Derry City v Shamrock Rovers: Match Preview (May 2025)

Derry City FC v. Shamrock Rovers FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 17, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 23^rd May 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Unbeaten in four following last week’s draw away to Drogheda United, Derry City welcome table-toppers Shamrock Rovers to the Brandywell on Friday night. It’s the biggest match of Derry’s season to date, as victory would keep the pressure on Rovers at the summit. With City clicking into gear, and Rovers in free-scoring form, Friday night’s game could be decisive come November. With the atmosphere of a packed Ryan McBride Brandywell, this won’t be one to miss.

Derry City:

Heading into last Friday’s game away to Drogheda United in second place in the table, joint on points with table toppers Shamrock Rovers, a loss for Derry City would have seen them slip from the top three. Without Ronan Boyce through injury, and Carl Winchester through suspension, the Candystripes had a task on their hands to leave Louth with a positive result.

The sun was shining and a big travelling contingent had made the journey to Sullivan & Lambe Park but it was the home side who made the most headway in the first half. When the referee blew for half-time, Drogheda United were the side ahead. Right back Elicha Ahui rose to meet Owen Lambe’s corner and directed it past Brian Maher in the City goal just minutes before the half was ou - a deserved opener for the hosts, who were unfortunate not to add to it across the ninety.

Derry grew into the game in the second period, although Drogheda had the better chances throughout the half. Brian Maher’s fingertip save over the crossbar twenty minutes into the half, followed by the introduction of Paul McMullan and Dom Thomas three minutes later, saw the game turn on its head.

United had stifled most of City’s forays forward and were prepared to sit deep and defend. Tough to break down, the visitors knew they had to make the most of any chance for a goal. Pat Hoban, making his first appearance in two months, sliced a golden effort at goal inside the box on the 77^th minute and it seemed like it wasn’t to be for the Candystripes.

It was substitute Dom Thomas who came to the rescue for City. Realising that trying to break down the Drogheda defence wasn’t working, the Scotsman took one touch after receiving the ball from Hayden Cann and fired towards goal in the 90^th minute. His deflected shot from distance wrongfooted Luke Dennison and squirmed into the bottom corner, sending the away end into raptures. It was too late for a winner, but it was a hard-won point and one which could prove crucial towards the business end of the season.

The draw in Drogheda wasn’t pretty, but with just one defeat and five wins from the last seven games for Derry City, it was an important point to get. With Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and St. Patrick’s Athletic all winning across the weekend, a loss would’ve seen us slip to fourth at full-time. With Rovers hammering Pats, and Shelbourne drawing with Drogheda United on Monday night, City have a game in hand going into the crunch tie with Shamrock Rovers on Friday.

Carl Winchester will be a welcomed return in the centre of midfield against Rovers, whilst it was good to see that Adam O’Reilly was fit enough to play following a hefty collision at the end of the match in Cork almost two weeks ago. Brian Maher made some fine saves, whilst Hayden Cann slotted in at right back following Ciaron Harkin’s substitution at half time. It was surprising to see Michael Duffy and Gavin Whyte taken off, seeing that they’ve been our two best attackers in 2025, but the introductions of McMullan and Thomas won the game for City – a genius move from Tiernan Lynch.

Robbie Benson is proving to be another solid pickup. Relegated with Dundalk last year, he’s fitted seamlessly into the Derry City midfield when called upon and hasn’t lost any of that fight that he showed throughout his career. It’s the experience in that older squad that’s grinding out results. Pat Hoban’s return to the pitch following two months out will be another addition to the City frontline and a solid option off the bench against Shamrock Rovers. With Ronan Boyce, Sadou Diallo, Ben Doherty and Cameron Dummigan all still out, Tiernan Lynch will need his squad sharp going into Friday’s game.

Shamrock Rovers have found form and are steamrolling all that come in their way at the moment, scoring twelve and conceding just once in their last four games. It’ll need to be Derry City’s best performance of the year to claim victory on Friday, but it’s one which would keep us firmly in the title race. Almost at the halfway point of the season in terms of matches played, the table is really taking shape.

