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

 

Shamrock Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview

 

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shamrock Rovers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

 

Pól O'Hare – 24^TH March 2025

A Deep Dive into Derry City's 2022 Squad

 

Derry City’s 2022 Team: Where are they now?

 

Following a start to the season which saw Derry City bottom after six games in 2021, Ruaidhrí Higgins replaced Declan Devine as manager at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. The Limavady man’s arrival saw a new dawn for the club, who finished 2021 in fourth place and secured European football. 2022 was Higgins’ first full year as manager of Derry City, and it didn’t end too badly either. The Candystripes lifted the FAI Cup in November with a record breaking 4-0 win over Shelbourne in the final, as well as finishing second in the league. That season began less than three years ago, but with Tiernan Lynch’s reign opening a new chapter for City, I’ve had a look at the squad of 2022 to see how their careers panned out before and after joining the Candystripes. I’ll begin with the squad for the first game of the season, a 2-2 away draw with Dundalk in February.

 

BRIAN MAHER: A product of St Kevin’s Boys and St. Patrick Athletic’s youth academies, Brian Maher spent two years at Bray Wanderers in 2020 and 2021, making almost fifty appearances before his 21^st birthday. One of the most promising young keepers in Ireland, Maher made more than thirty appearances in Ireland’s U17s, U19s and U21s. City signed Brian Maher ahead of the 2022 season, immediately becoming the club’s first choice stopper thanks to his range of passing, comfort on the ball and reaction saves. After making more than 100 appearances for Derry City and keeping the most clean sheets in the Premier Division in both 2022 and 2023, Maher signed a two-year contract extension in December 2024, keeping him at the Brandywell until 2026. His re-signing was a statement of intent from Tiernan Lynch, committing Maher to the Cansystripes despite interest from Scottish clubs and Shamrock Rovers.

CIARÁN COLL: Versatile defender Ciarán Coll spent a year at Hearts of Midlothian in 2008 after starting out with Kildrum Tigers, before returning home to join Finn Harps in 2009. The Letterkenny native was key to the Finn Harps defence for the best part of a decade, making almost 300 appearances and taking the captain’s armband. He crossed the north-west divide in 2019, when Declan Devine brought him to the Brandywell. Reliable and consistent at both left back and centre back, Ciarán Coll was a key part of the Derry City squad for five seasons, making 170 appearances in red and white. Declan Devine, now manager of Glentoran, once again snapped up the 33 year old on a two-and-a-half year contract following the expiration of his contract with Derry in November 2024.

CAMERON MCJANNET: Milton Keynes native Cameron McJannet spent almost a decade at Luton Town as a youngster before signing for Stoke City in 2016. Despite a loan at Curzon Ashton during the 2018-19 season, McJannet was released in 2020 and joined Derry City on a free transfer in August, going on to make 142 appearances at left-back at centre-back. One of the best defenders in the Premier Division, McJannet made more than 50 appearances as City captain in his almost four year spell at the club. Now 26, McJannet assisted Danny Mullen for a 95^th minute winner away to Bohemians in June 2024 on his last appearance for the club. He joined Grimsby Town later that month, as Derry City cashed in on a much-fancied player whose contract expired at the end of the year. McJannet has since made 25 appearances in League Two, and City’s failure to truly replace him likely factored in their failure to win the league or cup in 2024. He recently scored his first league goal for Grimsby when he opened the scoring against Port Vale in late December, before going on to pick up the Man of the Match award in a 3-0 victory.

EOIN TOAL: Centre back Eoin Toal made his debut for Armagh Town at 16 years of age in 2015 and made more than 50 appearances for the club before Kenny Shiels brought him to Derry City in 2017. He became a Candystripe regular in 2018 and was made captain in 2021, going to on to make 155 appearances as he grew to become one of the most impressive defenders in Ireland. A regular in Northern Ireland’s U19 and U21 set-ups during his time at Derry, Toal played through the pain barrier of an ankle injury to make his last appearance for City away to Riga FC in Latvia in the UEFA Conference League in July 2022. Later that month, Toal joined League One side Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed transfer fee, believed to be around €100,000 including add-ons. He has since made over 70 appearances for Bolton, including starting the 2023 EFL Trophy final in which Wanderers beat Plymouth Argyle 4-0. He signed a contract extension until 2027 last year and broke into the Northern Ireland senior team in 2023.

CAMERON DUMMIGAN: Lurgan man Cameron Dummigan left Cliftonville as a 16 year old in 2012 to sign for Burnley, failing to make a senior appearance for the Clarets despite being named on the bench in the Premier League. A loan spell to League One side Oldham Athletic in 2015-16 saw him make 26 appearances before signing permanently ahead of the 2016-17 season. Naturally a right-back but more than adept in defensive midfield, the 18 time Northern Ireland U21 international joined League of Ireland champions Dundalk in 2019, where he picked up four trophies in three seasons. Dummigan was a statement signing for Derry City ahead of the 2022 campaign and was integral to the side, earning an inclusion in the PFAI Team of the Year alongside winning his second FAI Cup. Despite injury hit 2023 and 2024 seasons, Dummigan signed a two-year contract extension keeping him on Foyleside until 2026, staving off interest from Linfield in the Irish League.

CIARON HARKIN: Signed by Declan Devine alongside Ciarán Coll ahead of the 2019 season, Ciaron Harkin quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Brandywell due to his dogged nature in the midfield of the park. A youth player at the Candystripes, the Creggan man impressed at Institute between 2015 and 2017, causing fellow Co. Derry side Coleraine to sign him January 2017. Harkin was central to the Bannsiders’ side which won their sixth Irish Cup in 2018, and their first since 2003. He was closing in on 100 appearances for Derry City when he picked up an ACL tear at home to Shamrock Rovers in February 2022. Later that year, the midfielder aggravated the injury during rehab – a heartbreaking setback which saw him miss the entirety of the 2023 season. Harkin made just four appearances for Derry in the summer of 2024 as he continued towards full fitness, before rejoining Coleraine on loan – where he has since surpassed a century of appearances. With a contract running until the end of 2025, the 28 year old will hope to return to City’s first team set up upon his return from Coleraine in January.

DANNY LAFFERTY: Danny Lafferty joined Celtic in 2006 from Oxford United, also playing for Ayr United on loan. He signed for Derry City in 2010 after being released by Celtic and made 12 appearances as the Candystripes won the First Division. After a further 34 appearances in red and white, Championship side Burnley snapped up the left-back for £150,000 and gave him the number 3 shirt. He made 40 appearances for the Clarets, also playing for Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United on loan. Sheffield signed him permanently in 2017 and loaned him to Peterborough United in 2019. He returned to Ireland that summer, signing for Shamrock Rovers. Lafferty won the FAI Cup that November, and the Premier Division title in 2020. Declan Devine brought him back to Derry ahead of the 2021 season, before Lafferty left for Sligo Rovers in 2023 after winning the FAI Cup with his hometown club in 2022. Aged 35, the former Northern Ireland international currently lines out for Ballymena United after playing the second half of the 2023/24 season at Institute.

WILL PATCHING: Stockport native Will Patching joined the Manchester City academy at just six years of age, spending fourteen years there before joining Notts County in 2018. During his time in Manchester, Patching made 25 appearances for England’s youth teams, representing his country at the U17 World Cup in Chile in 2015. Patching played with Phil Foden, Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho, and Real Madrid’s Brahím Diaz whilst at Manchester City and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards and Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi with England. He struggled to nail down a spot at Notts County before signing for Dundalk in 2020. Patching shone whilst on loan at Derry City in the first half of the 2021 season, before scoring in both legs of Dundalk’s qualifiers and play-offs for the UEFA Conference League after returning to the club in July. Patching joined Derry City permanently in 2022, proving to be one of the most exciting midfielders in the league as he contributed to 68 goals in 130 appearances. In fact, Derry City never lost in a match that Will Patching scored in. His highlights reel makes for great viewing, but an injury-hit 2024 saw the 26 year old leave Ireland at the end of the season, signing for League Two’s bottom side Carlisle United in January on a two-and-a-half year deal.

JOE THOMSON: A youth player for both Rangers and Celtic, Paisley native Joe Thomson made his professional debut and only appearance for Celtic in a 3-1 victory away to Dundee United in August 2015. The midfielder, who has a rocket of a right foot, left Celtic in 2018 to sign for Dunfermline Athletic following loans to Dumbarton, Queen of the South and Livingston. Aged just 21, Thomson was named Fans Player of the Year in his first season at Dunfermline but was released in May 2020 as the COVID pandemic hit the club’s finances. Derry City swooped to land the Scotsman, who scored against FK Riteriai on his UEFA Europa League debut as the Candystripes lost in extra-time. With game-time limited in the second half of the 2022 campaign, Thomson bowed out with an FAI Cup triumph as he was included in the swap deal along with Micháel Glynn to sign Ben Doherty from Larne. After ten goals in 79 appearances at Derry, Thomson won back-to-back NIFL Premierships in 2023 and 2024 with Larne, alongside contributing to their run to become the first ever Northern Irish side to qualify for European group-stages when they made it to the UEFA Conference League league-phase in 2024.

