Double Preview: Derry City v Bohemians & Sligo Rovers (11th & 14th October 2024)

 

Double Preview: Derry City v Bohemians & Sligo Rovers (11th & 14th October 2024)

 

Derry City FC v Bohemian FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 30, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 11^th October 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

Derry City FC v Sligo Rovers FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 33, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Monday 14^th October 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

Derry City are once again Aviva bound after a brilliant 2-0 win away to Bohemians in the FAI Cup semi-final last Friday. Michael Duffy’s brace meant that Derry scored their seventh and eighth goals in the cup without reply this campaign. The Candystripes return to league action with a double header of games in hand, knowing that two wins would put them top of the pile. City host Bohemians for the second time in a week on Friday, before welcoming Sligo Rovers on Monday night in two huge games in the title race.

Last time out – Bohemians 0-2 Derry City:

Prior to Friday’s game, City had won five of their previous ten in Dalymount Park, with the most recent coming via a 95^th minute Danny Mullen winner in June. Bohemians’ home form left a lot to be desired this season too – of their 17 home games in league and cup action they’ve won just five. In terms of league action, that home record is joint worst with Dundalk. Derry’s away form hasn’t been great either, grabbing six wins and seven draws from 18 away in league and cup football. This one was hard to predict going into and it was the home side who came out the stronger team for most of the first half. Bohemians’ midfielders and centre backs saw a lot of the ball in early action, frustrating Derry who kept their shape rather than breaking to press. Despite the early possession, they didn’t really threaten Brian Maher. Pat Hoban had the first chance in anger about seven minutes in when he shot straight at Kacper Chorazka following a pull-back from Michael Duffy. Some tidy work from Hoban in the box on the half hour mark saw the ball released out to Adam O’Reilly, who fizzed one narrowly over the crossbar from outside of the area. That gave the City crowd an injection of energy and saw the visitors grow into the game.

Ten minutes later and Derry had the breakthrough. Michael Duffy felt a pull by fullback Paddy Kirk, who had replaced the stricken Liam Smith just minutes earlier, and went to ground just outside the box. Much to the dismay of the home crowd, the referee awarded the free to t. he away team. City’s number seven stood over it and, in prime Duffy territory, he was always going to go for goal. Placed to absolute perfection, his whipped effort evaded everyone in the box and dipped over Chorazka before nestling in the top corner. One of the best free kicks I’ve seen and the Bohs fans in the Jodi Stand had a perfect view of it as well. It was a wonder-strike which saw Duffy go joint with Mark Farren and Liam Coyle on eight goals for Derry City against Bohemians - not bad company. The sold-out, near 500 deep Mono Stand was bouncing thanks to the Shantallow man. Despite a penalty call when Alex Greive backed into Mark Connolly in the City box late in the half, it was 1-0 to City at the break.

Five minutes after the restart and City had a massive opportunity to double their advantage. Ronan Boyce’s header fell to the feet of Pat Hoban, who knocked it back to Patrick McEleney in the centre circle. City’s captain spotted the darting run of Paul McMullan in behind the Bohs defence and played an inch-perfect ball through to him. The Scottish winger had the goal to aim at when going 1v1 with Chorazka but slid the ball narrowly past the far post. Whether it was a bobble in the pitch or just a misjudgement of the angle, it was a chance which would have surely wrapped up the game for Derry. The home side had the next best opportunity just before the hour mark. Dayle Rooney, Bohs’ best player on the night, expertly turned past Paul McMullan before jinking past Adam O’Reilly and firing narrowly wide from distance. A close call for Derry, but Maher had it covered.

71 minutes into the game and City again won the ball back through the energetic O’Reilly on the half way line. The ball made it’s way to Michael Duffy, tight to the touchline, via McMullan and McEleney. Duffy rolled back the years to power down the left flank and chop inside onto his stronger right foot, taking three Bohs defenders out of the game. Duffy’s effort from range took a bounce of the uneven Dalymount pitch just as it was about to reach Chorazka, evading the Polish keeper before heading for the top corner. That man again for City, nine goals now for Duffy who renders himself City’s highest goal-scorer against Bohemians. The away support were sent into absolute raptures as Duffy and McEleney wheeled towards Gareth McGlynn, on RTÉ punditry duties, who got himself right into the middle of the celebrations.

