekend.s

Waterford:

2024 was an up-and-down year for Waterford. After beating Munster rivals Cork City in the play-offs in 2023, Waterford won two, drew two and lost two of their first six league games. They found themselves tussling for European places when they won six out of eight games in a spell in May and June. Eventually though, the Blues won just one of their last nine league games on their way to a 7^th placed finish. Comfortably eleven points above the relegation zone, but fourteen away from European places, Waterford will be hoping to reduce that gap to the top three in 2025. A cup run wouldn’t do them any harm either – they came from behind to beat Inishowen side Cockhill Celtic in the second round before losing at home to Athlone Town in the third last year.

One thing that Waterford didn’t struggle for in 2024 was goals. Their league tally of 43 was the fourth highest in the division and incidentally three higher than that of champions Shelbourne. Veteran striker Pádraig Amond certainly had a part to play in their efficiency going forward. He racked up 14 goals and two assists, making him the joint top scorer in the Premier Division with Pat Hoban. Those 16 involvements translated to 37.2% of Waterford’s league goals, highlighting the 36 year old’s importance Waterford side. Maleace Asamoah, who left halfway through the season, was the blue’s next top scorer in 2024, netting six. Ben McCormack, Grant Horton, Darragh Leahy and Conor Parsons each contributed to three league assists throughout the year.

Waterford have been active to say the least in the transfer window, losing eighteen players and bringing in eleven. Most notably within the departures are Barry Baggley, Sam Sargeant and Conor Parsons. Holding midfielder Baggley returned to Fleetwood Town following the expiration of his loan before joining St. Pat’s, whilst goalkeeper Sargeant departed for Sligo Rovers after making 30 appearances last season. Conor Parsons, who impressed on the wing, left for Dagenham & Redbridge before returning to Ireland to sign for Bohemians just a month or two later. Keith Long had something of a rebuild on his hands.

The Blues made some intriguing signings over the winter. Former Arsenal academy prospect James Olayinka joined from Cheltenham Town, whilst young striker Sam Glenfield made his loan from Portadown permanent. Matty Smith, fresh off the back of a title win with Shelbourne, joined former Dundalk captain Andy Boyle and Cork City goalkeeper Bradley Wade in making switches to Waterford from fellow LOI outfits. Former St Pat’s striker Tommy Lonergan and goalkeeper Stephen McMullan signed on loan from Fleetwood Town, whilst promising young midfielder Conan Noonan signed on loan from Shamrock Rovers. The more intriguing signings come in the form of Maarten Pouwels, a 6’6” Dutch striker, English midfielder Trae Coyle, a former Arsenal player who joined from Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport and Suriname international Navajo Bakboord. Bakboord, who played five times for his national side, seems to be a real coup in particular. He made 22 appearances in the Dutch Eredivise with Heracles Almelo in 2023/24, after joining from Ajax Jong in 2019. Keith Long’s tactic of going for strength in depth, having a larger pool of players to choose from, may come good and help iron out the inconsistencies of 2024.

Waterford’s new look side went 2-0 up away to Sligo Rovers within 33 minutes of their opening game, going on to win 3-2 despite late pressure from the Bit’O’Red. As Derry City fans know all too well, Sligo’s a tough place to go to. Those three points and three goals, which came from Noonan, Lonergan and Rowan McDonald, could prove to be crucial later in the season. Twenty year old Northern Ireland U21 keeper Stephen McMullan impressed, making nine saves and denying Cian Kavanagh from the spot. Rowan McDonald, the former Man City man who had a trial with Derry back in 2023, scored and made an assist from centre midfield.

The Blues lost at home to Shelbourne last week, as Ryan Burke saw red for a challenge on Evan Caffrey, but Keith Long set out in his first two games of 2025 in a 3-4-1-2 with three centre backs and two wing backs on the pitch. Those extra wingbacks tucking into the midfield gave his side control against Sligo, with Noonan and McDonald both scoring from the centre of the park. The extra width provided in this formation can overload the flanks, so Ronan Boyce and Shane Ferguson will need to be on top form to repel this. Despite defeat against Shelbourne, Waterford look like they could upset the European hopefuls this season.

St. Patrick’s Athletic:

2024 was very a much a season of two halves for St Pat’s. They began by heavily investing in their squad, although early campaign excitement was curtailed by suffering defeats in four of their first six games and the in President’s Cup. Two of those defeats came against Dublin rivals Shelbourne and Bohemians, whilst they shipped three away to Waterford and conceded in the 92^nd minute to lose in the Brandywell. By mid May, after picking up just five wins from their first sixteen games, Jon Daly was sacked and replaced by Stephen Kenny. The former Ireland manager got off to a rocky start, losing to Derry City in his first game and winning just one of his first six in league action. When his tactics and new signings clicked however, the Inchicore side were a different animal. They went from lower mid-table mediocrity to finishing in third by winning all nine of their last league games, giving Shelbourne a scare in their title hopes and ending Derry City’s in the process. 2024 also included a run to the UEFA Conference League play-offs, when they were beaten by Istanbul Basaksehir.

Coming into 2025 after getting their transfer business done early in the window, and facing Vancouver Whitecaps and Molde in preseason, many have The Saints as title favourites. If I’m being honest, I would probably have put myself in that bracket too. They beat Molde, who defeated Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League knockouts, and drew with a Vancouver Whitecaps who fielded international players. It was clear that Stephen Kenny had his targets identified early in the window, too. They lost a few squad players, namely Alex Nolan to Cork City, Cian Kavanagh to Sligo Rovers, Conor Keeley to Drogheda United and Aaron Bolger to Ebbsfleet Town on loan. 16 year old striker Michael Noonan also swapped Inchicore for Tallaght to sign for Shamrock Rovers and became European football’s youngest ever goal-scorer when netting against Molde recently.

St. Pat’s won’t worry too much about Noonan’s departure though, as they have their own wonderkid. 17 year old Mason Melia became the League of Ireland’s first €1m+ departure in January when he sealed a move to Tottenham Hotspur. A genuine generational talent, Melia led the line for Pat’s in Europe aged 16 and made his debut at 15. The fee will begin at €1.9m and potentially rise to €4m. That’s mental money and great business for Pat’s to be fair. Even better, he won’t join Spurs until January 2026, so they have him (and will likely be under strict instruction to wrap him in bubble wrap) for the upcoming season. Wise business by Pat’s and a player to really look out for this year.

In terms of arrivals, Pat’s have brought in quality and experience. Winger Simon Power, who spent last year at Sligo Rovers, came in to provide depth in wide areas. NI under 21 international Barry Baggley, who impressed at Waterford on-loan from Fleetwood Town was arrival number two. Former Manchester City and Barnsley midfielder Romal Palmer, who joined on-loan from Turkish side Göztepe last summer, made his stay permanent. Palmer’s a real coup as he netted some important goals and brought some star-quality to the midfield last yeae. Centre back Seán Hoare, who has won six Premier Divisions with Pat’s, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers was brought in to help add to his tally. At 30, he’s a wise defensive addition. St Pat’s wrapped up their business by recruiting in the centre forward position, bringing in Conor Carty, who previously spent time on loan at Pat’s, from Bolton Wanderers. He’ll provide cover to Aidan Keena and Mason Melia.

Pat’s have a serious squad; there’s no denying it. Despite picking up just one point from their first two games, they’re still one of the few favourites for the title. Brandon Kavanagh, who was brought in from Derry City a year ago before scoring the goal which denied City the title, finished 2024 as the Premier Division’s top assister. He assisted twelve and scored six more last year. Winger Jake Mulraney, who is a threat from free-kicks, bagged seven, whilst Aidan Keena and Mason Melia both netted six in the league. Chris Forrester is always quality in the midfield, whilst Barry Baggley is an astute signing in holding midfield. Zach Elbouzedi has impressed since signing from AIK Stockholm last year, as has Joseph Anang in goal after arriving from West Ham United. Al-Amin Kazeem, Anto Breslin and Axel Sjoberg provide width to a solid defence of Joe Redmond and Tom Grivosti, whilst Seán Hoare and Luke Turner provide cover. Aidan Keena’s goal last week was taken brilliantly as he swivelled before firing into the top corner on the volley.

Kian Leavy, with an ankle issue, and Seán Hoare both missed last week’s defeat to Galway United. Meanwhile, Jamie Lennon picked up an injury prior to the Galway game and will miss the clash with Derry on Monday. Hosting Sligo Rovers on Friday, who sit bottom of the league with two defeats, Kenny’s men will settle for nothing less than a win. That victory could be the one to ignite their season and bring confidence into their game against Derry on Monday. This could be a good one.

Round-up:

Derry City will be hoping for wins against both Waterford and St. Pat’s across the weekend. We haven’t lost to Waterford since April 2021, winning five of the six since. Additionally, City kept clean sheets in all four clashes with The Blues last season, scoring nine in the process. The two games in the Ryan McBride Brandywell yielded 3-0 wins for City – Tiernan Lynch will be hoping for a similar outcome this time round.