BRANDON KAVANAGH: City signed Dubliner Brandon Kavanagh from Shamrock Rovers prior to the 2022 season. The winger came through the ranks at Bray Wanderers before signing for Bohemians in 2016 and, after impressing back on loan at Bray in 2021 alongside Brian Maher, Ruaidhrí Higgins swooped to sign the then 21 year old on a three year contract. A versatile midfielder who can play in both the number 10 slot and on either wing, Kavanagh failed to nail down a starting berth at the Brandywell. He made more than 70 appearances in red and white, scoring ten goals, before transferring to St. Pat’s ahead of the 2024 season for a fee of around €25,000. Kavanagh had a stellar season in Inchicore and has shone under Stephen Kenny as Pat’s went unbeaten in their last eleven league games to leapfrog Derry City and finish third in the Premier Division. To rub salt into the City wounds, it was Kavanagh’s goal which denied the Candystripes the chance to win the league going into the final game. The 24 year old finished 2024 with twelve assists in the league, as well as six goals, topping the assist chart for the Premier Division.

JAMIE MCGONIGLE: Dungiven native Jamie McGonigle was Ruaidhrí Higgins’ marquee signing in the summer of 2021. He left Dungiven Celtic for Coleraine in 2014, making his debut in 2015 and scoring more than 50 goals before joining Crusaders in 2019 for a then Northern Irish record transfer of £60,000 – breaking a 21 year record. At Coleraine, McGonigle won the Irish Cup alongside fellow Derry teammate Ciaron Harkin in 2017-18 and scored 16 in the league as the Bannsiders finished second. Derry City splashed the cash to land McGonigle for a rumoured fee of £35,000 in June 2021, a worthwhile price as he scored eight goals in seventeen to help City to a fourth-placed finish. 2022 saw McGonigle given the number nine shirt as he became the first Derry player since Alex Krstic in 1986 to score in five games in a row. That fifth goal was a stoppage time winner into the top corner against Shamrock Rovers, showing that Derry meant business in the title race. After bagging a hattrick in a 7-1 win over UCD in April 2022, and a brace in a 4-0 win away to St Pat’s a week later, McGonigle only scored two more league goals all season as City’s title hopes died out. He did, however, net in four of Derry City’s five FAI Cups games, including the opener in the final. 2023 saw McGonigle bag five goals in 29 games in all competitions, as he left Derry City in early 2024 with two years left on his contract to rejoin Coleraine – allowing the Candystripes to land Pat Hoban. He has since scored 12 goals for Coleraine in less than a year – taking his haul for the Bannsiders to 69 goals as he approaches 200 appearances in blue and white.

SUBSTITUTES

NATHAN GARTSIDE: After overcoming serious illness while on the verges of the Watford first team, Nathan Gartside signed for Derry City in the summer of 2018 to rival Gerard Doherty for the number one spot. Once back-up to Heurelho Gomes at Watford, who he joined from Institute as a 16 year old, Gartside became City’s first choice keeper ahead of the 2021 season after being utilised mostly as a cup goalkeeper in his first two-and-a-half years. He made 46 appearances for Derry and broke into the Northern Ireland U21 side in 2019. A paperwork error denied him a call-up to the senior team after he was named in the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Bulgaria in 2021 after an impressive season as Derry’s number one. Following the arrival of Brian Maher, Gartside made just two appearances in 2022 and moved to Cliftonville in July of that year. Despite a positive start in Belfast, former St. Pat’s and Drogheda United goalkeeper David Odumosu was preferred to the former Watford man in goal. After making 54 appearances for the Reds, including the majority of the 2024 Irish Cup final which Cliftonville would go on to win 3-1 in extra-time, Gartside left to join Loughgall, who currently find themselves rooted to the foot of the Premiership table. The 26 year old was recently named the NIFL Premiership Player of the Week after saving two penalties away to Carrick Rangers in mid-December.

PATRICK MCELENEY: Originally coming through the ranks at Foyle Harps, Patrick McEleney joined Sunderland in 2008 before coming home to sign for Stephen Kenny’s Derry City ahead of the 2010 campaign. After winning the First Division in 2010 and FAI Cup in 2012, and despite interest from England, Kenny brought McEleney to Dundalk ahead of the 2016 season. Ten trophies, including three Premier Division titles and an inclusion in the 2016 PFAI Team of the Year followed, either side of a nine game spell at Oldham Athletic in England. The midfielder also played a part in both of Dundalk’s Europa League campaigns in 2016 and 2020, before being brought back to the Brandywell ahead of the 2022 campaign. McEleney surpassed the 300 appearance mark in red and white back in October 2024, playing in two cup finals in his three seasons back in Derry, winning in 2022 but coming off injured and losing in his ninth cup final of his career in 2024. That loss against Drogheda United also drew his Derry City playing career to a close, as he joined Ballymena United in November. The 32 year old has, however, been linked with a return to City in a coaching capacity.

SHANE MCELENEY: Derry man Shane McEleney rejoined Derry City in 2022 alongside his brother Patrick, after first signing a professional deal with the club under Stephen Kenny in 2010. After five years with the Candystripes, in which he won a First Division title, League Cup and FAI Cup, the big centre half joined St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2015. He picked up back-to-back League Cups in Inchicore, leaving to join Ottawa Fury in America in late 2016. A year later and McEleney had returned back to Ireland, first spending two years at Larne before signing for Finn Harps in 2020. Signed to provide cover to City’s back-line, he was part of the tightest defence in the Premier Division in both 2022 and 2023, picking up the second FAI Cup of his career in doing so. Coming 34 in January, McEleney was announced as a new signing by Glentoran in the NIFL Premiership in December 2024.

JAMES AKINTUNDE: A cult hero at the Brandywell, English striker James Akintunde played most of his early career in the English National League. Declan Devine brought Akintunde to the Brandywell from Maidenhead United in July 2020. After scoring on his debut against St. Pat’s, he went on to find the net eleven more times for City before leaving after the cup final triumph of 2022. He chose to sign for Bohemians in 2023, scoring six goals under Alan Reynolds after leaving the Brandywell for Dalymount. The Englishman scored the winner for Bohs against Derry in March 2024, but stoppage time winners against Bohemians and Finn Harps were highlights of the 28 year old’s time on Foyleside. Akintunde recently left Bohs following the expiration of his contract and could prove a wise pickup for a League of Ireland side in search of a striker.

JACK MALONE: A product of Derry City’s academy, midfielder Jack Malone netted his first City goal in July 2019 when he fired in a strike from distance to seal a 3-0 win at home to Sligo Rovers. He featured in all eighteen Premier Division games during the COVID struck 2020 season, before playing a large part in during the 2021 campaign. The strong midfield additions ahead of the 2022 season saw Malone’s gametime limited to just three appearances in Ruaidhrí Higgins first full season, opening the door for him to leave for Glenavon in August. Then 22, the Derry man made the deep-midfield role his own, taking the number 8 shirt. Malone was named Glenavon’s Player of the Year in 2023-24 – a testament to his performances in the NIFL Premiership as he approaches ninety appearances in two-and-a-half years.

CAOIMHIN PORTER: Derry man Caoimhin Porter spent time at Ballymoor and Trojans before joining Derry City’s academy, eventually making his debut for City as a nineteen year old in April 2021. That was an eight minute cameo against Shamrock Rovers, where he replaced fellow academy graduate Brendan Barr. Porter had to wait until September of 2021 for his next senior appearance, when he came on for Ronan Boyce in a 3-0 home win over Longford Town. 2022 saw marginally more time in the first team for the right back, who impressed going forward as well as in defence. He assisted two of Derry’s three goals in a 3-2 win against Bohemians in Dalymount Park in July, one week after completing ninety minutes in the 1-0 away victory over UCD. The full back spent the 2023 campaign on loan at Finn Harps in the First Division, gaining experience by making thirty appearances as the Donegal side’s first choice right back. Porter joined Institute following the expiration of his contract with Derry in January 2024, and has made 33 appearances for Stute, scoring three times – including a half-volley which clipped the crossbar before going in to open the scoring in a 3-1 win over Bangor in December.

ORRIN MCLAUGHLIN: A youth player at Foyle Harps, Orrin McLaughlin joined Derry City’s U19 squad in 2019. The midfielder, who was part of the Enda McGuill Cup winning side of 2021 alongside the aforementioned Caoimhin Porter, made the bench for the senior team on seven occasions between 2020 and 2022 but never made a competitive appearance. McLaughlin joined Institute permanently in August 2022, playing more than sixty games before leaving for Dergview in the summer of 2024. The 21 year old recently signed for Portstewart FC, who are managed by his former coach at both Derry City and Institute, Mo Mahon.

LIAM MULLAN: After leaving Maiden City to join the Candystripes’ U17 side in 2021, Liam Mullan was awarded with a three year professional contract ahead of the 2022 campaign. Making the bench in 29 of City’s 36 league games in 2022, Mullan was loaned to Institute ahead of the 2023-24 NIFL Championship campaign. Making 33 appearances in all competitions for Stute, Mullan’s Derry contract was extended in July 2024, keeping the 20 year old at the Brandywell until 2027. He recently returned to City after a loan spell with NIFL Premiership newcomers Portadown FC, where he has made thirteen appearances in the league and cup. With almost fifty senior games under his belt, Mullan may see gametime under Tiernan Lynch in the coming seasons.