Bohs pushed for a goal but never really tested the City defence, who were in complete control of their box for the next 25 minutes. The away support was phenomenal, the best away end I’ve seen in years. The Jodi Stand had more than half-emptied well before full time, whilst the remaining Bohs support let the players and staff know their feelings. The City support were in full voice, and nearly had a hattrick to celebrate when Duffy fired right at Chorazka in injury time. The scenes after the whistle were brilliant, Higgins loved it. Wisdom loved it. Duffy and McEleney absolutely loved it. The passion was there to see and it was a fantastic evening to be a Derry fan, Phibsborough didn’t know what had hit it. Cancel your plans for the 10^th of November folks- we’ve a cup final to be going to.

Derry City:

Friday’s win means that Derry City haven’t conceded a non-penalty goal in the FAI Cup since Rory Gaffney’s goal in Shamrock Rovers’ 3-1 loss in the Brandywell in the 2022 quarter-final. It’s now eight goals and four clean sheets in four cup games for City this season. With Drogheda United meeting City in the final, the Candystripes will fancy their chances on that big Aviva pitch. Michael Duffy was the deserving winning of the Man of the Match award with two brilliant goals, whilst Patrick McEleney looked sharp and back to his best following an injury hit campaign. His experience and passing range in the midfield filled the void left by the injured Will Patching. Sadou Diallo and Adam O’Reilly sitting behind McEleney gave City a real balance in the centre of the park. Mark Connolly and Andre Wisdom, who had off-days against Drogheda a week prior, where both solid at the back and quelled everything Bohemians’ strikers put against them. Ronan Boyce was impressive coming back in at right back, whilst Ben Doherty looked like he hadn’t missed any time at all despite missing the last couple through injury. Paul McMullan’s pace troubled the fullbacks - he was unlucky not to score just after half time. Shane McEleney came on to make his first appearance since August, whilst Davenport, Mullen and Whelan were introduced to get the win over the line. The recent announcement of a one year contract extension for the aforementioned Danny Mullen won’t have come as bad news to the City faithful either – the striker has notched thirteen goals since joining in July 2023.  

Despite a slow start, Derry were brilliant in their control of the game after getting the first goal. Calm and precise in possession and quick going forward, the Candystripes played really well. The energy and intensity in the pressing, particularly in the second half, was pleasing after the defeat in Drogheda. There are only five games and a cup final to go, that’s six massive performances needed to win the double. It’ll be tough playing Bohs on Friday, especially after playing them just a week prior. They’ll be out for revenge and that familiarity will mean that Alan Reynolds will have his team well versed on how to prevent a repeat of the semi-final. Similarly with the Sligo Rovers game, City know that anything but two wins would be damaging to our title hopes. Ruaidhrí Higgins can take comfort in knowing that Derry’s home form is the best in the league, losing just twice in the league at home this season. Michael Duffy will be wanting to extend his goals tally against Bohs too, he’s scored thrice against the Gypsies this season and whipped an absolute cracker into the top corner in this fixture two years ago. We can only hope that that semi-final win, and the reaction of the fans and players afterwards, will give the City players that motivation to go out and get as close to maximum points as possible from the last month of the campaign.

Shamrock Rovers’ win over Shelbourne on Sunday, coupled with Shels’ defeat to St. Pat’s, means that Duff’s men have now just one win in eleven in the league. The momentum is with Rovers, who would finish on a maximum of 61 points should they win their last three games. Derry City’s max point tally should they win their last five is 65, whilst Shelbourne’s would be 63 (they’d need to beat Derry in the Brandywell to reach that, and vice versa with Derry’s possible tally). That last game of the season is vital, it’s shaping up like it’ll be a winner-takes-all fixture in the Brandywell. Three wins and two draws from our last five would leave Derry on 61 points, a figure which could be just about enough to clinch the title given our good goal difference. St. Pat’s away is looking likely to be the one that could slip us up, they’re the form team in Ireland at the moment. Three wins leading up to that game in Inchicore would see Derry sitting on 59 points, meaning that even a draw against Stephen Kenny’s men would be sufficient to take it to the final day. There are a lot of uncertainties and possibilities at this stage of the season. Anything less than staying unbeaten and winning at least three of the last five could be curtains for Derry’s title hopes. Anything more should get us over the line. Keep the faith.