Last time out against St. Pat’s, a 1-0 defeat in Inchicore denied City the chance of winning the league title in the Brandywell on the final day. To add insult to injury for the City faithful, Pat’s leapfrogged Derry into 3^rd place – denying the Candystripes European football for 2025. Lynch’s men will be out for revenge. Derry won four of the five meetings with Pat’s last year, including a 3-0 win in the FAI Cup. A 1-0 win in Inchicore back in May came through a late Paul McMullan goal in Stephen Kenny’s first game, whilst City will be hoping to replicate a 4-0 win in Richmond Park in April 2022 and avoid repeat of a 4-1 loss there in June 2023. With a win on the board for Derry City in 2025, the City faithful will hope for more direct, attacking football this weekend. Hard to believe we’re nearly in March right enough, it’s good to be back.

Pól O’Hare – 25^TH February 2025

Derry City v Bohemians: Match Preview (21st February 2025)

 

Derry City v Bohemians: Match Preview (21^st February 2025)

 

Derry City FC v. Bohemian FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 2, Friday 21^st February 2025, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm kick-off

 

It was a first game in League of Ireland management to forget for new Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch, whose side slipped to a 3-1 defeat away to champions Shelbourne. After going behind, drawing level and going behind again all within the first fifteen minutes, Shelbourne’s third goal on the stroke of a 50 minute long half-time sealed the win for Damien Duff’s side. For City, all focus now turns to their game with in-form Bohemians next Friday as they aim to make the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium a fortress in 2025.

Derry City:

It seemed like all that could have gone wrong for Derry City last Friday did. Within eleven minutes, the home side had broken the deadlock and raced to an early lead. A looped ball from Harry Wood was blocked by the leg of Sam Todd and fell into the path of Seán Boyd. Shels’ top scorer last season caught everyone in the City backline out by curling it neatly past a stranded Brian Maher with a first-time effort. Despite Shelbourne’s quick start, the scores were levelled three minutes later. An inch-perfect cross from Dom Thomas towards the back post was cooly nodded into Conor Kearns’ net by Michael Duffy. City’s two wingers linking up for the first time to put the Candystripes level.

The scoreline didn’t read 1-1 for long though, 1 minute and 14 seconds to be precise. Conor Kearns lumped a dangerous ball forward towards the City box, and it seemed like time stood still as the ball dropped into the path of Evan Caffrey. The midfielder duly volleyed into the bottom corner from outside the box to put his side back into the lead, before celebrating with that weird Donald Trump dance. Two became three for the hosts on the stroke of half-time, when referee Rob Harvey pointed to the spot for a supposed foul on Seán Boyd in the box. Boyd stepped up and despite slipping in the run up and the ball going through the fingers of Brian Maher, saw his penalty nestle in the corner.

Half-time came and went with a 50 minute delay due to a floodlight failure. Whether that’s an acceptable delay or not for a lighting issue, I don’t know. I seem to remember a game being abandoned in Maginn Park after fifteen minutes or so for a floodlight issue but I’ll say nothing. I was hoping the game would’ve been called off then and there, with the score restarting at 0-0 at another point in the future, but it wasn’t to be. If it were the other way around, I’d have been fuming had the game been called off with my team 3-1 up. City failed to threaten in the second half and, had Mipo Odubeko showed more composure, Shels could’ve had five by the end of the game. It was after half ten at night when the final whistle went to end an awful first away day for City’s travelling support. Onwards and upwards.

Last Friday night highlighted Derry’s defensive issues. Despite bringing in marquee signings in midfield and forward areas, City had failed to recruit in the centre back position. Andre Wisdom, Shane McEleney and Ciaran Coll all left in the off-season, whilst Conor Barr and Duncan Idehen moved to Ballymena United on loan. That left only Sam Todd, who impressed on-loan at Larne in 2024, and Mark Connolly as the club’s only senior centre backs. The lack of pace in the backline was really brought to the fore, particularly in the second half, as a combination of Mipo Odubeko’s pace and Harry Wood’s passing found a quick route past centre’s centre halves. Hayden Cann was announced just before kick-off on Friday night, after a few weeks on trial. After spending the first half of last season at Drogheda United, then getting relegated with Dundalk, he’ll likely provide cover and not oust Mark Connolly out of a starting position. In truth, the club haven’t replaced Cameron McJannet since his departure last June. At the time of writing, there has been no news regarding new defensive additions. Ideally we’d bring in a quick, left-sided centre halve to challenge Sam Todd for a starting spot. A back-up right back wouldn’t go amiss either.

Dom Thomas showed his quality with a beautiful ball in for City’s goal, whilst Michael Duffy found himself unmarked to finish. Hoban’s hold up play before that goal was impressive too, but he and Liam Boyce struggled to impact the game. The bobbly Tolka Park pitch wasn’t helpful in City’s efforts to play slick, passing football but, as Tiernan Lynch said, both teams had to play on it. It’s one to get out of the system and move on to Bohemians at home on Friday, with that buzz of a first home game of the season.

Despite the defeat, Derry City kept more than 60% of the ball against Shelbourne last week. Of course, this didn’t translate to goal but forced Conor Kearns into four saves from ten efforts. On the bigger pitch in the Brandywell, and with no bobbles like the Tolka surface, City will hope to turn some of that possession into the more attractive football that we saw at times in preseason. It’ll be important to get our ball carriers in possession to drive at the Bohemians defence if we’re to hurt them.

There doesn’t seem to be many new injury concerns for City going into Friday’s game. Carl Winchester came off after suffering a dead leg, but aside from the longer term injuries to Cameron Dummigan and Danny Mullen, Derry’s squad will be strong and gunning for a win. Michael Duffy has a tendency to score a wondergoal or two against Bohs and, as the only Derry man with a goal this season, will hope to be the driving force in attack - he and Dom Thomas will aim to have City’s wings firing this year. They’re coming up against a Bohemians team who have made some statement signings and are coming off the back of a huge win against Shamrock Rovers.

Bohemians:

After winning just one of their last twelve home games in 2024, the campaign petered mostly into nothingness for Bohemians. They finished 8^th, just one spot but eight points clear of the relegation zone. Throughout the season, they were never really threatened by the drop, owing mostly to Dundalk’s poor form and Drogheda’s inconsistency. In saying that, Bohs failed to mount a sustainable charge for European football, finishing 17 points behind St. Pat’s in third. They won just four home league games last term, compared to six victories on the road, making their ten wins from 36 games the lowest outside of the relegation zone. Alan Reynolds replaced Declan Devine in March, beating Derry City in his first game in charge, but underwhelming and slightly random signings from across Europe gave way to a lack of quality in the Bohs side when it really mattered.

With his first pre-season at Bohemians under his belt, Reynolds has begun to form a side to his own liking. Their transfer business was impressive to say the least. With fourteen players leaving the club, namely winger Danny Grant switching to rivals Shamrock Rovers despite having a tattoo of Dalymount, the Bohs hierarchy set off on their rebuild soon after the season finished. First announced was 24 year old forward Colm Whelan, who had left Derry City after a two year spell at the Brandywell which was scuppered by recurring ACL injuries. With Whelan returning to full fitness towards the back-end of last season, Bohs have found themselves a hungry forward who bagged 44 goals in 66 games with UCD prior to his move to Derry in 2022.

The signings of Niall Morahan and John Mountney, from Sligo Rovers and Dundalk respectively, showed that Reynolds was looking for proven players within the league to build his side. Morahan is a tidy holding midfielder, who captained Sligo in 2024 and played 190 games for the Bit’O’Red, before penning a long-term deal at Dalymount. John Mountney is a decorated LOI veteran, who won five league titles and three FAI Cups with Dundalk, alongside a fourth FAI Cup with St Pat’s in 2021. At 31, he’s an experienced right-back with a winning mentality and will just as big for Bohemians inside the dressing room as he will on the pitch. The full back area was further strengthened by the loan signing of Kian Best from Preston North End. At 19, he has made 17 appearances for Preston and spent time in the England youth setups – a promising signing for Reynolds’ side.

Two more signings from England followed Best to Dalymount – Connor Parsons from Dagenham & Redbridge and Alex Lacey from Hartlepool United. Parsons spent the last few years at Waterford, impressing on the left-flank, with the highlight of his time coming via a curling effort into the top corner in the 2023 play-offs. He played twice for Dagenham before Bohs brought him back to Ireland for an undisclosed fee. Alex Lacey is a 31 year old centre back with an experienced career in England, seeing him line out for the likes of Luton Town, Gillingham, Yeovil Town and Notts County. He hasn’t played since June of last year but brings an experienced head to the back-line.

The crown jewel of Bohemians’ transfer business in the off-season was undoubtedly Lys Mousset. I don’t think I’ve seen so much hype around a trialist in this league in my life. Starting out at Le Havre in France, he cost Bournemouth £5.4m in 2016. Three years later, Sheffield United made him their record signing when they dropped £10m on the then 23 year old. He finished the 2019/20 season as their joint top scorer. Fast forward six years, and failed moves to Salernitana, Bochum and Nimes, Mousset finds himself in Phibsborough. It’s not often a player with £15m in transfer fees rocks up in the League of Ireland. He hasn’t played consistently in more than a year, so it’s hard to know how he’ll get on, but one thing’s for sure, ‘Psycho Killer Lys Mousset’ is up there with the best chants in the league.

Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley are two experienced players who came back into the Bohemians fold last Sunday. Cornwall rejoined Bohemians after two years at Northern Colorado Hailstorm prior to the 2024 season, but suffered an ACL injury in preseason which ruled him out of the entrie season. In similar bad luck, club captain Keith Buckley suffered an ACL and MCL tear against St. Pat’s in October 2023. That injury cut short his 2023 campaign and ended his 2024 season before it even began. They’re two players who are highly thought of by the Bohs faithful and will be like two new signings when fully fit. Cornwall in particular was a rock at the back against Shamrock Rovers last week. With strength in depth in their team, Bohemians are a side with a good mix of youth and experience, who have rotational options off the bench if the going gets tough.

Bohemians had an impressive preseason. Of five friendlies and two Leinster Senior Cup ties, Bohs lost just once and scored twenty five goals – not bad at all. It seemed those run outs have done them well too, as they beat Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday in front of a record crowd of more than 33,000. It was a great occasion for the league and showed the demand that’s there for Irish football at the minute. Rovers, off the back of a surprise 1-0 win away against Molde in the UEFA Conference League knockouts, struggled to fashion many chances. Bohs, as the home side, will now only play in Dalymount once in their next five league games but made the bumper crowd count in the Aviva. Their goal was one of genuine quality, Mousset dropped deep to flick the ball forward for Conor Parsons who, after cutting inside and leaving Roberto Lopes on the ground, saw his effort hit the post. It sat nicely for Ross Tierney in the box, who fired home to open the scoring. Bohs dug deep to see out the victory, being prepared to do the dirty work and defend the edge of their box to repel any Rovers advances. There was an evident yet rare lack of quality in the Rovers frontline as a well-drilled Bohs defence earned their salt. It was a perfect start to the seasons for Reynolds’ men, who will be confident travelling to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday.

Round-up:

Derry City’s and Bohemian’s first league games couldn’t have gone much differently. The two big ties of the round, City were swept aside by the champions who exploited weaknesses in the Candystripes’ back-line to score three and put the game to bed in the first half. Bohemians dug deep in one of the most publicised League of Ireland games ever, scoring early and holding on to clinch victory against their arch-rivals. They’ll be high on confidence and always bring a strong travelling support to the Brandywell. City on the other hand want to make the Brandywell a tough place to come to in 2025 and a win in the first home game is the right way to start that off. The bigger surface will suit Derry more than the pitch in Tolka Park did last week, as Tiernan Lynch will wants his wide men on the ball. I’m expecting an entertaining, end-to-end game on Friday. Bohs have won just twice in their last ten meetings in all competitions with City but will be out for revenge after Derry’s 2-0 win in Dalymount last October dumped them out of the FAI Cup at the semi-final stage. Only one of the last nineteen between these two has been scoreless – that came in the Brandywell in June 2023. Two months prior to that was Bohemian’s most recent win on Foyleside. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game sells out and it’s the first of three home league games in the Brandywell in the next three weeks. As Pep Guardiola once said, ‘we will be there’.

Pól O'Hare - 19th February 2025

FAI Cup Final Preview: Drogheda United v Derry City

 

FAI Cup Final Preview: Drogheda United v Derry City

 

Drogheda United FC v Derry City FC., FAI Cup Final, Aviva Stadium, Sunday 10^th November 2024, kick-off 3pm

Derry City’s 1-0 loss at home to Shelbourne last Friday saw Damien Duff’s men lift their first title in eighteen years in the Brandywell, condemning Derry City to a fourth placed finish. Four weeks ago, the Candystripes could have gone top with two wins in their games in hand, but a late season injury crisis and run of poor form has seen City finish outside of the automatic European places for the first time since 2021. Sunday’s FAI Cup final is Derry City’s second in three years, but the pressure is really on this time round. Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men need to beat Drogheda United to play European football in 2025, failure to do so would be disastrous. Drogheda haven’t been in an FAI Cup final since 2013, when they lost 3-2 to Sligo Rovers, with their 2-0 victory in the final in 2005 their last Cup triumph. They have an equally important relegation play-off tie with Bray Wanderers in Tallaght Stadium next Saturday.

Last time out – Derry City 0-1 Shelbourne:

In a similar vain to last week, we don’t want to have to relive Friday’s game again, so I’ll keep this recap short. Derry City would’ve secured European football if St. Pat’s dropped points to Sligo Rovers and the Candystripes won again Shelbourne. Shels brought a 300 strong, sold-out away support in the hope that they’d watch their side lift a first title since 2006, having only returned to the Premier Division in 2021. Both sides had an energetic start, with Liam Burt’s low, driven effort being deflected wide by Duncan Idehen within five minutes. City’s first real effort came 21 minutes in, when Michael Duffy struck straight at Conor Kearns in the Shels goal. City’s number seven again came close before the half-hour mark when he shot over following his trademark move of cutting inside and aiming for the top corner. Derry’s best opportunity of the half came ten minutes before the break, when Paul McMullan fed Colm Whelan in the box. The former UCD man’s effort was scuffed and easily dealt with – a better connection would’ve surely been an opener for the Candystripes.

Within ten minutes of the second half beginning, City had their best opportunity of the game. Ronan Boyce found space in the box after beating Rayhaan Tulloch before putting an inch-perfect ball right onto the head of Danny Mullen, who diverted his header onto the crossbar. A heart in mouth moment for both sets of supporters. The aforementioned Tulloch came close on the hour mark when he swept his effort wide of Brian Maher’s goal. Not long after Sean Boyd missed a 1v1 with Brian Maher, the away side were denied what seemed a clear penalty. Substitute Ali Coote burst into the box and was taken down by the foot of Mark Connolly – huge shouts from the Shelbourne contingent waived away by the referee. Just minutes later though, and Shelbourne had the goal they craved. Jacob Davenport was adjudged to have handled the ball when it flicked up into his mid-riff from close range. Sean Boyd fired the free kick, which was right on the edge of the Derry box, low and to Brian Maher’s side. The City keeper parried it as far as Harry Wood who knocked in from a questionably offside position. With five minutes left, Shelbourne had found the goal that would win them the league. The away end was in raptures and, despite Wood chipping over the crossbar in stoppage time, Shels held on to claim the first title won by a team not called ‘Shamrock Rovers’ since 2019.

Derry City:

There’s no denying that the end of the season was hugely disappointing from a Derry City perspective. Less than a month ago, we had our league title hopes in our hands and had a genuine shout at the double. Now, though, we’ve stumbled to a fourth placed finish – outside of the European spots. There were injury issues to key players towards the end of the season, namely to Pat Hoban, Ciarán Coll, Ben Doherty and Patrick McEleney, but there just didn’t seem to be the fight that’s required from a team hoping to win a league. Derry City, despite finishing the season with the second best goal difference in the league, had the joint highest amount of draws (13). That means that Derry only won 38.9% of their league games, less than four wins from every ten games. Our longest winning run in the league in 2024 was three, compared to four in 2023 and six in 2022. Despite signing the league’s best striker of recent times in Pat Hoban, who finished 2024 as the joint top scorer alongside Waterford’s Pádraig Amond on fourteen, Derry scored nine league goals less than last year’s tally. City kept the best defensive record in 2023, conceding just 24. Seven more goals were conceded in 2024, owing to the loss of Cameron McJannet and injury hit campaigns of Ben Doherty and Ciarán Coll.

On the other hand, Derry had the best disciplinary record in the league, picking up 78 yellow cards. That’s fifty less than Shelbourne, who were shown the most yellow cards with 128. (@StattoLOI on X). Not receiving yellow cards doesn’t win you leagues though, and it just goes to show how being a master of the dark arts can play into your advantage. Michael Duffy and Paul McMullan finished joint fourth in the assist charts for the league, both making five goals for teammates. Brandon Kavanagh, who City sold to St. Pat’s in January, finished the season with thirteen assists – the most in the league. Derry couldn’t promise him game-time, but having Kavanagh playing consistently in that number 10 role this season could have won Derry the league. Brian Maher was one of only three players in the Premier Division to play every single minute, whilst McMullan made the joint most appearances for a foreign player with 36 – a real testament to the Scotsman’s fitness.

I’ve spoken about the contract situation of most of the players in the squad recently, whilst we do need a refresh and I’d expect to see quite a different team at the start of next season, there are some players who we really need to try to keep hold of. Brian Maher was the only player who remained on the pitch to applaud the fans on Friday night – he has been linked to Shamrock Rovers in the past, but a new contract would be a major coup. Adam O’Reilly’s rumoured move to St. Pat’s may now be off, as Stephen Kenny persuaded holding midfielder Jamie Lennon to sign a new long-term contract after being linked to clubs in America. Colm Whelan has been impressive since returning from injury and is 100% fit for the first time as a Derry City player, I’d hope for him to start the final on Sunday and sign a new deal at the club. The pitch may put him off staying at the Brandywell though. Duncan Idehen impressed on Friday night, he was confident in the air and calm on the ball and recovered from a mistake in the box in the second half. Pat Hoban and Partrick McEleney played no part on Friday night but may be fit enough to feature in Sunday’s final. Cameron Dummigan, Ciarán Coll, Daniel Kelly and Ben Doherty are all out.