GERARD STOREY: Belfast born midfielder Gerard Storey was signed by Derry City in August 2021 after impressing boss Ruaidhrí Higgins in a friendly when he was on the opposing side, in Cliftonville colours. After making his debut for Portadown at sixteen, he left in 2019 to join League One side Portsmouth, before going on loans to Gosport Borough and Carrick Rangers. Storey made one appearance for Portsmouth, as a substitute in a 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Cheltenham Town, before joining the Candystripes. With just three appearances in a year on Foyleside, he returned to Belfast to sign for Cliftonville. He made a further three appearances for the Reds, before loans to Annagh United and Lisburn FC. Aged 22, Storey now lines out for Newington and recently scored a 93^rd minute winner against Institute in the NIFL Championship.

OTHER SIGNINGS AND APPEARANCES

MICHAEL DUFFY: A product of Derry City’s youth academy, Michael Duffy broke into the first team at the Brandywell as an exciting winger back in 2012. After goals in the Europa League, and a hat-trick on his 20^th birthday, Duffy signed for Celtic in 2015 before joining Alloa Athletic that summer on loan. An equaliser against Rangers and a winner against Hibernian saw him loaned to Dundee in 2016. Duffy was back in Ireland with Dundalk ahead of the 2017 season, where he won eight trophies and the PFAI Players Player of the Year award in 2018. He featured in the Europa League group stages in 2020 and rejoined Derry ahead of the 2021 campaign, where he is approaching the 50 goal mark in more than 160 games as a Candystripe. The 2022 FAI Cup triumph was Duffy’s eighth career trophy and his first at his hometown club. Highlights of his second spell at the Brandywell include winners against KuPS in the UEFA Conference League in 2023 and an FAI Cup semi-final brace away to Bohemians to send City to the final in 2024.

MARK CONNOLLY: Centre back Mark Connolly cost Bolton Wanderers £1m when they signed him from Wolves back in 2010, although the Clones man failed to break into the senior team. He made 175 appearances for Crawley Town between 2012 and 2019, either side of a two year spell at Kilmarnock. Dundee United swooped for Connolly in January 2019, where he played with current Derry City winger Paul McMullan. After a loan at Dunfermline Athletic, Connolly joined Dundalk on loan in 2022. He scored his only goal for the Lilywhites against Derry City in the 2-2 draw, before being recalled by Dundee United in July. City agreed an undisclosed fee to bring the defender to the Brandywell that same month. Connolly scored on his debut against Oliver Bond Celtic and has been an ever present in the backline since – winning the FAI Cup in 2022 and making almost eighty appearances to date.

RYAN GRAYDON: Dubliner Ryan Graydon came through the youth ranks at Bohemians, before making his senior debut for the Phibsborough side against Cabinteely in 2018. After failing to score for the senior team, the winger signed for Bray Wanderers in 2020 before switching to Longford Town in 2022. Derry swooped for the 23 year old just six months into his time in Longford, paying €10,000 for his services in July 2022. After a year as City’s first choice right winger, known for his pace and darting runs in behind, Graydon made the switch to Fleetwood Town for a fee believed to be around £125,000 in July 2023. He has played in all but one of Fleetwood’s league games this term, registering nine goal involvements. With a contract expiring in June 2025, he could be a quality signing if persuaded to return to Ireland.

MATT SMITH: Former Celtic forward Matt Smith made the move to Ireland in 2020, joining Waterford after appearing for Dundee United, Montrose and Cove Rangers in Scotland. Impressing during the COVID disrupted campaign of 2020, Smith netted twice in Munster before signing for St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2021. A key part of their FAI Cup winning side that year, it seemed that Ruaidhrí Higgins had pulled off a real coup in bringing the striker to the Brandywell in 2022. Despite scoring twelve goals for Pat’s the year before, it didn’t quite work out for Smith in Derry. He scored three goals in twenty appearances and was sent off against Riga FC in European qualifiers for an altercation with Congolese international fullback Ngonda Muzinga. He joined Shelbourne on loan in July 2022 before signing on a permanent basis in 2023. Smith’s memories of the Brandywell became more positive in November 2024, when he was part of the Shels side which lifted the Premier Division trophy there. Now 27, the Scotsman left Damien Duff’s side to return to Waterford on a long-term contract ahead of the 2025 season.

SADOU DIALLO: Born in Guinea, Sadou Diallo joined Manchester City’s youth team at thirteen in 2012. The midfielder spent time in the same City team as Will Patching and future Derry signing Jacob Davenport, sharing the pitch with current Chelsea duo Jadon Sancho and Tosin Adarabioyo, Phil Foden, Brahim Díaz and German international striker Lukas Nmecha. After six years in Manchester, Diallo was signed by Wolves in 2018. He failed to make a senior appearance in Wolverhampton, but scored in the 91^st minute to beat Manchester United’s reserves 3-2 to clinch the Premier League 2 for his club in 2020 following a three month loan move to Accrington Stanley. A move to Forest Green Rovers followed in 2021, where Diallo appeared nine times as they won League Two. The former England U19 international was announced by Derry City following the 2-0 loss away to Riga FC in the UEFA Europa League in July 2022. With another year left on his contract, and following an impressive spell in the centre of the park towards the end of the season, the holding midfielder will look for an injury free campaign after the start of his 2024 season was curtailed by a pre-season knee injury sustained against Finn Harps.

DAITHÍ MCCALLION: Coming through the ranks at Tristar, versatile defender Daithí McCallion became the youngest player in City history to sign a professional contract with the club when he penned a three-year deal in January 2022. He made his debut in April, replacing Ronan Boyce in a 7-1 win over UCD in the Brandywell. McCallion didn’t play competitively again for Derry City, but impressed on loan at Finn Harps in 2023. A regular in Northern Ireland’s U19 setup, he joined Ballymena United on loan in early 2024. That loan deal was made permanent for an undisclosed fee in August, with Derry City stressing that a buy-back clause was inserted in McCallion’s three year contract. At just 19, the defender has already racked up sixty senior appearances, and he’s one who I wouldn’t be shocked to see back in Derry City colours in the future.

JORDAN MCENEFF: Winger Jordan McEneff left Derry City’s academy in 2016 to join English giants Arsenal, where he would spend almost six years rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s finest. An Arsenal player at the same time as the likes of Mesut Özil, Alexis Sanchez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, McEneff also lined out for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at youth level. As a 21 year old, the midfielder joined Shelbourne on loan at the beginning of the 2022 campaign and made thirteen appearances before signing for Derry City in August. McEneff’s first goal for City came in the form of a 92^nd minute penalty in the FAI Cup final, compiling his former side’s misery as Derry hit Shelbourne for four. 2023 proved to be the midfielder’s most fruitful year in senior football, as he scored eight league goals to fire himself to the top of Derry City’s goalscoring chart for the year.  An ankle injury curtailed the 23 year old’s 2024 season as he appeared just eleven times before joining Larne for an undisclosed fee in August. McEneff is yet to open his account for the Invermen but can add UEFA Conference League group stage appearances to his CV during his time with the Irish League champions.

EVAN MCLAUGHLIN: Coming through the ranks at Foyle Harps and later Derry City’s academy as a midfielder, Evan McLaughlin was first involved with the City first team when he was named on the bench against Cork City in November 2020. His competitive debut came in the summer of 2021, when he started on the wing and scored just before half-time to open the scoring at home to Waterford. McLaughlin would go on to make thirty more appearances in red and white before joining Coleraine on loan in July 2022. A debut brace at home to Cliftonville gave the Bannside faithful a glimpse of what they could expect. Then 20, McLaughlin would score twice more for Coleraine before returning to the Brandywell. 2023 saw McLaughlin’s gametime limited due to health issues, before Tim Clancy brought the Derryman to Cork City ahead of the 2024 First Division campaign. Deployed as an attacking left-back, McLaughlin contributed to twelve goals in all competitions in Munster as Cork won the league by a 22 point margin. An inclusion in the First Division Team of the Year has seen the 22 year old’s stock rise, although his contract has recently expired. A versatile operator across the midfield and at full back, McLaughlin would be an astute signing for clubs across the Premier Division.

CIAN KAVANAGH: Dublin native Cian Kavanagh began his career with St. Pat’s before joining Hearts of Midlothian in Scotland as a sixteen year old in 2019. After failing to break into the senior team, and a loan to Cowdenbeath, Kavanagh returned to Ireland to sign for Waterford in 2021. He scored nine goals in 33 in Waterford before signing for the Candystripes in July 2022. Two of Kavanagh’s five Derry goals came home and away against KuPS in Europa Conference League qualifying last summer. The big striker returned to St. Pat’s ahead of the 2024 campaign but failed to make an impact, scoring once in seventeen league games. 22 at the start of January, Kavanagh was recently announced as a new arrival for 2025 by Sligo Rovers, who have signed him on a two-year deal.