To beat a team like Rovers, Derry will likely set up how they did against Shelbourne. Welcoming the champions to the Brandywell for the first time since lifting the cup there in November, there would have been a temptation to sit back and let them have the ball. Tiernan Lynch set his side up to do the opposite.

City knew their press triggers and had exposed Shelbourne’s weaknesses. The first goal came from a well-worked corner routine and the second by pressing the centre back and forcing him into a mistake. It’ll be these situations and chances which City will need to avail of to find goals on Friday. Against St. Pat’s four days later, our only goal came from being front-footed, forward facing and energetic to nip a misplaced pass and play the striker in-behind. This is where having the likes of O’Reilly in the team can add so much. Noticing these differences show how City have progressed in midfield and forward areas since Tiernan Lynch took over. His Larne team was a goal machine after all.

In saying that, there needs to be a precise fine line. Press too high and leave too much space in-behind and we’ll get punished. Our back four or five aren’t the quickest and teams have found joy in lobbing the ball over the defenders and freeing their quick forward to go 1v1 against the keeper. Rovers ripped City apart doing exactly this last year, when Aaron Greene got in-behind to score two identical goals in a six minute spell in Rovers’ 3-1 win in Derry last April. It’s something which Lynch and his side have worked on this year, and something which has drastically improved from the 2-1 defeat at home to Waterford back in March. I’m no tactician, but for those of you who know your stuff, you’ll enjoy the tactical battle on Friday as much as the physical.

Visiting fellow high-flyers Bohemians next week before the mid-season break, it’ll be vital for Derry City to keep up the good form going into the summer. Without European football this year, we’ll hope to use the advantage of less games in the congested summer schedule to our advantage. To do that, the Candystripes need positive results against their title rivals from now on in, starting with Friday night.

Shamrock Rovers:

Shamrock Rovers went into the final day of the 2024 season knowing that victory at home to Waterford would’ve seen them lift the Premier Division title for the fifth year in a row. After failing to hit consistent form all season, Rovers went top for the first time all campaign when they went 1-0 up just four minutes into the last match of the year. Top of the table for more than the next hour,  Rovers hearts were broken when Harry Wood scored late on to see Shelbourne beat Derry City in the Brandywell - a goal which saw the Reds pip the Tallaght side to the crown.

Rovers ended 2024 strongly and would go on to make history on the continental front. Picking up wins against Larne, TNS and Borac Banja Luka, whilst drawing with APOEL Nicosia and Rapid Vienna, Stephen Bradley’s side progressed to the Knockout Phase of the UEFA Conference League. The first Irish side to progress through the league phase of European competition eventually bowed after losing to Molde on penalties.

It seemed as though the hangover from the second leg against Molde, which occurred just four days before the league season kicked off, had an impact on the early stages of Shamrock Rovers’ league campaign. No strangers to a slow starting season, Rovers lost to Bohemians in the Aviva Stadium on the opening day and were rooted to the bottom of the table after three games. Fast forward two months, fourteen matches and nine wins later and the Hoops are five points clear at the top of the Premier Division.

Losing just once in the last fourteen, and winning four on the bounce, it’s clear that Rovers are clicking into gear. A recent 3-0 demolition of then leaders Drogheda United showed their intent, before they hammered St. Pat’s 4-0 in Tallaght four days later. Their goals scored metric of 31 is by far the league’s highest. Conceding just 15 and boasting the best defence in the league, the south Dublin side are showing their quality as the most well rounded team in the league.

Hate them or love them, that word ‘quality’ often pops up in discussions around Shamrock Rovers. Midfield maestro, and former Ireland player Jack Byrne, has bounced back from a disappointing 2024 to score twice and assist six more already this season. He’s joint with Moses Dyer and Michael Duffy on eight goal involvements in 2025 and sits top of the Premier Division’s assist charts.

16 year old Michael Noonan became European football’s youngest ever goalscorer when he bagged against Molde, whilst fellow strikers Aaron Greene and Rory Gaffney have netted five and four respectively in the league. Both 35 years of age, they’re setting the example for Noonan.