Despite a poor league campaign, Derry City have shone in the cup. Higgins’ men won all four games played, scoring eight and conceding none in doing so. In fact, City haven’t conceded in open play in the FAI Cup since Rory Gaffney scored for Shamrock Rovers in the quarter-final in 2022. The performances against Shelbourne and St. Pat’s in the Brandywell were Derry’s finest in 2024, whilst we dug deep away to Cork City and scored two brilliant goals to put Bohemians to the sword in the semi-final. That away end in Dalymount was one of the best I’ve seen in years and with well more than 38,000 tickets sold for the final on Sunday, I’d expect the Aviva to be rocking.

For reference, last year’s FAI Cup final between Bohemians and St Pat’s saw an attendance of 43,881 – more than the KNVB Cup final in the Netherlands between Feyenoord and NEC Nijmegen and just 3000 less than the Coupe de France final between Lyon and PSG - big company for the LOI. There were 32,412 at Derry’s last final in 2022, with well over 20,000 of those Derry fans. Derry’s previous final against St Pat’s in 2014 saw just 17,038 – what a rise in a decade, truly brilliant to see.

Michael Duffy has been central to City’s cup hopes in 2024, scoring four goals - both in the semi-final against Bohemians, the opener against Shelbourne and the winner against St. Pat’s. Danny Mullen bagged a brace against Pat’s and scored the winner against Shelbourne. The only other man to score for Derry City in the FAI Cup in 2024 was Sam Todd, who headed City to victory away in Cork. He’s recently started in the UEFA Conference League for Larne, on-loan from City. Derry’s defence have been impenetrable in cup action this year, something they will hope to carry on into the final. With a place in UEFA Conference League qualifiers, and a possible seventh FAI Cup on offer, you’d expect City to go all out for a win on Sunday. Using that big pitch as an advantage, as we did in 2022 against Shelbourne, don’t be shocked to see Paul McMullan stick tight to the touchline and for Derry to play mostly on the wings to fashion chances. For the last time in 2024 we’ll see Derry City in action. It's City's 1700th competitive game and it doesn’t get much bigger than this.

Route to the final:

Round 1: Bye

Round 2: Derry City 3-0 St. Patrick’s Athletic

Round 3: Cork City 0-1 Derry City

Quarter-final: Derry City 2-0 Shelbourne

Semi-final: Bohemians 0-2 Derry City

 

Drogheda United:

No matter which way Sunday goes, reaching the cup final and avoiding automatic relegation for the Premier Division’s only part-time team is some achievement. Tipped to go down before the season began, Drogheda United have established themselves as something of a bogey team for many a Premier Division side, owing to their hard-to-beat nature and tight Weaver’s Park pitch. After defeat in the Brandywell on the opening day, the Louth side had a rocky start to the season, with a 2-1 home win over Bohemians in early March coming as their only win in the first ten games of the campaign. Included in those first ten were five draws however, taking points of Derry City, St. Patrick’s Athletic and eventual champions Shelbourne before going to pick up wins over Sligo Rovers and Dundalk in spring. That aforementioned win at home to their Louth rivals and fellow relegation contenders was Drogheda’s only league win between the 6^th of May and the 26^th of July – a near three month winless streak in league action.

The most impressive week of Drogheda United’s season came in mid August. After hammering Munster Senior League side Wilton United 9-0 in the FAI Cup, Drogheda put seven past a Sligo Rovers side who were pushing for Europe. Sixteen goals without reply in two games showed that Kevin Doherty’s men meant business going into the latter stages of the season. A strong transfer window, which saw the loan signing of Douglas James-Taylor from Walsall and the arrivals of Jad Hakiki and Aodh Dervin from Dundalk and Shelbourne respectively showed that the club were strengthening well going into the relegation scrap. Drogheda had a strong end to the season, losing just two of their last seven, and taking the scalps of Derry City and Bohemians – inflicting on the former a huge dent to their title hopes, and pulling the latter down towards them in ninth position. It was ninth where Doherty’s men would end up – not quite safe but eight points clear of their Louth rivals Dundalk at the foot of the table. They face Bray Wanderers, a side who haven’t been in the Premier Division since 2018, in the Play-Off final in Tallaght next Saturday – a winner takes all tie which will close the curtain on the 2024 League of Ireland season.

A week after an emphatic beating of Bohemians in the semi-final of the FAI Cup, Derry City travelled to Drogheda knowing that a win would send Derry top of the Premier Division table. Compounding our misery on a genuinely Baltic evening in southern county Louth, Frantz Pierrot struck twice in eight minutes after the hour mark to sink the Candystripes. Looking back, it wasn’t just a cataclysmic blow to City’s title hopes, but it’s given everyone who watched that game a glimpse of the firepower of Pierrot and James-Taylor up front. Both goals highlighted the same problem in Derry’s defence – Pierrot and James-Taylor used their pace to get the better of Derry’s high-line, and the lack of pace between Wisdom and Connolly. DJT and Pierrot are a classic front two. James-Taylor is a lightning quick forward who plays on the shoulder of the defender and has a real eye for goal, you don’t make 50 appearances in League Two in your early 20s for nothing. Pierrot is a big target-man who is best when backing into the centre back and throwing his weight around. The Haitian’s positioning is another strong point of his game – his ten league goals tied him in joint fourth with Sean Boyd of Shelbourne in the Premier Division scoring charts. It also meant that he scored more goals than any other foreign player in the league in 2024. Douglas James-Taylor and Frantz Pierrot have scored or assisted 26 goals between them in league and cup action for Drogheda United this year – a statistic even more impressive when you consider that James-Taylor only arrived in July, and Pierrot had only four goals before their partnership.

There is a bit of a reliance on the two big men up top for Drogheda though – July departee left-back Evan Weir is tied with former Finn Harps striker Adam Foley on four league goals in third place on Drogs’ scoring charts. Foley’s brace off the bench to beat Wexford in the semi-final was his second and third in the FAI Cup this season, though. His 92^nd minute winner shows that age isn’t an issue for the big striker who turns 35 next month. Darragh Markey is one of the most underrated playmakers in the league and wouldn’t look out of place playing higher up the table. The introduction of the experienced Gary Deegan is a player in the centre of the park in recent weeks following injury helped Drogheda stave of automatic relegation, at 37 he’s another level head in the United lineup. The energetic Shane Farrell was an impressive signing from Shelbourne, whilst the arrival of full-back Elicha Ahui, who spent half of the 2023 season at Drogheda, was another astute signing. Former Finn Harps defender David Webster would, much like Adam Foley, love to get one over his old side’s deepest rivals. Jack Keaney, UCD’s captain in 2023, adds a versatile player to the defence, being comfortable operating in defensive midfield or centre back. Andrew Wogan and Luke Dennison have alternated in the goalkeeping department this year, with the latter keeping the 18 year old Wogan out of the lineup following an impressive start to life in the League of Ireland for the young shot stopper.

In terms of FAI Cup action, Drogheda United, with 18 goals, have scored more than anyone else in the competition this year – half of which came in the Third Round drubbing of Wilton United. Douglas James-Taylor, with six, is the competition’s top scorer – half of which, again, came as a hat-trick in that win over Wilton. Michael Duffy is second in the FAI Cup scoring charts, with four. On the contrary, Derry City are the only team with a perfect defensive record in the cup this year – they’ve gone the whole way to the final without conceding a single goal. In that sense, Sunday’s final ought to be entertaining – the highest scoring v. the best defence. A cup win for Drogheda United would be historic, they’ve lifted it just once and reached the final only four times, but Kevin Doherty may have an eye on next week’s play-off tie against Bray Wanderers. Would he, or the Drogheda fans, take a cup win over relegation considering the financial implications of the latter? It’s hard to know, but if they’re losing going into the last fifteen or so, Doherty may roll the dice and rest some key men. A win on Sunday would have them running on peak confidence going into the play-off, though. Drogheda United do have a fully fit squad and were able to rotate against already relegated Dundalk in the last game of the season. In that sense, they may have a fitness edge on the Candystripes.

This one will be closer than you may expect and, with Drogheda United selling out their allocation, a bumper crowd is to be expected. United began their cup journey with a home win over rivals Dundalk, before battering Wilton United in the Third Round. Athlone Town, at the time in great form in the First Division, lost 4-1 at home to a ten man Drogheda United in the quarters. Wexford, another First Division play-off hopeful, travelled to Louth in the semis, losing 3-2. Doherty’s men have had something of a never say die attitude in the cup this year, flexing their muscles against MSL and First Division opposition and getting the better of their bitter, local rivals.