Bohemians:

This Bohemians preview will be very similar to the last one, not much has changed since last week really.  Bohs sit eighth in the league, seven points behind Waterford in seventh and four points ahead of Drogheda United in ninth –with this their game in hand. They’ll hope to have guaranteed safety before facing Waterford on the second last day of the season. Alan Reynolds’ side have won just five of their seventeen home games in 2024, only two of which have come since the 1-0 victory over Drogheda United on 19^th April. Bohemians have had more joy away from Dalymount though. They’ve won five, drawn four and lost six of their fifteen away games in the league, placing them fifth in the away form table. Three of their last five fixtures are away games too.

Dayle Rooney has comfortably been Bohs’ best player in 2024, he was certainly their brightest spark on Friday. Signed from Drogheda United prior to the season starting, Rooney has scored seven and assisted thirteen in all competitions. He can operate off both wings and is a real threat going forward. The returns of Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney, from MK Dons and Motherwell respectively, are two huge coups for Alan Reynolds. Two quality midfielders, they’ve contributed to eight goals since joining during the summer window. Devoy dropped deep to pick up the ball from the defenders against Derry, almost sliding Rooney in behind a couple of times in the semi-final. James Clarke, a rumoured transfer target for Ruaidhrí Higgins in the window just passed, is another versatile midfielder, whilst Adam McDonnell and Jordan Flores have been mainstays in the Bohs team this year. Jevon Mills has impressed on loan from Hull City at centre-back and Jake Carroll is another impressive, experienced acquisition. Right back Liam Smith was brought off injured in the first half against Derry, replaced by Paddy Kirk. Cian Byrne looked comfortable on the ball at centre-back too. Carroll, winger Declan McDaid, and former Shelbourne midfielder Brian McManus were unused subs on Friday. They’re three players who could feature in the Brandywell given their fresh legs. James Akintunde, the former Derry striker who has five league goals in 2024, wasn’t in the squad to face his former club. He had a habit of coming off the bench to score in a Derry City shirt, but hasn’t netted since May.

Bohemian’s form recently has been indifferent. They’ve won four and lost four of their last ten in all competitions – the other two coming in the form of 1-1 draws against Shelbourne. Wins over Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk in the last five weeks were their first league victories since an away win in Sligo in mid-May. After that impressive 3-0 victory, they lost six and drew seven of the next fifteen league games. Bohemians have struggled for form this season and have only won one of their last ten in the Brandywell. Michael Duffy, scorer of both in the semi-final, sunk Bohs with an 85^th minute strike to take all three points in the last meeting between the two in Derry back in May. There haven’t been more than two goals scored between Derry City and Bohemians in the Brandywell since the FAI Cup quarter-final back in September 2018. This could be a tight one.

 

Sligo Rovers:

Sligo Rovers started 2024 off on the front foot, finding themselves second in the table after the first eight games. They then began to slip down the table, winning just one of their next nine to find themselves down in eighth place. Their mid season revival, beginning with a 1-0 win over St Pat’s in early May, before winning eight and drawing two of their next thirteen to creep back up the table, eventually saw them in 3^rd after 29 games. Rovers are now sixth, but their tally of 47 points means they’re just three points behind Derry City in third and seven points off top. European qualification would mark a successful campaign for Mark Russell’s men, who have already beaten all of the teams above them at least once this season. With four games to go, Russell will likely have Monday night earmarked as an opportunity to close the gap on the top, knowing that they have a game in hand on Shels and Shamrock Rovers. Sligo don’t play on Friday, unlike Derry who of course host Bohemians, and that extra few days could do them a favour. They did, however, lose 3-2 to Celtic in a friendly on Wednesday evening. Luis Palma's hattrick outdid goals from Kailin Barlow and Simon Power as Sligo led 2-1 for more than 70 minutes.

Rovers have scored 18 goals in 16 away games this term, the joint best in the division. In saying that, Derry’s 31 goals in 15 home games is also a division-high statistic. Don’t be shocked to see goals on Monday night, Sligo’s 33 goals conceded on the road is the second worst in the division – behind only Drogheda United.

On the topic of Drogheda United, they handed Sligo their heaviest defeat in decades when they put 7 past them without reply at the end of August. Drogheda were bottom of the league at the time whilst Sligo had lost just one of their previous six in the league. It was a genuinely shocking result, which no one would have seen coming. Rovers went on to lose 4-0 away to Shamrock Rovers three weeks later but have won two and drawn one of their last four.