Twelve different players have found the net for Rovers in the league in 2025, three more than Derry City. While only four City players have scored more than once individually, eight players have bagged twice or more for Rovers. When you consider that defenders Lee Grace and Josh Honohan, the latter of whom was called into the Republic of Ireland senior squad for upcoming friendlies, have five goals between them, it shows how threatening Rovers came be.

Jack Byrne aside, Rovers’ midfield needs no introduction. Graham Burke has scored four and assisted six this year, propelling himself to the top of the goal involvement chart for the Premier Division. He’s one of the best players in the league yet again this season. The acquisition of Ireland U21 midfielder Matty Healy from Royal Francs Borains in Belgium is also proving a real coup. Last year’s PFAI Player of the Year, Dylan Watts, is joined by Aaron McEneff, Danny Mandriou, Gary O’Neill and Darragh Nugent in the centre of the park. With Danny Grant, Trevor Clarke and Sean Kavanagh providing width to the attack, they’re a frightening prospect going forward.

With former Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty, who was sent off the last time these sides met, between the sticks with Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace and Dan Cleary in front of him, they aren’t short at the other end of the pitch either. Right back Adam Matthews started for Celtic in their famous 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012 and has played six times for Rovers this season, whist former Derry wingback Sean Robertson is a recent arrival following the termination of his contract on Foyleside. Young winger Victor Ozhianvuna is one of the hottest prospects coming out of Tallaght and is rumoured to be the subject of bids from some of Europe’s elite. The rumoured fee would eclipse Mason Melia’s move to Spurs as the League’s most expensive sale in history.

Undefeated in their last six, and in free-scoring form, Shamrock Rovers will see victory over Derry City on Friday night as a serious jump hurdled in the title race. Three points would see them go eight clear of City, a sizable gap given the midway point of the campaign. It’s up to the Candystripes to assert their dominance in front of a bumper crowd and show their own title ambitions to stop Ireland’s best team from ploughing on.

Round-up:

With both sides in good form and hoping to flex their muscles at the top of the Premier Division, it’s a top two clash of serious proportions. It’s looking likely that an attendance of more than 5,000 will be in the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night, so this game has lofty ambitions to live up to.

Tiernan Lynch would’ve felt hard done by coming away from Tallaght with just one point when these two last met at the end of March. With red cards flashed to players on both sides, the game was stifled and neither Rovers or City tried to go for the jugular. As the league takes shape and the stakes get higher now though, that won’t be the case this time round.

Derry City have just one win from their last nine games against Rovers. That victory came back in March 2023, whilst Rovers have won four of the other eight. Both of the last two games between the two have been draws, but the Candystripes haven’t beaten Shamrock Rovers in league action in the Brandywell in more than three years. You may remember that win too, when Jamie McGonigle’s 95^th minute winner lifted the roof on the Lone Moor Road. Tiernan Lynch will be hoping Friday’s crowd will boy his side on to similar scenes this time round, closing the gap to top spot.

If you haven’t already got a ticket for Friday night, I’d advise you to get one. It’s the biggest game of the Tiernan Lynch era so far and will indicate where Derry should expect to be in terms of a title race. Victory would keep us right in it, but defeat could open a gap too big. A draw wouldn’t really suit anyone. With attacking football, flying tackles and a loud atmosphere on the cards, this is what Friday nights are all about.

Pól O’Hare – 21^st May 2025

Derry City v Drogheda United: Match Preview (11th April 2025)

 

Derry City v Drogheda United: Match Preview (11^th April 2025)

 

Derry City FC. v. Drogheda United FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 9, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 11^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

After winning their second home game of the season in front of the Ryan McBride Brandywell’s new North Stand last week, Derry City now face league leaders and FAI Cup winners Drogheda United on Friday. City would close the gap to the top to one point with victory and hope to get one over the side who denied them cup glory and European football last November.

Derry City:

2025’s first clash of the cities was very much a tale of two halves. As the new North Stand saw action for the first time, it was the visitors who made the most of early opportunities and were the first to have the ball in the net. Within a quarter of an hour, Portuguese left back Benny Couto found space down the left flank after being picked out by Ruairí Keating. His left-footed ball evaded everyone in the City defence and left Brian Maher stranded before being nodded in by Preston North End loanee Kitt Nelson at the back post. It was a deserved opener for the away side, as the Brandywell was silenced after just fourteen minutes. Two excellent saves from Tein Troost denied Sean Patton within the next ten minutes and a Kevin Holt effort when flashing narrowly wide just before the end of the half. Cork City were then denied a stonewall penalty when Adam O’Reilly’s late tackle in the box had heads-in-hands in the new North Stand. The referee waived away penalty claims, letting the home side off right on the stroke of the break.