Similarly to Derry in 2022, Drogheda United have been drawn as the home team in the tie but given the North Stand in the Aviva - usually used to house away fans in Republic of Ireland fixtures. That may not be a bad thing for Drogs, though - the team whose fans have been given that end have won each of the last three finals. It’s only a coincidence, but aside from the lockdown-hit 2020 final, Shamrock Rovers in 2019 were the last team to win the final when their fans were given the bigger South Stand. Hoping for a first cup win in nineteen years, and in only their fifth final in their history, Drogheda United will be praying that fate is on their side and will certainly be up for a fight come Sunday.

Route to the final:

Round 1: Bye

Round 2: Drogheda United 2-1 Dundalk

Round 3: Drogheda United 9-0 Wilton United

Quarter-final: Athlone Town 1-4 Drogheda United

Semi-final: Drogheda United 3-2 Wexford

 

Round-up:

Sunday’s FAI Cup typifies a tale of two seasons for Derry City and Drogheda United. Derry City, pushing Shelbourne for top spot for most of the season, have had a catastrophic end to the campaign which has seen them drop to a fourth placed finish in the league. Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic hold the European spots, meaning Derry City simply need to win to have European football, and the finances that will bring, in 2025. A loss would be disastrous, it’ll be harder to attract players and tougher to finance the type of contracts that top League of Ireland players are on now without the few hundred thousand cash injection that comes with UEFA Conference League qualification football. Drogheda United, on the other hand, are in the Aviva for the first time in eleven years, hoping to win only their second ever FAI Cup. The pressure is off them, even finishing as runners-up would mark a good season if they manage to stave of Bray Wanderers in the play-off. Kevin Doherty will want his side to take momentum into that game, which is arguably more important to their season than the cup final. Both Derry City and Drogheda United have beaten each other in 2024, Derry 2-1 and 5-1 in the Brandywell, and Drogs 2-1 in Weaver’s Park. With both teams representing the different realities of football at the top and bottom of the Premier Division table, the biggest day in the Irish footballing calendar is living up to its billing.

 

Pól O’Hare – 7^th November 2024

 

That’s another season drawn to a close and I’m proud to say that I’ve written a preview for every one of Derry City’s fixtures this season. Whilst it hasn’t been the ending to the year that we hoped for, we have one last day out before three months without League of Ireland football. I’d like to thank everyone who has read, shared or interacted with my previews – it’s much appreciated. Have a good Christmas and New Year folks, I’ll see you in February. Up the City.

Derry City v Shelbourne: Match Preview (1st November 2024)

 

Derry City v Shelbourne: Match Preview (1^st November 2024)

 

Derry City FC v. Shelbourne FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 36, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 1^st November 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

Last Friday night marked the end of Derry City’s title hopes as the Candystripes fell to a 1-0 defeat away to St. Patrick’s Athletic. City’s wait for a first league title since 1997 will continue for another year, whilst Shamrock Rovers’ victory over Dundalk has seen the Candystripes slip to fourth place in the table. Victory over Shelbourne on Friday night will hand Shamrock Rovers a fifth title in a row, assuming they beat Waterford in Tallaght. A positive result for Shelbourne will ensure their first title since 2006 – and they’ll lift it in the Brandywell. Even if they lost, they’d still win the league if Rovers don’t win against Waterford. For the City faithful, we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. For Ruaidhrí Higgins and his players, they’ll want to spoil Shelbourne’s party and take some momentum going into next Sunday’s cup final. It’s the end of another League of Ireland season, and the 27th without Derry City winning the biggest trophy in Irish football.

 

Last time out- St. Patrick’s Athletic 1-0 Derry City:

Having to watch those highlights again was grim I must say, but I’ll keep this recap short and (not really) sweet so you don’t have to relive it again. Derry City lined out in Inchicore with a weakened starting eleven, missing Cameron Dummigan, Ciarán Coll, Daniel Kelly, Ben Doherty and Mark Connolly. Shane McEleney captained the side, whilst Duncan Idehen made his first start for the club at left back. Patrick McEleney and Pat Hoban started on the bench despite both being ruled out through injury earlier in the week. A glancing Joe Redmond header eight minutes in was the first real attempt of the game, whilst referee Rob Hennessy set an early precedent by booking Andre Wisdom before the six minute mark. By the 36^th minute, five players had already been booked. Four for Derry (Wisdom, Boyce, Diallo for no apparent reason and Idehen) and one for Jamie Lennon of St. Pat’s. Before the clock struck forty, Derry City had the best opportunity of the game. After Danny Mullen was pushed by Tom Grivosti, Derry’s Scottish striker took the free kick quickly by sliding it through to Adam O’Reilly. O’Reilly rounded Joseph Anang in the Pat’s goal, but his off-balanced effort didn’t have the required power behind it to beat the onrushing defenders and was cleared by Anto Breslin. A great opportunity for a man reportedly linked with joining Stephen Kenny’s side in 2025.  Five minutes later, and Pat’s had opened the scoring. Anto Breslin’s shot from distance ricocheted into the path of Aidan Keena who found himself onside and in the box with just Brian Maher to aim at. His shot was saved brilliantly by Maher, but some pinballing in the box and a poor clearance from Shane McEleney saw former Derry man Brandon Kavanagh fire home. A great finish from a man who the club should never really have let go. We got €25k for him, but it ultimately cost us a league title.

As hoped, Derry started the second half on the front foot. Replacing Ronan Boyce at half time, Collie Whelan found time and space outside the Pat’s box and unleashed a dipping effort off the crossbar on the 56^th minute. Painfully close for the former UCD man. Less than ten minutes later and City should have scored again. Paul McMullan’s low ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by either Anang or Redmond and flicked up just inches behind Collie Whelan who was storming into the area. Wisdom’s ball back in was palmed right into the path of Michael Duffy who, with the net to aim at, fired right at Anang in the Pat’s goal. Derry piling on the pressure but with those missed chances, you just knew it wasn’t going to be our night.

Chris Forrester had the best chance in the remainder of the second half, rouletting and feinting into the Derry box behind firing just wide – if that went it would’ve been one of the goals of the season. The final whistle blew, confirming Derry’s worst fears. In a race that was two horse between Derry and Shelbourne all year, City could now finish fourth. Only Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers can now win the league, with it looking like we may need to win the cup to get European football in 2025. A bitter end to an up-and-down campaign. It’s the hope that kills you folks, we’re City ‘til we die and that’s why it hurts. Always next year, and the year after, and the year after…

Derry City:

Ruaidhrí Higgins’ injury-hit Candystripes didn’t play badly against Pat’s on Friday. They needed a win, but going to a Pat’s side who haven’t lost in two months was always a tough ask. With Hennessy booking Wisdom within six minutes, Derry City knew they’d be up against it from the start. That’s now just one win for Derry in their last 28 matches refereed by Rob Hennessy. Duncan Idehen did well at left back in the circumstances, it was his full City debut in the biggest match of the season and he was playing out of position. Andre Wisdom and Shane McEleney made an experienced centre back partnership. Wisdom found joy with underlapping runs when going forward in the second half and I didn’t think McEleney had a bad game despite his sliced clearance gifting Pats the game’s only goal. Adam O’Reilly led the energy in the middle of the pitch for City. He’s linked with a move to Inchicore at the end of the season, but Derry holding onto him for another couple of years could be as big as any new signing. The Pat’s defence scuppered Will Patching and Danny Mullen from getting involved in the game whilst Michael Duffy was swarmed by two men at all times – Stephen Kenny identifying his former winger as Derry’s primary threat. Colm Whelan gave Derry City something else going forward and is a different player now that he’s fit and firing again, he’s another man who we need to offer a new contract to ASAP. As was the story in the past couple of weeks, it was vital missed chances that eventually put an end to City’s title charge but, in all honesty, we had probably lost any chance at winning the league with those two draws in our games in hand. To think we would’ve been going into that Pats game two points clear had Paul McMullan scored from six yards against Bohs and Sean Robertson’s stoppage time effort against Sligo didn’t go over the crossbar. If that penalty against Shamrock Rovers wasn’t given, we’d have been out well before now.

Patrick McEleney, who had a plantar fascia injury that would likely rule him out for the season, came off the bench on Friday night. Patrick Hoban, despite being named on the bench in the last two games, doesn’t seem to be fit enough to play in the last couple of games. Instead of risking him further, I wouldn’t play him against Shelbourne either. City’s main signing heading into the season will hopefully finish as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals as long as Pádraig Amond doesn’t score against Rovers on Friday and Johnny Kenny doesn’t bag a brace against Waterford. Not a bad return for Dundalk’s record goal-scorer, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Colm Whelan start 2025 as our main striker if he stays on. Derry City will be trying to stop Shelbourne from lifting the title in the Brandywell on Friday. A win for City would see Rovers win the league as they’ll probably beat Waterford and, after their storming win away to Larne in the UEFA Conference League, they’re looking good for it at the minute. You’d hope for a good result to take into the cup final as it’s always a good day out. It feels like no time since that first game of the season against Drogheda United in the Brandywell though, that was eight and a half worryingly quick months ago.