There are two players who you’d put as Sligo players of the season. First is Ed McGinty, the 25 year old Oxford United loanee goalkeeper who has kept twelve clean sheets this term. McGinty is one of the league’s finest shot-stoppers, with lightning a quick reaction time. Next in the list is Ellis Chapman, who has scored nine and assisted three from centre midfield in the league. Signed from Cheltenham Town in the off-season, Chapman got off to life in Sligo by scoring a hattrick against Derry City in a late-January friendly. His mazy run and tidy finish in the 89^th minute in the fixture between these two at the start of July won Rovers the game. The 23 year old’s penalty on the 62^nd minute brought his side back on level terms after City took the lead through Paul McMullan. Striker Wilson Waweru has bagged seven in the league since signing from Galway United, but has been injured since September. Former Derry City winger Will Fitzgerald always seem to score against Derry, whilst Stephen Mallon, another former City winger, has made six appearances since joining from Cliftonville. The losses of Max Mata to Auckland FC and Fabrice Hartmann, whose loan from RB Leipzig was cut short so that he could join German side Hallescher, left a hole the size of eight goals and seven assists in the Sligo frontline.

Sligo Rovers have a tough run-in. They’re in the Brandywell on Monday, before hosting Bohemians then facing Galway United in a west-coast derby in the penultimate game. They welcome the league’s form team, St. Pat’s, to The Showgrounds on the final matchday. Russell will know that fourth place will be enough for Europe if Derry win the cup (and don’t manage to slip out of the top three). Three points off fourth, with a game in hand on Galway, they’re certainly going to give it a good go. Sligo have been something of a bogey team for Derry City in the past couple of years. City haven’t won against Rovers since July 2023, and it was an 84^th minute Stefan Radosavljević winner in the Showgrounds last September which all but ended City’s title hopes last year. City themselves relied on a late equaliser earlier in the season to rescue a point against Sligo back in May. Russell’s men haven’t won in Derry since July 2020, drawing four of the next seven in the Brandywell. It’s the three wins from those seven which Derry will be hoping for a repeat of on Monday night.

Round-up:

It’s as simple as this, two wins for Derry City this weekend will put them two points clear at the top of the Premier Division table with three games to go. Even a win and a draw would put City top, albeit with the added pressure of needing to win the last three to lift the league title. It’s just one league win in seven for the Candystripes but, with the momentum of a huge cup semi-final win last week, now could be the time for City’s tide to turn. Both Bohemians and Sligo Rovers will want to spoil the Derry party as they continue in their own respective battles, but Ruaidhrí Higgins knows that his men are the closest a Derry side has been to the title at this stage in 18 years. Derry City finished second in 2006, level on points with eventual winners Shelbourne who won on goal difference. Both City and Shels finished on 62 points, a points tally which could win the league this year. If it comes to goal difference in 2024, City are likely to have the upper hand. It’s five games in three weeks for Derry – five games which could see them champions for this time this millennium.

Pól O'Hare - 9th October 2024

FAI Cup Semi-Final Match Preview: Bohemians v Derry City (4th October 2024)

 

FAI Cup Semi-Final Match Preview: Bohemians v Derry City

 

Bohemian FC v. Derry City FC, Sports Direct FAI Cup semi-final, Dalymount Park, Friday 4^th October 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

After a devastating defeat away to Drogheda United last week, Derry City travel to Phibsborough for a massive FAI Cup semi-final tie against Bohemians. Derry’s loss last week, alongside defeats for Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, blow the title race wide open. City are still in it, thanks to St. Pat’s' 3-2 win in Tolka Park on Monday night, and could keep double ambitions alive with a win on Friday. Bohemians, on the other hand, have been defeated in two of the last three FAI Cup finals. This is the biggest match of both side’s seasons to date, and it’s in the last four of Ireland’s most prestigious competition.