Benny Couto’s free kick on the hour mark was another close-call for Derry and needed tipped over the bar by Brian Maher. Tiernan Lynch had to do something to turn the tide of the game and, with the introductions of Gavin Whyte and Dom Thomas 62 minutes in, did just that. They gave The Candystripes an immediate edge, troubling the Cork defence. Three minutes after their introductions and the home side had found themselves level. Following some pinball in the box from a Michael Duffy corner, Liam Boyce nodded across the face of the box towards Ronan Boyce at the far post. The right-back expertly flicked it into the top corner with his left foot, sending the Brandywell into raptures. Boyce-ception for City’s equaliser as both Liam and Ronan registered their first goal involvements of the season.

Less than ten minutes later, and the man of the moment Michael Duffy had the ball in the net again to put Derry City ahead. The lively Dom Thomas picked it up just past the halfway line and drove into the Cork City half. His pass to Duffy saw City’s mercurial winger feint it onto his weaker left foot and beat Benny Couto before firing through the legs of Troost. Bedlam in the new stand and the loudest Brandywell roar of the season as Duffy found his fifth league goal of the season – sending him joint top of the goalscoring chart and equalling his league tally of last year. That’s how to celebrate a first Player of the Month nomination since 2019. The end of the game was overshadowed by injuries suffered to Ruairí Keating and Milan Mbeng – both requiring the introduction of the stretcher. Keating was an immediate pain after landing awkwardly and is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles.Mbeng was stretchered down the tunnel after the full-time whistle following a clash of heads with Liam Boyce minutes earlier. The home side, however, held on to clinch their second home win of the campaign and close the gap to the teams at the top.

Tiernan Lynch spoke of the North Stand being Derry City’s Kop End prior to the Cork City match, and it lived up to those expectations. A goal down at half-time and lucky not to have conceded a penalty, the introductions of Gavin Whyte and Dom Thomas past the hour mark turned the game on its head. Whyte’s injection of pace and creativity was key to City’s attacks in the remaining half-hour, whilst Thomas’ willingness to take on his man and stay hugging the touchline troubled Cork’s fullbacks. When Ronan Boyce levelled the game and ignited the City support, you knew there was another goal in the game. Michael Duffy’s fifth of the campaign was an excellent finish and saw City on their way to the three points, as the North Stand did its bit in sucking the ball into the net when goals were needed. With twice as many supporters in there this Friday, the City faithful will be hoping it has the desired effect yet again.

City’s defence had a few shaky moments in the first half but clung on and denied all that Cork hit it with in the second half, despite the absence of captain Mark Connolly. With Pat Hoban injured and Danny Mullen suspended, Lynch gave Sean Patton his first start up front, partnered with Liam Boyce. The youngster came close twice in the first half before being swapped out for Gavin Whyte in the second period. Whyte and Thomas may be two of the first names on the team-sheet after last week’s performance. Michael Duffy was key to City’s successes once again, whilst Adam O’Reilly was another standout in the centre of the park. He didn’t stop running all game, epitomising the box-to-box role. Towards the end of the game, the Cork-man played a couple of inch perfect balls forward, splitting the defence of the visitors.  Partnered alongside the calm head of Carl Winchester, O’Reilly has been allowed to break the lines into attack and cement himself as one of Ireland’s top midfielders.

The last half-hour of the game against Cork City was the best I’ve seen Derry City play this season. The ball was played forward, out to the wings or through Gavin Whyte in the middle and the interplay was neat. It was confident football and we looked like creating a good opportunity with every venture forward. Thomas, Whyte, Duffy and Ronan Boyce got fans off their seats in the second half and attacked Cork, even after finding the second goal. The three points put City up to 6^th, just four points off top and seven clear of bottom spot. It also means that we haven’t lost in over a month, winning two, drawing two and conceding just twice in the four games since that last defeat. It feels like this side is finally clicking, and with a big tie against FAI Cup holders and current league leaders Drogheda United on Friday, now’s the perfect time to pick up some huge results. With the attendance likely to surpass the 5000 mark on Friday, it has a real big game feel about it and could propel City to within touching distance of the summit. The feel-good Candystripes are back.