 

Friday’s game against Shelbourne could be the last time we see some of the current squad play for Derry City in the Brandywell. Transfermarkt say that Ruaidhrí Higgins’ contract is up at the end of the year and the list of players out of contract at the end of this season doesn’t make for good reading. I’ll list them for you here; Brian Maher, Ciarán Coll, Mark Connolly, Shane McEleney, Patrick McEleney, Andre Wisdom, Adam O’Reilly, Will Patching and Colm Whelan (Transfermarkt). I’m not going to name here who I’d keep and who I’d let go, but you can decide for yourself from that list. There are players there who have been crucial to our team since Higgins had his first proper transfer window ahead of the 2022 season. At the same time, I think that team does need some new blood in it across the field. Centre back and centre midfield seem to be the two areas that I’d assume we’d freshen up on. We have a high average age, so fresh, young talent will do us no harm.  Securing European football before the cup final will be the aim for the Candystripes on Friday night, a draw for Derry would do that if Sligo Rovers beat St. Pat’s. This day three weeks ago we were talking about going two points clear at the top with two home wins. Now, there’s a fear that we could miss out on Europe. Two positive results for City on Friday and next Sunday should hopefully have us entering 2025 looking forward for a new season and with the buzz of a new stand behind the goal on the Lone Moor Road end. Christ, what a year.

Players of the Year:

Nobody has asked for this part, but I’m doing it anyway. It’s my very prestigious list of my top three Derry City players of 2024:

1.        Adam O’Reilly – The heart of City’s midfield, Adam O’Reilly kept the Derry City side ticking in 2024. His energy, close control and passion earned him the love of the City faithful. Rarely does the 23 year old put a foot wrong and there aren’t many in the country who compare to O’Reilly in that deeper midfield role. Coming to the end of his second season at Derry, he’s established himself as a key player for the Candystripes, who will surely be hoping to tie him down to a new contract at the end of the season.

 

2.        Pat Hoban – Dundalk’s all-time record goal-scorer joined Derry City for €25,000 ahead of the 2024 campaign as the Candystripes’ marquee signing. A statement of intent from Ruaidhrí Higgins, Hoban’s goalscoring threat gave Derry a focal point in attack that wasn’t previously available. Physical, strong in the air and comfortable backing into a defender, Hoban has hit the ground running at the Brandywell. With 14 goals in the league, he’s on course to finish the season as the Premier Division top scorer and would’ve likely scored more had he not missed five games through injury. Hoban will be the first Derry City player since Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe in 2019 to claim the Premier Division golden boot if Pádraig Amond and Johnny Kenny don’t bag a couple on Friday.

 

3.        Michael Duffy – One of the finest League of Ireland wingers of his generation, Michael Duffy rejoined Derry City in 2022 after a successful spell at Dundalk. City’s number 7 is a joy to watch on his day, cutting in from the left to whip shots towards the keeper’s far post, like an inverted, Shantallow Arjen Robben. His haul of five goals and five assists in the league isn’t bad at all, but he almost single-handedly took Derry City to the FAI Cup final in 2024. He scored in City’s 3-0 win over St. Pat’s and 2-0 win over Shelbourne, as well as lighting up Dalymount with a brace in the semi-final against Bohemians. His free kick against Bohs will be watched time and time again, whilst the 30 year old will hope to drive his side to the FAI Cup once again next week. His form has been recognised as he was named alongside Pádraig Amond and Dylan Watts as candidates for the PFAI Men’s Player of the Year award.

 

 

Shelbourne:

Just under two years ago, Derry City beat Shelbourne 4-0 in the 2022 FAI Cup final. It was a record breaking cup final win, but despite the scoreline, it marked a successful first season in senior management for Damien Duff. The 100 time Ireland international and two time Premier League winner inherited a Shelbourne side that had been promoted from the First Division and guided them to league safety and a cup final in his first season. By the end of 2023, Shelbourne would finish fourth in the League of Ireland and see European football in 2024 as a result of St. Pat’s’ cup final win. Now into the final game of his third season at the helm, Duff’s Shelbourne would win the Premier Division with victory in the Brandywell, or if Shamrock Rovers fail to beat Waterford. Yes, the league’s been ‘poorer’ than previous seasons, and it was Derry’s league to lose less than a month ago, but Shelbourne have spent the vast majority of the past seven months at the summit of the table. In fact, if Shamrock Rovers manage to win the league on Friday, it’ll be the first time all season that they’ve been top of the pile.

Shelbourne’s defence has been their foundation over the past few seasons. They currently have the best defensive record in the league, conceding 27 in 35 games. That’s one fewer than Galway United on 28. In 2023, only Derry City had a more resolute defence than Shels. Derry conceded 24 in 36 last year, whilst Shels let in just 27. Despite finishing fourth in 2023, Shelbourne have actually scored less goals this year than last and sit on the same points total as they finished last season with. They’ve struggled with ruthlessness this term, but they’ve managed to find goals when it’s mattered, winning 2-1 and 3-1 in their last two to keep their title push alive. That was also coming off the back of a run which saw them win just one in twelve league games and still remain top.

Key to that defensive solidity has been Paddy Barrett. He, alongside midfielder and captain Mark Coyle, were named in the PFAI Team of the Year this season. Barrett’s experience has seen him installed as a mainstay at the back, alongside fellow veterans Sean Gannon and Shane Griffin. Mark Coyle is a hard-hitting number six, whilst goalkeeper Conor Kearns has kept the second most clean sheets in the league with 15, one behind Brendan Clarke of Galway United. His average goals conceded per game stat of 0.8 is also a league best and odes to the defence in front of him. Brian Maher, for comparison, isn’t far behind – he’s kept 13 clean sheets and concedes 0.9 per game on average. Liam Burt, on loan from Shamrock Rovers, provides Shelbourne width in the midfield alongside fellow Scotsman Ali Coote. Rayhaan Tulloch and Matty Smith, returning from a three game ban, are other wide options – both scored screamers against St. Pat’s earlier in the month. Harry Wood returned in the centre of the pitch from Hull City after a spell on loan at Shels in 2023, whilst JJ Lunney has shown his quality in midfield throughout the campaign. Number 9 Sean Boyd’s recent form has maintained Shelbourne’s status at the top. He’s climbing up the goalscoring charts with 10 in the league and has scored three and assisted two in his last five games. His 89^th minute equaliser in the Brandywell back in May ensured that City didn’t overtake Shelbourne at the summit after an earlier Paul McMullan strike. He could be the main man for Shels on Friday.

Round-up:

A win on Friday for Shelbourne would secure their first league title since 2006, when they beat Derry City to the crown on goal difference. City will be hoping to spoil Shels’ party in the Brandywell this week, but should they do so, they’ll hand Shamrock Rovers a historic fifth title in a row. It’s a bit of a nightmare scenario in honesty if you’re a Derry fan, especially knowing that it was in our own hands on so many occasions and we failed to capitalise. Shelbourne have it in them to come back from a goal or two down too, but haven’t won in the Brandywell since April 2022. Shels haven’t beaten Derry City in any competition since that loss, with City winning four and the other seven being draws. The past six league meetings between Derry City and Shelbourne have seen the spoils shared, whilst City’s 2-0 FAI Cup quarter final victory over Duff’s side in September is up there with Derry’s best performances of the season. This one could really go either way and there’s so much on the line. With four red cards coming from the previous seven league encounters, there could be fireworks on Friday – and not just ones left over from Halloween. It’s been a final few games from hell for Derry City in 2024, but Ruaidhrí Higgins will be hoping that his men can bow out of league action with a positive result on Friday before a massive FAI Cup final tie with Drogheda United next Sunday. Watching Shelbourne lift the title would be the scariest thing we’d see this Halloween so, for once, I’m just about okay with Shamrock Rovers winning the league. Again.

Pól O’Hare – 30^th October 2024

FAI Cup Quarter Final Match Preview: Derry City v Shelbourne (14th September 2024)

 

FAI Cup Quarter Final Match Preview: Derry City v Shelbourne

 

After a glorious seven day spell at the summit of the Premier Division, Derry City must overcome the disappointment of dropping back down to second, and allowing Shelbourne to reclaim a four point buffer at the top of the table, when they face their title rivals in a cup tie for the ages in the Brandywell on Saturday. It’s the top two in the league, and the two favourites to lift the cup, battling it out in an early-Autumn quarter-final under the Brandywell lights on a Saturday evening. The game’s likely to sell out, and with the added tension of knowing these two won’t meet again until the final day of the campaign, this is the type of game to define a season.

Last time out - Galway United 1-0 Derry City:

Going into a league game as table toppers for the first time in almost six months, Derry City knew that a win could be a massive step towards clinching a first title since 1997. Travelling to a ground they haven’t won at since 2015, City started the game well against the second best defensive team in the league. Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men found joy down the flanks against Waterford the week before and went down the same route in Galway. Sixteen minutes in and the closest opportunity of the first half saw Sadou Diallo’s strike from range narrowly miss the post on Brendan Clarke’s right hand side. Six minutes later and it was a loose touch from the former Wolves and Man City midfielder which fielded possession the way of Galway United, forcing Brian Maher into a save following a right-footed Jimmy Keohane effort from outside of the box. City could have, and probably should have, opened the deadlock with less than ten minutes of the first half remaining when neat interplay between Adam O’Reilly and Paul McMullan saw the ball flashed across the box. Will Patching was on hand from fifteen yards out to sweep the ball low and past Clarke in the Galway goal, narrowly missing the same as post as Sadou Diallo twenty minutes earlier.