DECLAN GLASS: Edinburgh born midfielder Declan Glass joined Dundee United as a fifteen year old in 2015 and made his senior debut against Dumbarton just two years later. After loans at Aidrieonians, Cove Rangers, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock, Glass joined Derry City on loan in July 2022. A sixteen minute first half hat-trick in the 7-0 FAI Cup thrashing of Oliver Bond Celtic FC on his debut was certainly a first appearance to remember. Despite the fast start, Glass found gametime at Derry limited as he played just five more times for the club before returning to Dundee United at the end of the season. Now 24, the Scotsman was loaned to Cove Rangers again in January 2023 before signing permanently for the Scottish League One club in July 2024. With six goal involvements in thirteen games this season, a ‘Star Man’ inclusion in the final SPFL Team of the Week of 2024 (alongside Celtic’s Arne Engels in midfield), and Cove sitting within the play-off spots, Glass will hope for a strong finish to the campaign and promotion to the Championship.

 

Pól O’Hare – 4^th January 2025

Shelbourne v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Shelbourne v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Shelbourne FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 26, Tolka Park, Monday 5^th August 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

After progressing to the next round of the FAI Cup with an impressive 3-0 win over last year’s winners St. Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City face Shelbourne in a top of the table clash that could be decisive come the end of the season. The Candystripes travel to Tolka Park second in the table and would go top on goal difference should they beat Damien Duff’s side for the first time since March 2023. Shels have the buffer of a game in hand over Derry and they would go six clear at the top if they beat City on Monday. With ten games left after this one, it could be massive come the end of the season.

Last time out – Derry City 3-0 St. Patrick's Athletic:

Derry City bounced back from their disappointing European exit at the hands of Bruno’s Magpies by putting on a show in the second half of their FAI Cup bout with St. Pat’s, eliminating the holders from the competition at the first time of asking. With Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk also knocked out, the Candystripe faithful will hope for a successful cup journey as Ruaidhrí Higgins aims for a second cup triumph of his tenure.

There wasn’t much of a buzz around the stadium pre-match. The away side had a three week rest period, whilst City had lost in extra-time in the UEFA Conference League just four days prior. There wasn’t much optimism that Derry would progress, especially knowing that history could repeat itself and see City knocked out of European and Cup competition twice in four days as had happened last August.

The away side had the best of the early opportunities, as Mark Connolly made a goal-denying clearance when he diverted Jake Mulraney’s looped ball away from the path of Tom Grivosti, who would have had an empty net to nod into. Twenty minutes in and another dangerous ball from Mulraney saw Chris Forrester side-foot the ball into the ground, just to be met by the fingertips of Brian Maher. Pats were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Axel Sjoberg pulled Michael Duffy to the ground in the box. A spot-kick finally did come on the stroke of half time when Paul McMullan proved too tricky for Sjoberg and turned the Swedish full-back, who bundled City’s number twelve to the ground. Will Patching stepped up but was denied his fourth penalty goal of the season by Joseph Anang. 0-0 at the break, but the home side were on the ascendancy.

City found the breakthrough just eight minutes into the second half, when Michael Duffy rolled back the years by knocking the ball past Sjoberg and beating him for pace before pulling it back into the box. Duffy’s cross was converted through the legs of Anang, sending the Brandywell into raptures – a much needed lift after the heartache of Thursday night. I originally thought that Danny Mullen flicked it under Anang, but from another angle it looks like it hit Grivosti last. Either way, 1-0 City.

One became two just six minutes later as Danny Mullen made sure that his name would be on the scoresheet, rising highest in the box to meet a Ben Doherty corner, grabbing his eighth of the season (I’m giving him that first goal). Michael Duffy netted one for himself on the seventy minute mark to send City through to the next round – slotting Adam O’Reilly’s through-ball under Anang after McMullan won possession from Anto Breslin. A confident second half performance from the Candystripes and a perfect response to defeat in Europe. St. Pat’s no longer have ‘cup specialists’ in their X bio, as City have been drawn away to First Division leaders Cork City in the next round. Pat’s’ recent win over Vaduz of Liechenstein in the Conference League second round was a brilliant reaction following the amount of negativity after being knocked out of the cup. They beat Vaduz 5-3 on aggregate to set up a third round bout against Sabah FK of Azerbaijan.

 

Derry City:

The Candystripes have quickly forgotten their European exit by winning that cup game against Pat’s. I had flights booked for Copenhagen before we played Magpies and went to the match in Parken last Thursday. Magpies brought about thirty fans who were shocked to see their side go 1-0 up before being outclassed by Thomas Delaney, Mohammed Elyounoussi and co. to lose 5-1. It hurt to see a near empty away end when we would have likely brought well over 1000. In reality though, that two week break when Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers both played home and away in Europe might turn out to be a well needed rest to revitalise going into the business end of the season.

The transfer window in the League of Ireland has slammed shut since that game against Pat’s, with Derry City bringing in just one new player. Jacob Davenport has featured on the bench twice since joining from Morecambe, but is yet to play, assumedly due to fitness issues. Caoimhin Porter has left the club to sign for Institute permanently, whilst Ciaron Harkin has joined Coleraine on loan. I’m surprised that the club didn’t move swiftly to replace Cameron McJannet, who left in mid-June, but Higgins seems to be going with Ciaran Coll and Sam Todd as his left-sided defenders now. Coll is a solid performer and consistent when played, whilst Todd’s performance alongside Mark Connolly against St. Pat’s was his best in a Derry jersey. The defensive frailties that we’ve seen recently seemed to have been rectified against Pat’s, as the City backline kept a clean sheet for the first time since a 2-0 win over Galway United on June 7^th. A trialist played in City’s 1-1 friendly draw with Linfield last week, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see a free agent or two come in between now and the end of the month.

Ciaron Harkin has been given a contract extension going into the 2025 campaign and could play a big part next season if he comes back sharp from Coleraine. There has been no word on contract extensions for any other Derry players though, or for Ruaidhrí Higgins for that matter. I’d assume the club, and players, are waiting to see how the league and cup fights will pan out come November. Losing the likes of O’Reilly, Patching and Maher would be huge blows – especially on free transfers. I wouldn’t mind them going to England or Scotland, but losing some of our best players in recent years to rivals in Ireland could be disastrous, and I’m sure they won’t be short of approaches.

Pat Hoban’s twelve league goals still see him top of the scoring chart for the Premier Division, whilst his three assists means he has contributed to more goals than any other player in the league. Paul McMullan’s five assists has him fourth in the assist rankings. Meanwhile, Will Patching and Michael Duffy’s four assists see them joint fifth. Brian Maher also has had to make just 1.9 saves per game on average, the ninth lowest in the division – meaning his defence are doing something right. We seem to be in a good place going into this Shels game, and with some injured players scheduled to return to fitness in the coming weeks, it’s time to kick on for silverware on both league and cup fronts.

Shelbourne:

Shelbourne sit top of the table, three points clear and unbeaten in domestic action since late May, picking up four wins and a draw in their last five matches in league and cup competition. After beating Gibraltar side St. Joseph’s over two legs in the first round of the UEFA Conference League, and picking up a €21,000 fine when the Gibraltarian side took offence to Shels fans calling the rock Spanish, Shelbourne faced a tough task when drawn against Swiss giants FC Zürich. No one really expected the Dublin side to progress past a team of that magnitude, especially in their first European run in eighteen years. Zürich triumphed 3-0 in the home leg, before drawing 0-0 in Tolka Park. That draw means that Shelbourne’s unbeaten home run in Europe, dating back to 2004, will continue into next year. The Shels fans will have had great craic, but that’s an extra 180 minutes of competitive football more than Derry City have played over the past two weeks.

Shelbourne progressed to the third round of the FAI Cup after beating First Division side Bray Wanderers 1-0 two weeks ago. Damien Duff didn’t mince his words when he expressed his disappointment in the performance and manner of the win but his side will be gunning to the lift the trophy at the end of the season. They’ve been drawn at home to Galway United in the next round, not the easiest draw by any means but not the worst either. It’s difficult to predict who’ll win the cup this early, but I’d say Derry City and Shelbourne will likely be fighting deep into the competition.

The Reds’ record of just fifteen goals conceded in twenty four games is the lowest in the Premier Division, owing to a solid defence and a goalkeeper in Conor Kearns who has kept 12 clean sheets in the league. Paddy Barrett has been a rock at the back under Damien Duff but will miss the game against Derry after being sent off against Drogheda United. Another man who’ll miss Monday’s game after being sent off against Drogheda was left-back Tyreke Wilson, who has played in all but one of Shels’ games this season, making three assists and scoring once. English winger Will Jarvis, on loan from Hull City, has been Shelbourne’s most exciting attacking outlet this season. His record of eight scored and four assisted sees him the most productive player in Duff’s squad. Former Finn Harps and Shamrock Rovers striker Sean Boyd has bagged seven in the league this season and is a throwback number nine. Only seven other players have scored for Shelbourne in the league this season, with John Martin’s tally of four goals seeing him third in their scoring charts. For comparison, Derry have had 12 different goalscorers in the league and have scored more than any other team.