Drogheda United:

I’m experiencing the football equivalent of PTSD writing this. After winning just their second FAI Cup when they beat Derry City 2-0 in the Aviva last November, Drogheda United won the play-offs to maintain their Premier Division status. With the promise of European football in the summer, United turned towards a full-time setup; the final team in the Premier Division to do so. Earning a reputation as a well-drilled, hard-to-beat team, Kevin Doherty has done wonders in Louth. Entering their fifth consecutive season in the top flight, Drogheda have gone from relegation threatened year-on-year to winning an FAI Cup in front of 35,000 spectators and getting European qualification. If you’re a fan of Drogheda United, you’ve been living the dream the past few months.

Despite last season's success, many still pipped United to struggle in 2025. They’ve done the opposite. The Louth side find themselves top of the league going into matchday nine, winning four and drawing three of their first eight. Drogs have lost just once this year, that came at home to Shamrock Rovers in mid-March. When you compare it to this stage last season, you can see how far they’ve come. United had won just one of their opening eight fixtures, before going on to win just once more in the next thirteen in the league. It looked like they were destined for the drop, but now sitting top in April, Drogheda’s mindset and start to 2025 must be admired.

Despite the cup victory, United lost key players in the off-season. Veteran midfielder Gary Deegan retired at the end of the season after making the guts of 500 career appearances. Former Finn Harps striker Adam Foley left for Carrick Rangers before himself retiring just weeks later to become U20 manager back at Drogheda United. Defender Jack Keaney was snapped up by Cliftonville, whilst Emre Topcu, James Byrne, Aaron McNally, Manny Milongo and Killian Cailloce all departed for pastures new. Most glaringly in Drogheda’s outgoing list though was Haitian forward Frantz Pierrot. He netted fourteen last season and formed a deadly partnership with Douglas James-Taylor following the latter’s arrival from Walsall. Pierrot travelled east, signing for Bosnian side Velez Mostar and recently bagged a hat-trick against Siroki Brijeg in the Bosnian Premier League.

That exodus left Kevin Doherty with a job on his hands. The goals of Pierrot needed replaced, so Thomas Oluwa was brought in from Wexford and Josh Thomas on-loan from Swansea City. Both have netted this season already. Bridel Bosakani is another young forward with a bright future at the club. Goalkeeper Jack Brady was brought in from Galway United to challenge American Luke Dennison whilst former fan-favourite Conor Keeley returned after a year at St. Pat’s. Paul Doyle joined from rivals Dundalk whilst Californian Owen Lambe signed after spending time in the youth ranks of LA Galaxy and at Orange County SC in America. George Cooper joined on-loan from Mansfield Town, adding further depth in defence. Key to Drogheda’s 2025 recruitment is the fact that both Elicha Ahui and Douglas James-Taylor went recalled to their parent club Walsall after impressive seasons in Ireland.

Ten goals scored and four conceded in the first eight games is good going. Their five clean sheets have given them a core to build on and speak volumes about their defensive structure. Conor Kane, Andrew Quinn, Luke Heeney and Conor Keeley are all experienced in the league and have been joined by new talent from England and the USA. Speaking of the US of A, goalie Luke Dennison also earned plaudits after signing from Bohemians last summer and has been immense between the sticks. Flying wingback Elicha Ahui won Man of the Match in the FAI Cup final, but hasn’t featured this year through injury. The same can be said for striker Douglas James-Taylor, who was on fire before picking up an injury in preseason. With those two in the team later on in the season, Drogheda will concern any team in the league going forward. In all of my Drogheda United previews, I have to stick in how underrated attacking-midfielder Darragh Markey is. The 27 year old recently pipped Michael Duffy to March's Player of the Month award. Shane Farrell and Ryan Brennan have established themselves as a solid duo in the centre of the park behind Markey, whilst Warren Davis is Drogs’ top scorer this season with three. He tends to play alongside Thomas Oluwa up front.