Thirteen minutes after the restart and Patching again came close, forcing Brendan Clarke into a fantastic save when he whipped a strike from the corner of the box towards the stanchion of the goal. A third great opportunity for City to open the scoring. It wasn’t long though before the home side found themselves a goal. A deep free kick was looped into the Derry box, and it seemed that Brian Maher had caught it, before coming down on top of substitute Danny Mullen and dropping the ball. American midfielder, and August Player of the Month, Patrick Hickey was on hand to stab into the net as the referee waived away claims for a foul from the City faithful. A rare error from Maher, but a massive goal for Galway in their hunt for Europe. Right from the restart and City had a golden opportunity to level it. Danny Mullen, involved for the wrong reasons in the other box just minutes earlier, met Paul McMullan’s inch-perfect ball into the box with his forehead. With the goal to aim at, the Scotsman saw himself denied by the ever-present Brendan Clarke in the United goal. A massive performance from the veteran keeper. City piled on the pressure in the last ten minutes but it wasn’t to be, as one of the league’s soundest defences kept another clean sheet. A poor result for the Candystripes, but the opportunities were there to be taken.

Derry City:

After the highs of topping the table a week prior, the loss to Galway has shown us how small the margins are in football. Derry played well in Eamonn Deacy Park for the most part, the attacking play was crisp and we came agonisingly close on three occasions. If Brendan Clarke wasn’t between the sticks for the Tribesmen, we would have won that game by a margin of a goal or two at least. Paul McMullan showed his skill and close-control down the wing, whilst Patching could have bagged himself a brace on another day. New signing Andre Wisdom was solid once again as he met fellow former Premier League full back Greg Cunningham on the left side of the Galway defence. On the other hand, Pat Hoban was kept quiet on his return to his hometown and Danny Mullen had a second-half cameo to forget. I would have liked to see Sean Robertson come on in the second half, his direct running and raw pace would have troubled a tiring Galwegian back-line. Jacob Davenport is another play I’d love to see more of, with Cameron Dummigan’s injury I think a midfield three of O’Reilly, Patching and Davenport would be a joy to watch. Signed in early July, Davenport’s only 45 minutes in red and white came over a month ago in the 1-1 draw with Dundalk. It was good to see Patrick McEleney back in the team against Galway after breaking his arm earlier in the summer. If he gets up to speed, he could provide that one flick or ball into the box that could win games between now and November. That international break will have been welcomed by the City players and staff alike, as they’ve been given time to regroup and get the defeat on the Atlantic coast out of the system.

Shelbourne:

Quarter-final opponents don’t come much bigger than this at the moment in Irish football. Shelbourne, who lost 4-0 in a record breaking cup final win against Derry City two years ago, travel to the Brandywell four points clear at the top of the Premier Division table. They say form goes out of the window in cup games, and that’s something both managers will want to believe on Saturday. For the top two teams in the country, neither side are really playing like it. Both City and Shelbourne have won just one of their last five league games and are fairly keeping each other occupied in the race for the title. Damien Duff’s Shels side needed extra-time and penalties to beat Galway United in the round of 16 after a 1-0 away win over Bray Wanderers in the second round of the cup. Their 1-0 win away to Dundalk is their only league win since the end of June, whilst a double-header against Swiss giants FC Zurich in the UEFA Conference League added an extra 180 minutes into July and August’s schedule.

Defensively is where Shelbourne have shone this season. Just 19 goals conceded in 29 league games is some feat – Conor Kearns, Paddy Barrett and co. have kept a tight ship at the back for Shels. The addition of the Aiden O’Brien, the former Millwall and Ireland striker who has more than 200 EFL appearances, has hit the ground running since signing from Shrewsbury Town in August. The 30 year old has scored twice in four appearances for the Reds so far, adding to the already strong centre forward options of Sean Boyd and John Martin. Damien Duff will hope that O’Brien’s goal will be important in the run-in as his side have scored 32 in the league this term – ten fewer than Derry City and ranking them in seventh in the league in terms of goals scored. A prolific number nine could be the missing key to the Shelbourne puzzle.

Will Jarvis, who was recalled from his loan by Hull City after playing against Derry back in August, was Shelbourne’s main attacking threat this year. His combined goals and assists of 12 was the highest in their side, ahead of Sean Boyd on 9 and John Martin on 6. Only Jarvis and left back Tyreke Wilson have registered more than two assists this term for Shelbourne. Former Derry City man Matt Smith bagged last time out against Bohemians, a goal which put Shels in the driving seat in the title race – that was his first league goal of the campaign. Captain Mark Coyle is a tough midfielder in the middle of the park, whilst the energy of Evan Caffrey and talent of Harry Wood balance out a tidy midfield trio. Liam Burt, Ali Coote and Rayhaan Tulloch are all quality wingers and give Duff options off the bench. These two won’t face each other now until the last game of the season, a potential title-decider in the Brandywell on the 1^st of November. Things are getting serious.

Round-up:

Derry City have reached the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup for the second time in three years. That fixture in 2022 was one of the best games in the Brandywell all season. City played Shamrock Rovers off the park in the first half, before conceding in the second half and taking the game to extra-time, where goals from Danny Lafferty and Brandon Kavanagh sent City into the semis. Treaty United lay in wait back then and with half of the remaining teams in the Cup currently playing in the First Division, there’s a good chance of another First Division side meeting Saturday’s victor.

Seven of the last eight league ties between Derry City and Shelbourne have ended in draws, with Derry’s 1-0 win in Tolka in March 2023 the only time since August 2022 when the points haven’t been shared. Four of those previous eight have seen red cards whilst the rivalry between Higgins and Duff that we saw in Tolka last month could make a reappearance. In the three games played between Shelbourne and Derry City in 2024, two have been scoreless. Sean Boyd’s 89^th minute equaliser split the spoils in the Brandywell in May. The last quarter-final to be played between these two was the League Cup quarters back in 2018, when City came out 7-3 victors as Ronan Curtis bagged a first half hattrick.

Saturday will mark twelve years to the day since City beat Mervue United 7-1 in the FAI Cup quarter-finals back in 2012. Mark Farren bagged a hat-trick that day, equalling then surpassing Liam Coyle’s record goal tally for the Candystripes when he bagged on the 60^th and 61^st minutes. The solitary goalscorer for Mervue that night was none other than a 21 year old Patrick Hoban. A decade and a bit on, and the now 33 year old will lead the line for City at the same stage in the same competition. Another FAI Cup quarter-final highlight came back in 2014, when City drew 2-2 with eight man Drogheda United before hammering the Louth side 5-0 in the replay. Ryan McBride scored in the first game, whilst Patrick McEleney and Michael Duffy both netted – that was ten years ago on Monday. There have certainly been a few high scoring quarter finals in the Brandywell over the past few years, here’s hoping Saturday will bring similar fireworks.

With the other three quarter finals taking place on Friday night, it won’t be much of a wait before the winner in the Brandywell learns their next opponent. The semi-final draw will be held after full-time on Saturday evening, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see an upset or two heading into it. UCD, who beat Sligo Rovers 2-0 in the round of 16, welcome Bohemians to Belfield. Wexford host Treaty United in a tie which will guarantee a First Division side in the last four, whilst Drogheda United travel to Athlone Town in the other fixture. Possibly just 180 minutes away from an Aviva day out, the FAI Cup is really beginning to heat up.

 

Pól O’Hare – 12^th September 2024

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview (23rd August 2024)

 

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Waterford FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 28, Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Friday 23^rd August 2024 kick-off 7.45pm

 

After advancing to the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup following a 1-0 away win over Cork City, Derry City face their second away game in Munster in seven days as they face high-flying Waterford in the Premier Division. The Candystripes evoked the spirit of the late and great Jim McLaughlin, who passed away last Thursday, in their win in Turner’s Cross. It was a 1-0 win over Cork City in the 1989 FAI Cup final which saw Jim McLaughlin’s City side clinch a historic domestic treble – a feat which, 35 years on, is yet to be equalled. Felix Healy scored the winner that day, but it was a Sam Todd header that clinched the win last Friday, a goal which sees Derry face Shelbourne in the Brandywell in a huge last-eight tie.

Last time out – Cork City 0-1 Derry City:

It certainly wasn’t a pretty affair, but winning tough games when you’re under the cosh is a sign of a good team. Cork, who sit fifteen points clear in the First Division, welcomed the Candystripes to Turner’s Cross on Friday night having conceded just ten goals in their previous 28 domestic fixtures this term. Tim Clancy’s men hadn’t tasted defeat at home all season and looked dangerous going into the game with their new look attack of Ruairí Keating, Sean Maguire and 17 year old Cathal O’Sullivan.