Shelbourne’s ‘goals for’ column reads 28 - the same as bottom side Drogheda United - putting them fifth in the table in terms of goals scored. They can certainly owe a lot of their title push to the solidity of their defensive players. Gavin Molloy had been fantastic for Shelbourne over the past few seasons, earning him a move to Aberdeen who triggered his €75,000 release clause. The 22 year old left-sided centre back went straight into the starting eleven and has already contributed to assists in wins over Dumbarton and East Kilbride in the Scottish League Cup. Molloy’s low release clause shows just how undervalued League of Ireland players are. A young, left-footed defender of similar quality in England or Scotland would have commanded a much higher fee.

Molloy was replaced by English defender Sam Bone, who was signed from Maidstone. Bone was part of the Maidstone side that reached the fifth round of the FA Cup last year and started in the win over now Premier League side Ipswich Town and loss against Coventry City. Bone netted on his European debut for Shelbourne in the second leg of their tie against St. Joseph’s, equalising the tie on the night and sending his side through on aggregate. His previous experience in the League of Ireland with Shamrock Rovers, St Pat’s, Dundalk and Waterford means that he is an astute signing for Duff’s men and is a real presence at the back. Shelbourne will likely go defensive on Monday as a draw would still keep them three clear.

Shels had a busy transfer window, bringing in quality across the park. The additions of Ali Coote from Detroit City and Rayhaan Tulloch from Shrewsbury Town add to their already long list of wingers. Harry Wood was impressive on loan from Hull City in the second half of the 2023 campaign, and rejoined Shelbourne on a permanent deal after finishing last season with Grimsby Town. Strength in depth seems to be the way that Damien Duff is approaching the second half of the season. It’ll be interesting to see how that approach fares out, compared to the approach of Ruaidhrí Higgins who has brought in just one new addition to date.

Round-up:

After Monday’s game, Derry City will have just ten league games left in 2024. The season has flown in up until this point, with many fixtures stockpiled into the earlier stages of the campaign to avoid disruption and rescheduling as a result of European involvement. It’s verging on the territory of a must-win game for Higgins’ men, who know that a win will put them top thanks to their healthy goal-difference. Even if City win every game from here on out, Shelbourne would win the league by doing the same thanks to their game in hand. It’s a nervy time to be a Derry fan, and Shelbourne hold the advantage at this point, but the Reds’ European involvement and suspensions may see them lacking energy on Monday. 

The last five matches between these two have been draws, three 0-0s and two 1-1s. It’s always a close game, but Shelbourne haven’t beaten Derry City since April 2022. In fact, March 2012 was the last time Shelbourne defeated the Candystripes in Tolka Park. City have won six of their last eight games, whilst Shelbourne haven’t lost domestically since May. The classic squeaky bum time is upon us, knowing that a Shelbourne win would need to see them slip up three times between now and November to lose the league. The last game of the season is the next time these two meet after Monday and this one could go a long way in determining who’ll lift the title in the Brandywell on the 1^st of November.

 

Pól O’Hare – 3^rd August 2024

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

 

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

 

Derry City FC v St. Patrick’s Athletic FC, Sports Direct FAI Cup Second Round, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Sunday 21^st July 2024, kick-off 6pm

Derry City need to quickly forget about Thursday’s extra-time defeat to Bruno’s Magpies in the UEFA Conference League, as they aim to get their FAI Cup campaign off to a positive start against the holders. Evan de Haro’s extra-time sucker punch inflicted a blow on the Candystripes that will deny them around €300k and a double-header against FC Copenhagen. It also means that Ruaidhrí Higgins will have a fatigued squad going into Sunday’s cup game. St Patrick’s Athletic travel to the Brandywell for the second year in a row, hoping for a repeat of last August’s action which saw them knock Derry City out of the cup on penalties – just four days after City suffered the same fate in Europe.

Last time out: Derry City 2-0 Bruno’s Magpies (2-3 agg.):

It was a case of ‘so close yet so far’ for the Candystripes on Thursday night, as they crashed out of Europe at the first hurdle. Going into the game 2-0 down from the previous leg, Derry City had it all to do to qualify for the second round and face Danish giants FC Copenhagen.

The game started exactly as expected. Derry City began on the front-foot and Magpies immediately had everyone behind the ball. A couple of early opportunities for the away side saw Javier Forjan head one off the post and Ash Taylor head wide from a corner – but those were Magpies best opportunities of the first half. The first of a number of refereeing blunders took place as the City faithful celebrated what they thought was the first goal. Paul McMullan’s ball into the box was met by the head of Pat Hoban and directed into the bottom corner as he outmuscled Francisco Zuniga. The Magpies captain fell to the ground, before putting his hands to face in apparent discomfort just as he watched the ball nestle in the corner. The Andorran ref deemed Hoban’s header illegal, ruling out the goal and booking the City striker.

The deadlock was finally broken eight minutes later as Mark Connolly nodded Ben Doherty’s corner past Dayle Coleing to narrow the aggregate gap to one. The referee couldn’t stop Derry City’s goal this time. As the crowd rose to the occasion and Derry mounted  pressure late in the first half, Doherty found Adam O’Reilly who was making a darting run into the box. A trailing leg from Carlos Garcia saw O’Reilly downed in the area. Perhaps not a blatant penalty, but there was certainly contact between the two players. Not enough contact for the referee though, who showed the City midfielder a second yellow for diving – City inexplicably down to ten going into half-time.

Despite the man disadvantage, Derry again came out flying in the second half as Paul McMullan stung the fingertips of Coleing just a minute into the half. Twelve minutes after the restart and City found themselves level in the tie. After his header came off Will Patching on the goal-line, Pat Hoban stabbed in to put Derry 2-0 up in the Brandywell. Ten man City finally felt that the chance of progression was there. An audacious Will Patching free kick in the 72^nd minute had Coleing scrambling as the ball landed on top of the net. Six minutes later and Magpies should have really found themselves ahead on aggregate as Kevagn Ronco squared to Edu Salles in the box. The latter blazing over from short range. City found themselves in a similar situation just minutes later, as Paul McMullan had the whole goal to aim at following Danny Mullen’s pull-back but sent the ball flying wide.

2-0 City at 90 minutes meant that extra-time was needed to settle the tie. With tired legs in both camps, the rhythm of the game was disrupted and the affair became a scrappy one. There weren’t many clear cut chances in the first half of ET, but when Juanje’s shot from distance rattled the crossbar on the 111^th minute before landing at the feet of Evan de Haro, Magpies found themselves with a golden opportunity. The 21 year old made no mistake, drilling under Brian Maher and giving the away side the advantage once again. Three minutes later and City had another penalty claim waved away when Will Patching was felled after a volley goalwards. Another ‘no’ from the Andorran ref. City’s heartbreak was compounded five minutes before the end, when Coleing spilled the ball at the feet of Pat Hoban, who’s overhead kick was cleared off the line by Ash Taylor. Colm Whelan came painfully close with a volley in the 120^th minute, but the team from Gibraltar clung on and progressed for the first time in their history to host FC Copenhagen next Thursday.

 

Derry City:

It was a heartbreaking evening for Derry City who, on another day, could have had four or five in normal time alone. The disallowed goal and dismissal of Adam O’Reilly in the first half were two huge turning points, and both very dubious calls from the referee. The fact that Derry fought back to score again and take the game to extra-time despite being a man down, as well as dominating possession throughout, showed the resolve of the group. In honesty though, the damage was done in Gibraltar last week. If it was 1-0 rather than 2-0, I have no doubts that we would’ve gone through in the second leg.

Pat Hoban, who was well marshalled in the first leg, caused the Magpies back-line a lot of issues on Thursday night and was deserving of his goal. Paul McMullan ran and ran all game, still tracking back and making forward runs deep into extra-time. The winger really should have scored in the second half but was still the best player on the pitch. Colm Whelan was unlucky not to score late on, whilst Will Patching and Cameron Dummigan plugged the Adam O’Reilly shaped gap in the midfield well following the 23 year old’s red card.  

Neither Ciaron Harkin nor Ronan Boyce were in the squad for either of the games against Magpies, but I feel that they both could have done well last night. If Boyce was on the bench, he could have been brought on at right back to allow Cameron Dummigan to play in the midfield after the sending off. Ciaron Harkin’s tenacity would have boded well in extra-time, especially considering that Sadou Diallo was caught on the ball more than once after coming on late in the second half.

Ciarán Coll had a solid game playing as the left sided centre back, a role I’d like to see him given more-often between now and the end of the season. Even at that, though, we could still definitely do with another defender to replace Cameron McJannet. McJannet’s last game was on the 13^th of June, five weeks ago, and he is still yet to be replaced. Jacob Davenport, our only summer signing, has yet to feature despite being on the bench twice. His fresh legs and set-piece ability could have been useful against Magpies. I’d say we’ll see him on Sunday against St.Pat’s. Should we beat Pat’s, we would certainly need reinforcements to strengthen the squad coming into the second half of the season. The contracts of a number of key players, namely Adam O’Reilly, Brian Maher, Will Patching, Mark Connolly and Patrick McEleney run out in November. I’d hope that talks are ongoing in the background, and don’t blame the players for assessing their options, but it’s concerning that we could lose our best and most valuable players on free transfers in a few months’ time.