Drogheda United’s form and quality throughout the team emphasise just how far the league has come in the past couple of years. There are no easy wins anymore and, by beating Shelbourne, Bohemians and Sligo Rovers so far, Drogheda United aren’t laying down for anybody. Expect a well-oiled team, rapid on the counter and brimming in confidence on Friday.

Round-up:

Despite 5-1 and 2-1 losses against Derry City in 2024, Drogheda United eventually got the better of Derry City as the year progressed. Their 2-1 win over Derry at the end of September really exposed City’s defensive issues and dealt a huge blow in our title hopes. After failing to secure said title and dropping to fourth, Drogheda then played us off the park in the Aviva Stadium on their way to a 2-0 win if the FAI Cup final. That result denied City European football and triggered a rebuild of playing and coaching staff. With Drogs now full-time and top of the table, they look the real deal and will be out to continue their good form over City.

The Candystripes, on the other hand, will want to enact revenge for last season's failings against Drogheda United. With a winning feeling back at the Brandywell, and the North Stand offering an extra dimension to the stadium and support, Friday’s game could be huge in defining the early stages of City’s season. A win could throw City back into the European race and earn some respect lost at the start of the season, whilst defeat would open the gap to the top three even further. There’ll be a bumper crowd at this one, City haven’t lost to United at home in two years and the sun *should* still be out. Fingers crossed…

Pól O’Hare – 8^th April 2025

Derry City v Cork City: Match Preview (4th April 2025)

 

Derry City v Cork City: Match Preview (4th April 2025)

Derry City FC v. Cork City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 8, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 4^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

It’s a battle of the Cities for the first time in 2025 as Cork City brave the long journey north to face Derry City on Friday. Both sides will be gunning for victory to maintain space between them and the relegation zone, whilst looking to extend unbeaten records. Derry are coming off the back of a hard-fought draw away to Shamrock Rovers, whilst Cork City have lost just one game all season.

Derry City:

I have to start this preview by apologising. At the end of last week’s preview ahead of the Shamrock Rovers match, I went on record saying that “There are always goals in this tie and… I suspect Friday night will be no different”. What we got was the first 0-0 between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers in almost three years – whoops. In honesty though, with City winning just once in Tallaght in the league since 2017, a point away to Rovers isn’t a bad result at all.

The first glimmer of an opportunity for either side came seven minutes in when Michael Duffy whipped a ball towards the back post. An easy enough ball for Ed McGinty in the Rovers goal, but the flight of the ball caught the former Sligo Rovers keeper out. He spilled it and was lucky that Danny Mullen wasn’t more alert to prod home. The first of two flashpoints in the game came 23 minutes in when Paul McMullan fed an inch-perfect pass into the path of Danny Mullen. McGinty mistimed his approach to gather the ball and was stuck between a rock and a hard place – either handle the ball outside of the box or take down Danny Mullen. The keeper went for the earlier option, a choice which saw him receive a straight red card, leaving his side with ten men for the remaining seventy minutes or so.

Derry’s man advantage didn’t last for long, only seventeen minutes or so. Scottish striker Danny Mullen, booked earlier in the half, was adjudged by referee Paul McLaughlin to have clipped a Rovers midfielder and stopped a counter attack. Contact was minimal if any at all and the City forward clearly tried to back out of the challenge. McLaughlin flashed another yellow at the 30 year old before pulling the red card out of his back-pocket. A dubious decision to say the least, which saw Rovers and City level with ten men each on the field going into the second half.

Tiernan Lynch rolled the dice at half time, introducing Liam Boyce and Sean Patton in an attempt to clinch a goal in the second period. Michael Duffy’s looping free kick from range proved to be City’s best opportunity of the game and forced a good save from substitute keeper Leon Pöhls. Ronan Boyce came closest for City ten minutes later when he sliced a volley marginally wide from inside the box - the right back looked promising when adding an extra body to the City attack.