It was a scrappy affair from the start, with City coming close through Paul McMullan after a disguised free kick from Will Patching just six minutes in. Seconds later and a late tackle from Pat Hoban brought Darragh Crowley to the ground, much to the dismay of the Cork fans. An early yellow card for the City striker. The home side had an opportunity of their own two minutes later when a loose ball in the box fell to Ruairí Keating, who blazed over from short range. Sean Maguire had his own close effort before the quarter hour mark – Cork’s star men showing their attacking prowess early on. The rest of the first half had a real cup tie feel, the home side wouldn’t let Derry settle and had the better of the chances. Sean Maguire’s dink over Brian Maher on the stroke of half-time looked like it would open the scoring, but Ciaran Coll’s hooked clearance kept City level going into the break.

The away side came out fighting in the second spell as the introduction of Sam Todd for the booked Adam O’Reilly saw Ciaran Coll move to right back and Cameron Dummigan into midfield, as well as giving City more height in the back line. Derry looked like a threat from set pieces in the second spell – Ben Doherty’s inswingers were narrowly diverted wide on two occasions. With twenty minutes left to go, one was finally nodded in. It was Sam Todd who made the run into the centre of the box before rising highest to see his header clip the underside of the bar and go past Bradley Wade in the Cork goal. A first goal in red and white for Todd, and a precious lead for City in their quest for cup glory. After a scare in the 84^th minute when Keating’s ball across the face of the box was knocked wide at the back post, City held on to claim victory and progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the competition in 2022.

Derry City:

As I said earlier, the performance against Cork wasn’t one for the football purist. It was a proper cup tie. City rode their luck at times but pounced when they really needed too, and kept a clean sheet against a side who have scored, on average, 1.53 goals per game this term. The defending was resolute, whilst Brian Maher was to thank for some big saves throughout the game. Sam Todd was the unlikely hero, but there’s something authentic about a big centre-back converting a corner to progress in cup football. With only eight teams now remaining in the cup, four of whom play in the First Division, City will fancy their chances at cup glory. Shelbourne, who we can’t go a game without mentioning this year, will set their sights on a first cup triumph since 2000. Bohemians, who scraped past Kerry FC on penalties, and Drogheda United, who put nine past Wilton United, are the other two Premier Division teams. Neither of those would be easy wins. UCD provided the shock of the round, aside from Kerry taking Bohs to penalties, as they beat Sligo Rovers 2-0 in their own backyard. Athlone Town beat Friday’s opponents Waterford late in extra-time, whilst Treaty United beat Pike Rovers 7-0 and Wexford put Ballyfermot United to the sword with a 3-0 win.

There’s been one in and one out of the Brandywell in the past week. I’ll start with Jordan McEneff, Derry’s top scorer last season. He joined UEFA Conference League group stage (sorry, ‘league phase’) hopefuls Larne FC on Monday for an undisclosed fee. The 23 year old scored nine times in two years for City, including the fourth goal in City’s 2022 FAI Cup final victory over Shelbourne. McEneff struggled for game-time this season after breaking his foot in April and, getting a fee for a player who could leave for free come November isn’t the worst business in the world.

Never in a million years did I think Andre Wisdom would be lining out for Derry City when he broke into Liverpool’s first team under Brendan Rodgers in 2012/13, but here we are. Now 31, Wisdom played 14 times for the Anfield side and appeared in the Premier League around 50 times in spells with Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion. A £3m switch to Derby County in July 2017 followed an impressive loan spell in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg. Wisdom made 130 appearances for Derby before taking a career break after being stabbed in 2020. Most recently plying his trade for Worthington in the National League North, Andre Wisdom is looking to get his career back on track with the Candystripes. The former England U21 captain is a natural right back but can deputise at centre back, offering Ruaidhrí Higgins much needed defensive cover. The deal works for all parties, City get the experience of a former Premier League defender and Wisdom gets a short-term contract to keep his options open at the end of the current LOI season. At 31, he could be an astute signing if he impresses in red and white and is offered a new deal for 2025. There are also rumblings of another addition before the end of the month too...

Jacob Davenport, impressive in his debut against Dundalk two weeks ago, was the glaring omission from the team sheet against Cork City. The Englishman has had a niggle or two since signing from Morecambe in July. Ronan Boyce was another omission, as was Mark Connolly – two players who Higgins will want to keep fit from now until the end of the season. Danny Mullen started alongside Pat Hoban in the City attack, but was marshalled well by the home side’s defence. Hoban will come up against his closest rival for the golden boot on Friday when he faces Waterford’s Padraig Amond. Amond sits one goal behind Hoban with eleven this season.

 

Waterford:

Promoted to the Premier Division via the play-offs last season, Waterford have settled nicely into life back in the top flight. After scoring 84 goals in 36 league games in 2023, Keith Long’s men took a while to get going in the Premier Division. After winning just one of their opening six, the Blues went on a run of winning eight of their next twelve league games to climb the table heading into the summer. Despite hitting a rocky patch of late, winning just two of their last five domestically and being knocked out of the FAI Cup by First Division promotion hopefuls Athlone Town, Waterford find themselves firmly in the hunt for European football. They currently find themselves in third place after 27 games, joint on points with Sligo Rovers in fourth and six behind Derry City in second. The Munster-men are out for revenge after they were denied a licence to play in Europa League qualifiers in 2019, as they aim to compete in European competition for the first time since losing 6-1 to Bordeaux over two legs in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1986-87.

Waterford’s current tally of 37 league goals scored has them as the second highest scoring team in the Premier Division, behind only Derry City. A big portion of that, well 35.1% to be exact, is down to the exploits of former EFL stalwart Pádraig Amond. The 36 year old striker, who scored against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City during his 13 year spell in England, has contributed to 13 goals for Waterford this term – 11 goals and 2 assists. He finds himself behind only Derry City’s Pat Hoban in the goalscoring charts. Amond scored both Waterford goals in their recent cup defeat to Athlone. His 105^th minute strike to put the hosts 2-1 up looked like it would have sealed the game before Aaron Connolly (not the former Hull City striker) and Peter McGregor scored twice in the last five minutes of extra time to send The Town through – late, late heartbreak for the Blues.

One player who stood out in a Waterford shirt this campaign was winger Maleace Asamoah. His return of 7 goal involvements in 17 games showed promise, so much so that Fleetwood Town recalled him early from his loan in order to link up with former Derry winger Ryan Graydon at the League One side.  Aside from Amond’s eleven goal haul and Asamoah’s impressive six from the wing, Christie Pattison’s four goals sees him third in the club’s scoring chart for the campaign. The goals are spread about the pitch for Waterford though, with eleven different players bagging in the league in 2024, including three defenders.

Connor Parsons’ curling effort lifted the roof in Tallaght last November, being the goal that sent Waterford back to the Prem for the first time in three years. The Englishman has featured in 27 league fixtures this season and is dangerous as a number 10 or as a winger. Northern Ireland youth international Barry Baggley is tidy in the centre of the park and returned from a three month injury at the end of July. Another NI youth player at Waterford is Samuel Glenfield, whose inch perfect 81^st minute strike away to Bohemians in Dalymount completed a 3-2 comeback after being 2-0 down at half-time two weeks ago. Left back Darragh Leahy leads the assists chart with three goals and will play on Friday despite being sent off against Athlone Town after a successful appeal from his club. Some say that a successful appeal to the FAI is rarer than that moon we saw this week.

Waterford are a team with good fighting spirit and threats across the pitch. They’ve come back to win or draw after going behind five times this season – two of which have been turning 2-0 deficits to 4-2 and 3-2 wins against Drogheda United and Bohemians respectively. They also survived a scare when our neighbours to the west, Cockhill Celtic, went 1-0 up in the RSC in the FAI Cup second round a month ago. The Blues have failed to beat the current top two this season, failing to score against Derry City since 2021 and being winless against Shelbourne since 2020. Fellow promoted side Galway United are the only other team that Waterford have failed to beat this term.

Round – up:

I’ll probably have jinxed this, but Derry City are the only team who Waterford haven’t taken points off this term. In the three previous meetings between the two this year, City have won 3-0 twice and 2-0. That’s an aggregate score of 8-0, keeping three clean sheets against the side closest to them in terms of goals scored and league position. It’s an extremely impressive record if you’re of a Derry persuasion, especially when you consider that the Blues haven’t beaten City at home in four and a half years. Waterford have only drawn four games this season, compared to the Candystripes’ ten – the joint most in the league. With just nine league games left for Derry City to overcome the two point gap between themselves and Shelbourne, whilst avoiding the likes of Waterford, Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers pushing them in a late race for the title, it really is crunch time in the Premier Division. A win for City on Friday would do wonders in keeping Waterford at arm’s length. It's a second against third with just over two months of the campaign to go, it's a bigger game than people may think. A loss could see Shelbourne step a foot closer to lifting the title should the beat Bohemians in Tolka, whilst giving up precious ground to the teams on the peripheries of European spots. This football craic is bad news for the blood pressure
Pól O'Hare - 21st August 2024