St Patrick’s Athletic:

St Pat’s have had quite the up-and-down season. After spending big and making some impressive moves in the transfer market prior to the season beginning, the Inchicore side have failed to nail down a consistent run of form in the league. Now Dundalk manager Jon Daly was sacked in May and replaced by Stephen Kenny in one of the biggest managerial appointments in Irish domestic football history. The man who won six trophies with Derry City in two spells between 2004 and 2011 made his return to the League of Ireland after a five-and-a-half year hiatus with the Irish U21s then senior men’s national team, in a home match against the Candystripes on the 17^th of May. Paul McMullan’s goal gave the visitors all three points that day, as the ‘new manager bounce’ didn’t quite go to plan for the Pat’s faithful.

Stephen Kenny has only won three matches since taken over in Richmond Park, beating Shamrock Rovers and Galway United in the league, alongside a win over Bray Wanderers in the Leinster Senior Cup. St Patrick’s find themselves seventh in the league, six points above the relegation zone but, much like Derry City, the sides around them have the advantage of games in hand. Only Pat’s and Derry have played 25 games this season. Bohemians, who are one place and two points behind St. Pat’s have played just 22, meaning they have a three game buffer on the team above them. Finding themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap at this stage of the season would signal quite the failure in expectation for Pat’s this season.

The FAI Cup, which Kenny has won three times and been runner up four times, offers the Dubliner and his side something of a blank canvas to get their season back on track. After beating Derry on penalties in the Brandywell in the Third Round last year, St. Pat’s progressed past Finn Harps and Cork City on their way to sweeping Dublin rivals Bohemians aside in the final. Last year’s 3-1 final win marked Pat’s’ second FAI Cup win in three seasons as they beat Bohemians again in 2021. That win in 2021 was their first FAI Cup triumph since defeating Derry City 2-0 in the 2014 edition of the final, and that was their first FAI Cup final win since 1961. A win against the Candystripes in the Second Round this year would be the beginning of what Stephen Kenny would hope to be a successful FAI Cup campaign but would also mean that Derry City have failed to progress past the Third Round since winning the trophy in 2022.

Pat’s three summer signings so far seem to be shrewd business. Al-Amin Kazeem, the full back who was on loan at Galway United from Colchester United, saw his contract with the English side expire alongside his loan deal in Galway. The Tribesmen made it known that they offered Kazeem a permanent contract which was declined as the player wanted to return to England. A few days later and the 22 year old was announced as a St Patrick’s Athletic player on a multi-year contract –ouch if you’re a Galway United fan. Joseph Anang, the English goalkeeper who spent half a season on-loan at St Pat’s in 2022 before leaving for Derby County, was the Saints’ second summer arrival. The 24 year old, who was named on the West Ham United bench on numerous occasions in the Premier League, Europa League and FAI Cup in the past few seasons in West London put pen to paper on a deal keeping him at Richmond Park until the end of the 2026 campaign. Anang came straight into the starting eleven in Pat’s’ last game, a 1-0 loss away to Waterford, ousting fellow Englishman Danny Rogers who held the fort between the sticks since early March. On his first start in two years for the Saints, Anang failed to deal with Ben McCormack’s shot and palmed the ball into his own net for the only goal of the game, but his performances in 2022 show the makings of a quality goalkeeper. Zack Elbouzedi, formerly of Waterford and Ireland’s U21 side, signed just last week and could make his debut on Sunday. The 26 year old winger spent the second half of last season on-loan at Swindon Town from AIK Stockholm, where he scored twice in 52 appearances since 2021. Another impressive addition to the squad in Inchicore.

Former Derry City and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Brandon Kavanagh, who was signed from the Candystripes for about £25k in January, has been Pat’s best attacking outlet this year. The 23 year old has scored twice and assisted seven in the league, seeing him top the assist chart for the Premier Division. Ruairí Keating, brought in from Cork City, has scored just four times in 22 appearances this campaign. 16 year old forward Mason Melia is one to watch though – the Ireland U17 international has scored three times this season and is reportedly a target of Manchester City, Arsenal and Brighton. St. Patrick’s Athletic have struggled in front of goal this season though. Their 24 goals scored is the same amount scored by bottom side Drogheda United. Only three other sides, Dundalk, Bohemians and Galway, have scored less this season. That isn’t helped when you look at Pat’s’ goals conceded column, which reads 28 – a stat which means they’ve conceded the joint highest number of goals outside of the two teams in the relegation zone.

When Derry City face St. Patrick’s Athletic on Sunday, the away side won’t have played a competitive game in more than three weeks as their FAI Cup final win last year saw them progress straight into the Second Round of Conference League qualifiers. They’ll face Vaduz, who finished third in the Liechtenstein Challenge League last season, at home next Thursday before travelling away the week after. The Inchicore side, therefore, will be fresh coming into Sunday’s game – something which can’t be said for Derry City, who are just off the back of more than 270 minutes of football in a week against FC Bruno’s Magpies.

Round-up:

These two have produced some memorable cup moments over the years. Pat’s’ win last season marked a week in which Derry City’s cup and European dreams were ended, both in penalty defeats, in a space of four days. Higgins and his side will be heart-set on making sure history can’t repeat itself. Back in 2018, Gerard Doherty saved a penalty with the last kick of the game to send Derry City to the quarter-finals, whilst Derry City beat Pat’s in the final in 2012 before the Inchicore side got their own back in 2014. The 2006 final beaten the Candystripes and the Saints has been dubbed the best FAI Cup final of all time, as Derry won the game in extra-time after going behind three times to win in the last ever match played in the old Lansdowne Road.

There’s history between these two, but Derry have claimed the bragging rights in the four occasions these two have met since that penalty defeat last year, namely beating Pat’s 3-0 on the final day of the 2023 campaign and scoring a 92nd minute winner to win 2-1 back in March. Danny Mullen has scored three times against the Inchicore side already this season. With Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk both put out on Friday night, both City and Pats will fancy their chances to go all the way. Cup football is back for 2024, as the winners of the last two editions go head-to-head at the first time of asking this time round. It’s good, old-fashioned Sunday evening football as both sides look to begin their cup campaigns with a win.

Pól O’Hare – 20^th July 2024

Derry City v Bruno’s Magpies: Match Preview

 

Derry City v Bruno’s Magpies: Match Preview

 

Derry City FC v. FC Bruno’s Magpies, UEFA Conference League, First Round Second Leg, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 18^th July 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

In a result that some have called the ‘worst in League of Ireland European history’, Derry City fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of FC Bruno’s Magpies in Gibraltar. The Candystripes were outdone by two headers from set-pieces in the second half as they struggled to put their opponents to the sword in 30C+ heat. City now need to win by a margin of at least three goals on Thursday to progress to a Second Round glamour tie against FC Copenhagen.

 

Last time out – Bruno’s Magpies 2-0 Derry City:

In a hot Europa Point Stadium, Derry City failed to make their mark as they faced opposition from Gibraltar for the first time. Bruno’s Magpies, who have never progressed passed the First Round of European qualifying, netted from two set pieces in the second half as Derry’s recent defensive frailties were once again brought to the fore.

The game didn’t start too badly. Adam O’Reilly had struck the crossbar within the first ten minutes, whilst a Dan Kelly effort which went under goalkeeper Dayle Coleing was cleared off the line. As the half wore on, the away side seemed to struggle in the sun and the home side grew into the game. 

Just four minutes after the restart, the deadlock was broken. After a poor pass across the backline by Paul McMullan, Javier Forjan picked the ball up before forcing Brian Maher into a finger-tip save to deny the Spanish striker. The resulting corner was met by Welsh defender Ash Taylor who rose above Shane McEleney at the back-post to nod past Maher, bagging himself a debut goal and putting his side into the lead. Less than ten minutes later, English forward Jack Storer took it past both Derry centre-halves in the box before firing over from 12 yards – that really should have doubled Magpies’ advantage. That eventually did happen on the 82^nd minute. Another floating ball in from a free kick was met by Francisco Zuñiga who put the game to bed. An awful result for the Candystripes, especially considering the efforts made by the 250 travelling supporters who made their way to the Europa Point Stadium, and the dozens more who travelled to Gibraltar. Next week needs to be much better if Derry City are to progress.

 

Derry City:

Derry City’s lack of clinical edge cost them last week. Dan Kelly found joy running in behind the Magpies left back and could have had two for himself with a bit more accuracy in his finishing. In saying that, Pat Hoban was well marshalled by Taylor and Zuñiga in the Magpies backline and had no clear cut opportunities. Will Patching was unlucky that his neat footwork didn’t result in an assist throughout the match as well.

As was our downfall against Sligo Rovers two weeks ago, the lapses in concentration from Derry’s defenders cost two goals in Gibraltar. To concede two from set pieces with two centre halves as usually aerially dominant as Mark Connolly and Shane McEleney will have been extremely disappointing for Ruaidhrí Higgins. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sam Todd or Ciarán Coll start on Thursday in order to have a left-footed centre back in the starting eleven to fill the gap left by the departure of Cameron McJannet earlier in the summer. The sooner we replace the English defender the better, as a solid defence will be key between now and the end of the season.