Roberto Lopes had the home side’s best opportunity of the evening on the 72^nd minute when Dan Cleary’s knock-down from a Jack Byrne corner fell kindly for the Cape Verde international at the back post. Brian Maher found himself positioned well to smother the ball despite Lopes’ proximity within the six yard box. Even though Stephen Bradley introduced Rory Gaffney and starlets Michael Noonan and Victor Ozhianvuna late on in the half, they failed to threaten Brian Maher’s goal as the sides settled to share the spoils come the final whistle on the 95^th minute.

Aside from the controversy surrounding Danny Mullen’s sending off, which may leave City light on centre forward options on Friday given the exclusion of Pat Hoban against Shamrock Rovers, more positives came out of Tallaght than negatives for Derry City. The scoreless draw meant that City have now kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since August 2024, after getting their first against Sligo Rovers in the game prior. City’s away records against both the Rovers in the past few years have been poor. The recent win in Sligo was our first there since 2021 and we’ve won once in eight years in Tallaght. Looking at it from the bigger picture then, four points and two clean sheets from those two ties are a good return. We’re still seventh but are just five points off the top of the table given the competitive nature of the early stages of the 2025 season.

On the topic of clean sheets, City’s defence was the biggest concern six weeks ago when the season began. We conceded seven in our first four games but have conceded just once in the three following. It’s clear that defensive structure is a key focus of Lynch and co’s training sessions, with three centre halves fielded in each of those last three games. It’s obvious, therefore, that the extra man in defence has been key to our newfound solidity. Hayden Cann was the standout against Shamrock Rovers on Friday. Arriving from a relegated Dundalk last term, the Englishman looked assured and played a key role in those successive clean sheets. He’s not afraid to put his body on the lin or go flying into tackles or headers. With the experience of Kevin Holt and Mark Connolly in the back-line, alongside the balance that Sam Todd provides, it seems City’s defensive woes may a thing of the past.

Adding an extra man into defence does mean taking one away from the midfield or forward line. Finding that sweet-spot will clearly be of upmost importance for Tiernan Lynch and his management staff in the coming days. Michael Duffy was once again key to everything good that City did going forward on Friday night. He’s been phenomenal for us this year and has been given real attacking freedom by the manager. The wait for a goal from open play will now go on a week further though. City haven’t scored from open play since the opening day of the season – February 14^th. With the investment in attacking areas in the off-season, it’ll be a worry for the City faithful that some of our forwards have yet to get going. Gavin Whyte has been an unused sub in the last two, whilst Pat Hoban has started just twice this year. Danny Mullen was given his first start of the season in Tallaght but will have to wait another week for his next after being sent off 40 minutes into the game against Rovers. You can tell Liam Boyce has real class on the ball and is a very technical player, but he is yet to score after his arrival from Hearts. Dom Thomas, another arrival from Scotland, has contributed to just one goal all season and was also unused against Rovers. Sean Patton, who scored five in preseason, looked lively playing alongside Boyce up front in the second half on Friday. Once those players click, and I’ve said this already this year, I can see us blow a team away and really get going. For the City faithful, we’ll be hoping that we see some goals in front of the new North Stand on Friday. With the new stand opening at 50% capacity against Cork City, there’s a bumper attendance in store at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. 

Cork City:

Two years on from their last stint in the topflight of Irish football, Cork City are back in the big-time after winning last year’s First Division by a twenty-two point margin. The second tier in 2024 was something of a walk in the park for the Rebel Army, who began the campaign with a 17 game unbeaten streak before wrapping up the title in early September. Irish champions as recently as 2017, last season marked the club’s second promotion to the Premier Division in three years. Relegated in 2020, Cork City won the First Division in 2022. The following season, however, saw the Munster side struggle back in the topflight, finishing second bottom; albeit 20 points above bottom side UCD. The play-offs brought heartache for City, who lost to rivals Waterford in extra-time, sealing their fate. With last year’s dominance bringing a confidence and swagger to Tim Clancy’s side, their return to the Premier Division has gotten off to a decent start.