Last time out - Drogheda United 2-1 Derry City:

With Shelbourne drawing and Shamrock Rovers losing last Friday, a win for Derry City away to ninth placed Drogheda would have seen them go just one point behind the league leaders. As it turned out, quite the opposite would happen. After injuries to Adam O’Reilly and Will Patching before the match, Ruaidhrí Higgins lined his side out in Weaver’s Park with a changed shape – two up top and three centre backs. City started brightly, as they tend to do. With both Patrick Hoban and Danny Mullen leading the line, Derry attacked from the off. Michael Duffy had joy down the left flank in the first fifteen, troubling Drogheda’s Elicha Ahui. It became evident as the half wore on, and Drogheda broke forward, that Derry’s commitment to an attacking lineup left gaps in the transition though, awarding the home side space on the counter. Drogs came closest 24 minutes in when a Shane Farrell free kick was diverted onto his own crossbar by City forward Pat Hoban – a close call into the wrong net for Derry’s top scorer.  Fifteen minutes later and the Galwegian came closest for the Candystripes. Hoban flicked Danny Mullen’s volley towards goal but was denied comfortably Luke Dennison in the Drogheda net. That wasn’t the last act of the first half either, with Brian Maher fantastically saving a Frantz Pierrot volley from point blank range just moments before the break.

Less than a minute after the hour mark and the deadlock had been broken. Andre Wisdom, carrying the ball into the midfield, attempted to pass it backwards to Patrick McEleney. It was a weak pass, intercepted by Douglas James-Taylor who slid through his strike partner Frantz Pierrot. One on one with Maher, and the big Haitian finished confidently. City caught out with lackadaisical possession in important areas and conceding a poor goal . It took just eight minutes for one to become two. Ryan Brennan’s sweeping pass down to the right flank saw Douglas James-Taylor beat Ciaran Coll to the ball, rolling the Derry left back before striding down the wing. With space ahead of him, the Englishman rolled it into the path of Pierrot who made no mistake from close range. Two assists for James-Taylor, two goals from Pierrot – Drogheda’s front two showing their ruthlessness once again. Substitute Sean Robertson pulled one back for City on the 83^rd minute when he nutmegged James Bolger before cutting inside and firing a left footed effort towards goal. The strike was deflected by Andrew Quinn and nestled into the roof of the net. Too little too late for Derry who, despite a late resurgence, failed to really test Luke Dennison in the last ten minutes – as they had failed to do for the previous 83.

Derry City:

Where did it go wrong for the Candystripes on Friday night? Ruaidhrí Higgins took the blame after the match for the result and if he could start that game again, I’d say he wouldn’t go with that formation. Whether you want tot call it a 5-3-2 or a 3-5-2, it just didn’t quite click. There have been calls for Danny Mullen and Pat Hoban to start together in a classic two up top, but it was Drogheda United who showed how to properly work a front two. Pierrot’s strength and positioning, coupled with Douglas James-Taylor’s pace in behind, make a proper, old-fashioned partnership. Pat Hoban couldn’t really get involved in the game, marshalled by Drogheda’s physical defenders. Danny Mullen was playing slightly too deep at times, whilst Paul McMullan couldn’t affect the game as he usually would due to playing as a wing-back rather than a winger. Jacob Davenport, a natural holding midfielder, didn’t look comfortable at left wing back. He’s not the type of player to take on a man 1v1, something that is missing with Ben Doherty out of the side.

Will Patching and Adam O’Reilly were both missed in the centre. Patching scored a wondergoal in Weaver’s Park earlier in the year and Adam O’Reilly has been immense recently. That work rate of O’Reilly was certainly a loss, whilst Patrick McEleney was operating too far back to affect the game closer to the opposing net like Patching does. We had been great in the previous couple of games against Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne playing in that 4-3-3, so I think the pack was shuffled just too much in Weaver’s Park. Drogheda had us exactly where they wanted us, narrowing the play on that tight pitch. Two lapses in concentration led to both the goals for the home side and, when you’re chasing a title with five games to go, you can’t be giving goals away like that. There was a positive on Friday night though, as 16 year old Glenn McCourt came on for Mark Connolly to make his debut. Highly rated in the academy, he’s one to watch going forward. Sean Robertson took his goal well and looked lively off the bench. Jacob Davenport made his first start for Derry after signing in July, whilst Patrick McEleney started his first game since June following an arm injury.

It’s one of those ones to get out of the system and regroup, we’re still just four points from top spot and one game from a cup final so the league’s far from over. We’re all frustrated with the Drogheda result, but it’s because we know how close we could be to winning the league. It’s the hope that kills you, but there’s just over a month left of the season and Derry City haven’t been this close in years. We’re lucky that we’re still in it despite the loss, as St. Pat’s beat both Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers over the weekend. That Shels game was a great advertisement of the league and meant that Damien Duff's side had failed to capitalise on one of their two games in hand. Galway United’s win over Waterford puts them level on points with the champions and just one behind Derry City – they host Dundalk on Friday night and could leapfrog Derry into 2^nd with a win. Just seven points now separate first and sixth. The Candystripes are the bookie’s favourites to lift it in November, seeing that two wins from their two games in hand would currently see them top. Even if Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne draw on Sunday, City would still go top with two wins. I know this is a preview for the cup semi-final, but it’s impossible not to talk about the league table at the minute.