We really have nothing to lose on Thursday. We’ve already received stick from all quarters of Irish football after the loss last week, so playing cautious and failing to go all-out-attack in the Brandywell won’t do us any favours. If I was Ruaidhrí Higgins I’d go for a good old-fashioned 4-4-2, with Danny Mullen partnering Pat Hoban up top, before introducing Colm Whelan from the bench. Starting that way would mean sacrificing a centre midfielder, but if we were to go 2-0 up relatively early on, the introduction of Sadou Diallo or Jacob Davenport from the bench would sure up the midfield. Michael Duffy, if he’s fit, would likely start, whilst Daniel Kelly may be preferred to Paul McMullan on the right flank after the Dubliner found himself in good positions last week. The big Brandywell pitch, and lack of sun, will favour Derry, but Magpies will likely put everyone behind the ball and make it extremely difficult for City to break them down. It’ll be a nervy watch, but a rocking Brandywell could get us over the line, as it did with KuPS and HB Tórshavn last year.

 

Bruno’s Magpies:

It seemed like Bruno’s Magpies had a gameplan against City last week, and it worked. Solid at the back and a threat from set pieces. Their physicality in the defence kept Pat Hoban quiet whilst they were dangerous playing in from the wings. Jack Storer really should’ve scored, whilst Javier Forjan and Carlos Garcia looked impressive pulling the strings. The team from Gibraltar will likely have the same approach next week, setting up a strong, physical back-line and holding on to their two goal lead. They know that just one goal in the Brandywell will probably send them through, as City would then need four to progress.

Despite being part-time, Magpies have players who came through the ranks at well respected LaLiga sides, and players with experience in England and Scotland. Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar’s most successful team with 27 league titles, beat Celtic in Champions League qualifiers in 2016-17. They also beat Riga in the Conference League play-offs in 2021-22 to progress the group stages. Derry City really *should* be getting past Magpies on paper, but this is a team with international players and a point to prove – a team who deserve to be respected, something Derry may not have fully done last Thursday.

Magpies made it difficult in their home legs against Crusaders and Dundalk in the past two years. They beat Crusaders and held Dundalk to a scoreless draw in Gibraltar, so they definitely knew that they could play their own game with the sun on their side. Magpies lost both of the return legs against Crusaders and Dundalk 3-1, showing that the sides from Ireland had more joy in their own stadiums. A 3-1 win for Derry would take the game to extra-time, something which would be nerve-wracking but could prove vital in clawing back the tie. Magpies are also in pre-season, so extra-time would likely the suit the Candystripes who, in theory, should be at their fittest stage of the campaign. It won’t be straight-forward at all next week but both teams will have sussed each other out a bit more and it may prove to be a more expansive match. The last time Derry City overturned a two goal deficit in Europe was 59 years ago, when they beat Lyn Oslo 5-1 in the Brandywell after losing the first leg 5-3. That win just happened to be City’s first in European competition.

Round-up:

Last Thursday’s result was very tough to take, there’s no doubt about it, but turning round a 2-0 goal deficit isn’t impossible. An early goal for City would open the tie up, whilst we can play with the Brandywell atmosphere on our side. That atmosphere after scoring against KuPS last season is the best I’ve seen here in years and could prove pivotal in getting a result. A trip to Copenhagen would be huge for both sides, and is surely an attractive prospect for the players. To throw in the towel and let Magpies have the win without putting up a fight would be a disaster, so we should at least set out fighting from the start. It’s St. Pat’s in the cup on Sunday after this, and we don’t want our European and Cup aspirations for the season going up in smoke in the space of four days like it did in 2023. A big win on Thursday could do wonders for our season, but it won’t come easy.

 

Pól O’Hare – 16^TH July 2024

FC Bruno’s Magpies v Derry City: Match Preview

 

FC Bruno’s Magpies v Derry City: Match Preview

FC Bruno’s Magpies v Derry City FC, UEFA Conference League Qualifying Round 1 First-Leg, Europa Point Stadium (Gibraltar), Thursday 11^th July 2024, kick-off 6pm local time (5pm Irish)

 

It’s that time of the year again. Derry City aim to get their European campaign for 2024 off to a positive start as they encounter opposition from Gibraltar for the first time. The Candsytripes face FC Bruno’s Magpies, a team formed in 2013 who have never progressed past the first round of qualifying – and have only ever travelled to Ireland on their European trips. Boyed on by last year’s successes, when Derry City were a penalty kick away from reaching the Group Stage Play-offs, Ruaidhrí Higgins men will be hoping to progress past Magpies knowing that two legs against Danish giants FC Copenhagen lie in wait for the victor.

Last time out – Sligo Rovers 2-1 Derry City:

Derry City’s run of four wins on the bounce came to an abrupt end in the Sligo Showgrounds last Thursday, as English midfielder Ellis Chapman netted twice to see the home side come from 1-0 down to maintain their three year unbeaten home record against Derry City. The Candystripes kept most of the possession in the first half but failed to capitalise on a couple of golden opportunities, namely when Dan Kelly’s ball across the face of the box was missed by the oncoming Paul McMullan and Pat Hoban’s overhead kick crept past the post on the half-time mark.

Those three linked up again ten minutes into the second half, when Kelly’s ball into the box was dummied by Pat Hoban and fell to the feet of McMullan. The Scottish winger had time and space to curl the ball delicately into Ed McGinty’s top corner. It was advantage Derry City early in the second half.

The away team then seemed to lose their grasp on the game as Sligo Rovers mounted pressure on the City defence. Just five minutes after the deadlock was broken, former City midfielder Will Fitzgerald burst into the Derry box before Sadou Diallo’s mistimed tackle brought him to the ground. It was a stonewall penalty, and one which Ellis Chapman calmly slotted past Brian Maher.

City couldn’t find another decisive goal, and when Chapman picked the ball up inside his own half and had acres of space to run into it seemed like City were in trouble. The 23 year old Englishman left Shane McEleney for dead before evading the challenge of Mark Connolly to poke past Brian Maher with just 90 seconds remaining. Despite going down to ten men when JR Wilson was sent off for arguing with the referee, Sligo Rovers clung on and had Ed McGinty to thank for denying Pat Hoban inside the box in injury time. It was a tough way to lose, but no-one could fault Sligo Rovers’ efforts in turning the game round in the second half.

 

Derry City:

Derry City’s defensive frailties in the absence of Cameron McJannet came to light against Sligo. City conceded just 24 goals during the entirety of the 2023 Premier Division campaign, but have conceded 22 already this year, with 11 games remaining. Ruaidhrí Higgins will surely have defensive signings high on his wish-list before the window closes. There always seems to be a bit of noise surrounding potential transfers in the League of Ireland, but Derry’s surprise signing of Jacob Davenport last month hints that Higgins may be keeping his cards close to his chest this time round. In that sense, it wouldn’t surprise me if a centre back was signed pretty much out of the blue in the next week or so. Rob Slevin, who I mentioned would be a good McJannet replacement two weeks ago, found himself on the scoresheet for Galway United last weekend as he scored the equaliser against Bohemians – something which may add a few Euro onto his price tag.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though. Thursday’s performance wasn’t terrible by any stretch of the imagination and we played well going forward in the first half. In saying that, the defensive issues this season are a slight concern – especially considering how solid we have been under Higgins over the past few years. We can count ourselves lucky that nine man Shelbourne couldn’t get the better of Drogheda though, as the Louth side held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw. Shels do have the luxury of a game in hand, so realistically it’s their league to lose. Derry City don’t play another league game until early August and, of course, it’s away to Shelbourne. Win that and we go top on goal difference, lost that and Shels go six clear with a game in hand. It could be a title decider that tests the resolve of the Derry players, who may very well play four European games and an FAI Cup match against St Pat’s between now and then. I don’t know about you, but I’ll probably be hiding behind the TV for most of that Shelbourne match.

Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men haven’t been hit with any more injury blows going into the Magpies game. Jordan McEneff and Patrick McEleney will be out for a good while longer, whilst Jacob Davenport wasn’t included in the squad to face Sligo Rovers – likely due to fitness issues as he’s just come off the back of a League Two season where he made 26 appearances. The former England U18 international could be a welcomed addition to the midfield in the next few weeks. Colm Whelan got another ten minutes or so in the tank against Sligo last week, whilst Michael Duffy and Danny Mullen were both introduced in the 74^th minute. Glenn McCourt was brought into the senior squad for the first time as a substitute in Sligo.

City in Europe:

I’ll take any excuse I can get to talk about Derry City’s European escapades and, seeing that my preview of the KuPS game last year was my first preview, this feels like a full circle sort of moment. Last year’s European journey was the joint furthest we’ve progressed in European qualification. Back in 2006, the Candystripes toppled IFK Göteborg home and away before overcoming Scottish side Gretna 7-3 on aggregate to face Paris Saint-Germain in the First Round of the UEFA Cup. After a draw in the Brandywell, Les Parisiens beat City 2-0 in the French capital to progress to the group stages proper. After finishing second in their group, then of five teams, PSG beat AEK Athens 4-0 in the Round of 32 before losing to Benfica in the Round of 16 – not bad company.