After six games, Cork City have lost just one, drawing four and beating Bohemians in the highlight of their year to date. They’re unbeaten at home and have drawn with champions Shelbourne and FAI Cup victors Drogheda United. 2025’s only loss for the Rebels came against rivals Waterford; a late goal again claiming Munster glory for the Blues. With eight scored and eight conceded, Cork’s likely aim this year will be to maintain their Premier Division status - they haven’t began poorly by any means.

The coups of two former fan favourites in the summer of 2024 showed that City were serious about their ambitions. With the First Division title all but wrapped up, eleven time Ireland international Sean Maguire was signed from Carlisle United – warding off interest from Premier Division clubs. He scored 38 goals in 50 games for Cork between 2016 and 2017 before leaving for Preston North End after making himself a key cog in City’s title winning side. Ruairí Keating, nominated for the PFAI Player of the Year after bagging thirteen for Cork City in 2023, returned to the club just eight months after leaving for St. Pat’s. He has scored seven eight his return, as has Maguire – two strikers of real calibre in the Cork front-line. The latter, however has been out since early March with a hamstring injury.

City’s business wasn’t bad going into 2025 either. The most impressive signing came in the form of winger Alex Nolan from St. Pat’s. The 22 year old chose Cork over Bohemians and scored in the 2023 FAI Cup final. Former Oldham Athletic wing back Benny Couto signed from Ashton United and has become a fan favourite. He’s been joined at the club by goalkeepers Conor Brann and Tein Troost, on-loan from Swindon Town and NAC Breda respectively. Also joining the Turner’s Cross side on loan are Rio Shipston from Sheffield Wednesday, Freddie Anderson from Stoke City and Kitt Nelson from Preston North End. French defender Milan Mbeng put pen-to-paper from Zébra Élites, too.

Strength in depth seems to be the way forward for Tim Clancy. He has a big squad but managed to retain a number of his key players – despite an exodus of five to neighbours Cobh Ramblers. Included in said exodus to their Munster rivals were captain Cian Coleman and midfielders Barry Coffey and Jack Doherty, who scored sixteen between them last year. Former Derry City midfielder Evan McLaughlin signed for Cork City ahead of the 2024 campaign and was deployed at left-back, ultimately earning himself a place in the First Division Team of the Year after racking up twelve goal involvements in the league. He hasn’t featured in 2025 following a pre-season injury, however. Veteran midfielder Greg Bolger is still key to the midfield at 36 years of age, whilst 20 year old Englishman Rio Shipston has impressed by making two assists so far. Malik Dijksteel is a tricky winger and exciting to watch, whilst Cathal O’Sullivan was the star of the show for City last year. He came off injured on the opening day this year and only returned to the squad last week. The seventeen year old scored seven goals in the league last season. Left-footed and with the technique of a player a decade his senior, the winger isn’t short on confidence and has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s elite. His highlight reel already makes for some viewing.

Cork City haven’t won in the Brandywell since 2018 but will be energetic and determined given the nature of their young squad. Their quality in attacking areas and ability to grind out a result would make any team in the league wary. With three draws from their last three, Tim Clancy will be hoping that his side enact revenge on Derry City after defeat in the FAI Cup meeting between the two last year.

Round-up:

It’s a first league meeting between these two in almost eighteen months as both Derry City and Cork City look to climb the Premier Division table with three points on Friday. The visitors have drawn each of their last three games, whilst Derry are desperate for only a second home win of the season. The Candystripes dumped Cork out of the FAI Cup via a Sam Todd header on their way to the final in 2024 and will look to extend a twelve game unbeaten streak against the Rebel Army, dating back to October 2018. Cork City have scored just once against Derry in the last six meetings between the sides, but have bagged three more than their hosts this season and have lost only one game all year. With the opening of the new North Stand adding an extra factor to Friday night’s game, the home side will be gunning for three points and extension to their clean sheet record. It’s City against City for the first time in 2025…

Pól O'Hare - 31st March 2025

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

 

Shamrock Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview

 

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shamrock Rovers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

 

Pól O'Hare – 24^TH March 2025

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

 

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

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sligo Rovers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

Pól O’Hare – 11^th March 2025

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galway United:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

Pól O’Hare – 3^rd March 2025

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterford:

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Patrick’s Athletic:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

Pól O’Hare – 25^TH February 2025