In terms of the match against Bohemians, Derry City are a different prospect with Patching and O’Reilly in the team. Hopefully both will be fit enough to play a part. I’d say Ronan Boyce has done enough since coming back into the side to start at right backm whilst O’Reilly, Patching and Diallo is our best midfield at the minute with Cameron Dummigan out for the season. Dan Kelly is still ruled out with a knee injury, as is Ben Doherty following a recent strain. Ciarán Coll misses Friday's game through suspension. Captain Patrick McEleney would become just the fifteenth ever player to make 300 appearances for the Candystripes if he plays on Friday – the last player to reach that milestone was Gerard Doherty back in 2013. It’s our second FAI Cup semi-final in three seasons, with the previous one coming in the form of a 2-1 win over Treaty United in 2022.  Derry City have played their best football of the season in the cup, digging in deep to beat Cork City whilst playing fluid attacking football against St. Pat’s and Shelbourne. The Candystripes haven’t conceded in the FAI Cup this year, in fact Enda Curran’s penalty in the semi-final in 2022 was the last time they conceded in the competition as the loss against St. Pat’s last year was 0-0 after 120 minutes. I’ve probably jinxed that now right enough. Play with a mixture of that fluidity and the doggedness we saw in Cork and Derry could be Lansdowne bound. 

Bohemians:

It’s been something of an uninspiring campaign for Bohemians. Eighth in the league, but in no real danger of slipping into the relegation play-off spot, the Dublin side sit seven points behind Waterford in seventh and four points ahead of Drogheda United in ninth – albeit with a game in hand. Alan Reynolds’ side have won just five games at home this campaign, only two of which have come since the 1-0 victory over Drogheda United on 19^th April. Those two wins were both in the Dublin derby with Shamrock Rovers, so they know how to get a big game over the line. Bohs have, however, had more joy in cup action. Their first test, a second round bout at home to Shamrock Rovers saw them progress via a Dayle Rooney penalty in the second half. Despite a few unsuccessful appeals from Rovers to replay the tie after Bohs fielded Dawson Devoy when he was supposedly ineligible, the team in red and black were drawn away to Kerry FC.

It was the biggest game in Kerry’s short history, and they nearly caused an upset for the ages when a Ryan Kelliher brace saw the home side come from behind twice to take the game to penalties. Bohemians’ quality and experience came to the fore in the shootout, as they won 4-2 to face UCD in the quarter-finals. UCD were coming off the back of an impressive 2-0 away win over Sligo Rovers but conceded four at home against Bohs as Reynolds’ side cruised to the semis. Bohemians have won the FAI Cup seven times, once more than Derry City and joint third all-time with Shelbourne. They’ve reached recent finals in 2021 and 2023, losing both to St Patrick’s Athletic. They’ll be hoping to go one step further and lift the cup for the first time since 2008 in November.

Ross Tierney and Alex Greive are Bohemians’ top scorers in the cup, both with two. Martin Miller, James Clarke and Dayle Rooney have also bagged in the competition. The latter has probably been Bohs’ best player in 2024. Signed from Drogheda United prior to the season starting, Dayle Rooney has scored seven and assisted thirteen in all competitions. He can operate off both wings and is a real threat going forward. The returns of Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney, from MK Dons and Motherwell respectively, are two huge coups for Alan Reynolds. Two quality midfielders, they’ve contributed to eight goals since joining during the summer window. James Clarke, a rumoured transfer target for Ruaidhrí Higgins in the window just passed, is another versatile midfielder, whilst Adam McDonnell and Jordan Flores have been mainstays in the Bohs team this year. Jevon Mills has impressed on loan from Hull City at centre-back and Jake Carroll is another impressive, experienced acquisition. Kacper Chorazka has had a good first season between the sticks too.

With seven scored and two conceded in three cup games, Bohemians will be hoping to get the Dalymount noise behind them. League form tends to go out of the window in a cup semi-final, but last week’s 2-0 away win over relegation-destined Dundalk last week won’t have done their confidence any harm.