2006 and 2023 are the only two times that Derry City have won two stages of European qualification, the next closest we went was in 2009, when we began in the Second Round of Europa League qualifying. After beating Skonto Riga 2-1, the Candystripes lost to CSKA Sofia in the Third Round. Following a 1-0 victory over HB Tórshavn in the UEFA Europa Conference League First Round last year, City came from behind to beat Kuopion Palloseura 2-1 in the Brandywell before drawing 3-3 out in Finland – coming home with a 4-3 aggregate win. Kazakhstani side Tobol Kostanay, whose General Director Andrei Kanchelskis applied for the Derry City manager’s job in 2015 (alongside playing for Manchester United and Everton), lay in wait. Kanchelskis thought Dublin was in Britain too but we’ll say nothing about that. Tobol had beaten Swiss giants Basel in the Second Round and had substantial financial backing, but had never qualified for the group stage. After a 1-0 loss in Kazakhstan, Will Patching drew City level on aggregate with a penalty in the second leg. Despite coming desperately close through Cian Kavanagh late on, Tobol won on penalties to progress to the Play-off stage before being beaten 5-1 by Viktoria Plzeň. Unlucky lads.

Derry City have never faced Gibraltarian opposition in European qualifying, meaning Bruno’s Magpies will represent the 22^nd different nation the Candystripes have faced in Europe. From Aberystwyth to Riga, and Minsk to Lisbon, City have done their fair share of travelling across the years. Our European adventures began back in 1964-65 when Steaua Bucharest beat the Candystripes 5-0 across two legs. An 8-6 win over Lyn Olso a year later was Derry City’s first European victory. Some ties have brought goals – and lots of them. City beat Aberystwyth Town 9-0 in 2014, with Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney both scoring. I can’t mention goals and not mention the 10-2 aggregate loss to Midtjylland in 2017, the 9-0 loss to Anderlecht in 1965 and the 6-1 loss to Benfica in 1989, though.

The 7-3 win over Gretna is another particular highlight, whilst we’ve faced some of Europe’s elite in the past 60 years. Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, Vitesse Arnhem, Anderlecht, Trabzonspor and Midtjylland spring to mind, whilst the felling of IFK Göteborg was a giant-killing for the books. Should Derry City beat Bruno’s Magpies over the next eight days, we can add FC Copenhagen to that list – a side who beat Manchester United and Galatasaray, and drew with Bayern Munich, on their way to facing Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the Champions League last season. Glamorous enough for the Conference League Second Round anyway…

 

FC Bruno’s Magpies:

Formed in 2013 by Englishman Louis Perry who, with 500 quid, decided to set up a football team from his grandparent’s bar and restaurant. By 2017, they were in the play-offs to get into the Gibraltar Premier Division under the tutelage of former Gibraltar assistant manager Davie Wilson. By the time May 2019 came round, Bruno’s Magpies had won the Second Division title alongside the Second Division Cup. By 2021-22, Magpies had secured qualification to UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying by finishing runners-up in the Rock Cup.

First up for Magpies was a trip to Belfast to face Crusaders in the First Round in July 2022. They almost made it past Crues too – going 2-0 up just after halftime and winning the first leg 2-1 at home before conceding in the 93^rd minute to lose 3-1 in Seaview. Former Derry City midfielder Philip Lowry started both legs for Crusaders. Heartbreak for Nathan Rooney’s men, but not a bad start to European life at all.

After finishing third in the league and winning the Rock Cup in 2022-23, Bruno’s Magpies found themselves back in the First Round of the Conference League. Back, again, to Ireland for the team in black and white. They were met by another team wearing black and white – Dundalk FC, who were in the Europa League group stages less than three years prior. Magpies held Dundalk to a goalless draw in the Gibraltar heat, before falling to a 3-1 loss in Oriel Park a week later. The League of Ireland Premier Division top scorer, our very own Pat Hoban, opened the scoring that night, whilst Dan Kelly started on the wing.

Bruno’s Magpies may only be eleven years old, but they’ve bagged four pieces of silverware, all since 2019. It began with the Second Division Cup in 2018-19, when Magpies went unbeaten to top their group by four points before beating Olympique 13 2-1 in the final. Two years later, they added the GFA Challenge Cup to their collection. Magpies finally got their hands on the Rock Cup in 2022-23, beating Lincoln Red Imps on penalties in the final. They also managed to bag the Pepe Reyes Cup that year, a one-off match contested by the Rock Cup and League winners, when they again beat Lincoln Red Imps 1-0.

Who's who?:

32 time Gibraltar international goalkeeper Dayle Coleing has recently joined Bruno’s Magpies after a second spell at Lincoln Red Imps. The 27 year old, who spent two years at Glentoran between 2020 and 2022 when they triggered his £50,000 release clause, has won both the League and Rock Cup on four occasions each – making him one of the most decorated players in the Magpies squad. Welsh defender Ashton Taylor – who has made over 500 senior appearances across League One, League Two and the Scottish Premiership has also been announced as a new signing, adding yet another head in an experienced defence. Centre back and captain Francisco Zúñiga could make his 100^th appearance at the club this season and spent time in the youth ranks at Mexican giants Pachuca.

Midfielder Álex Carrascal is a summer signing from Racing Cartagena in the Spanish fourth tier after coming through the youth systems of Sevilla and Real Valladolid. Another former Sevilla youngster is fellow new signing Cristian Orihuela, who signed from Europa FC. He played at Xerez CD in the Spanish fifth tier for a year between 2020 and 2021 – a team who were in LaLiga as recently as 2010.

30 year old number 8 Carlos García made 5 caps for Spain’s U20s and is certainly one to keep an eye on in the midfield. He was part of the Real Betis side which won the Segunda Division in 2014-15 and made a single appearance in LaLiga before leaving in 2016. García spent time at Juventud Torremolinos before moving to Gibraltar last year. Attacking midfielder Anthony Hernandez has 44 senior caps for Gibraltar and has scored more than 50 goals from the centre of the park since leaving Cadiz to sign for Manchester 62 in Gibraltar in 2014. Watch out for the pace of English winger Olatunde Bayode, once of Burnley, on the flank.

English striker Jack Storer made senior appearances for Birmingham City, Yeovil Town and Partick Thistle before signing for Bruno’s Magpies in 2023. One of those Thistle appearances was a start in a 3-1 defeat against Celtic in the Scottish League Cup in 2018, whilst he also scored the opener in a win over Greenock Morton in the same competition that year. Veteran Brazilian forward Edu Salles has had a journeyed career since leaving Brazilian side Atlético Paranaense in 2009, which has seen him enjoy stints in Georgia, Lithuania, Bolivia, England and Spain before joining Magpies this summer. The most intriguing of those moves surely being a four month spell at Derby County’s U21s as a 24 year old in 2014, sandwiched between spells at Concórdia in Brazil and Sport Boys in Bolivia.

The More You Know:

Former English figure skater, and former chairman of Watford alongside Elton John, Haig Oundijan has been the joint-chairman of Bruno’s Magpies since 2019. Now 75, Oundijan won bronze in the 1971 European Figure Skating Championships in Zürich and competed at the Winter Olympics in 1968 and 1972. During his time at Watford, the club reached the First Division (now Premier League) in 1981-82, after winning the Fourth Division just four years prior.

Former Derry City midfielder Aaron Splaine spent two years playing in Gibraltar after leaving the Candystripes at the end of the 2018 season. He signed for Europa Point in August 2019 before signing for Bruno’s Magpies ahead of the 2020 season, where he made 7 appearances. The Scotsman, who was born in Malaga, won the EA Sports Cup at the Brandywell in 2018 as he played 17 times and scored on his debut.

New goalkeeper Dale Coleing is Gibraltar’s number one goalkeeper at the minute. The 27 year old was between the sticks when France put 14 past his side in Nice last November. Midfielder Evan de Haro also started in the centre of the park. Kylian Mbappé bagged a hat-trick, whilst Kingsley Coman and Olivier Giroud both bagged braces. I wouldn’t have fancied facing that attack anyway. A month prior, he started in Gibraltar’s 4-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland. Bruno’s Magpies’ Anthony Hernandez was an unused sub against the boys in green, whilst Evan de Haro replaced Roy Alan Chipolina in the second half. Midfielder Kevagn Ronco was on the bench against the French too. Coleing also started for Lincoln Red Imps against Tobol Kostanay in the Second Round of Conference League qualifying back in July 2022.

Round Up:

European matches always bring a buzz around the place and Derry City fans will fancy their chances. The side from Gibraltar were knocked out by Dundalk last year and Crusaders the year before that. They won just one of their last five matches in the league, losing three and drawing the other one 0-0. There’s always the aspect of the unknown going into a European game, and it’s forecast to be 30C when the game kicks off at 6pm on Thursday. In that heat, and with very little shelter, the travelling City players and fans alike will need to bring the factor 50.

Preserving energy will be a necessity as Magpies play in this heat week in, week out. Dundalk and Crusaders both seemed to struggle in their legs in Gibraltar in the past few years, as Dundalk drew 0-0 and Crusaders lost 2-1 in the away legs. The target for City will surely be to get a good result away from home before being able to play with a bit more comfort back at the Brandywell. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the win over HB Tórshavn, the scenes when we beat KuPS and the atmosphere we brought to Tallaght to face Tobol Kostanay. Good times, hopefully, ahead on the European front for City. PS: Please don’t lose as I’ve already booked flights to Copenhagen…

 

Pól O'Hare - 9th July 2024