Round-up:

Derry City have won five of the last ten against Bohemians, with the most recent coming in the form a 2-1 win in Dalymount back in June. In Cameron McJannet’s last game in a Derry shirt, he assisted Danny Mullen for a 94^th minute winner. There hasn’t been a goalless match in Dalymount between these two since July 2019, whilst Bohemian’s 2-1 win there in March was their first at home to City since September 2020. This is a match that rarely disappoints. Both sides will be going at it, so expect fireworks. It could go to extra-time and penalties, but both Ruaidhrí Higgins and Alan Reynolds, who won the FAI Cup as Higgins’ assistant manager in 2022, know that they could be as little as 90 min away from an Aviva day out. Dalymount’s a sell-out for the biggest game of both team’s seasons. With Drogheda United and Wexford battling out the other semi-final on Sunday, Friday’s winner will likely be the favourite to lift the cup. There are only a maximum of seven games left in 2024, seven wins could see Derry lift a league and cup double. Keep the faith.

Pól O'Hare - 1st October 2024

Drogheda United v Derry City: Match Preview (27th September 2024)

 

Drogheda United v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Drogheda United FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 31, Weaver’s Park, Friday 27^th September 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

Derry City’s hard earned draw against Shamrock Rovers last Friday keeps the Candystripes hot on the tails of league leaders Shelbourne, who’s loss away to Galway United narrows Derry’s gap to top to just three points. After going behind in the first half, a stoppage time Pat Hoban penalty shared the spoils in one of the biggest moments in the title race so far. City travel to face a Drogheda United side, who look destined for a relegation play-off bout at the end of the season.

Last time out – Derry City 1-1 Shamrock Rovers:

A massive clash at the top of the Premier Division table, a win for Derry City would’ve seen them close the gap to Shelbourne to just one point if Duff’s side lost in Galway. On the flip side, a Shamrock Rovers win would have placed them just one point behind Derry in third place as they continued their recent good form. Eventually, the points were shared – just about. It’s a point which suits the Candystripes more than the Hoops, who sat four points behind Derry until beating Bohemians on Monday. The Candystripes do, however, have the luxury of a game in hand over Rovers. There was a good bit of tension around the Brandywell pre-match, knowing the stakes on the line. The game was a sell-out, with the terraces either side of the Mark Farren Stand packed to the gills – spreading the atmosphere across the stadium.

The home side started the game the better of the two teams, setting out on the front foot and taking the game to the Champions. Left-back Ciarán Coll’s strike from range on the 24^th minute, which stung the hands of German goalkeeper Leon Pöhls, marked the Candystripe’s best opportunity of the opening exchanges. From that moment, Rovers began to grow into the game, eventually opening the deadlock less than two minutes later. Adam O’Reilly, pressured by Daniel Mandriou, ceded possession to Lee Grace who clipped the ball forward to top-scorer Johnny Kenny. Kenny’s left-footed pass across the area found Dylan Watts on the edge of the box, who took two touches to set himself and placed it into the bottom corner with his third. It was against the run of play, but it was a goal which could have been huge in the title race. Rovers took hold of the game after that point, controlling the ball and frustrating the Derry press. It wasn’t until the last seconds of the half when City came close again, as Michael Duffy’s low driven shot narrowly missed the post. Close but no cigar for Derry City, who trailed at the break.

Fifteen minutes past the restart and Derry City had the ball in the net via the forehead of Mark Connolly, ruled out by the flag of the linesman. I still have no idea if it was for an offside or a foul, because the Rovers man dropped at the slightest contact, and it seemed like Connolly was onside when Paul McMullan’s ball was played in. A close call for Damien MacGraith and his officials. Two minutes later and the Candystripes should have been awarded a penalty. Lee Grace lost possession to Danny Mullen, who drove down the left hand side before crossing low into the box. The cross struck the forearm of the sliding Grace - a ball that was heading for Paul McMullan who had space in the middle of the box. Huge calls from the Brandywell faithful, which were waived away by the referee. Rovers came close in the next twenty minutes, with Graham Burke smashing one off the side netting from distance, a strike which I thought had gone in. A minute from the ninety mark and City finally had a bit of luck. Collie Whelan’s flick into the box was closed down by both Patrick McEleney and Josh Honohan. McEleney, seemingly expecting a challenge from the Rovers full-back, went to ground – Damien MacGraith took one look and pointed to the spot. I’m not going to lie, it was a soft penalty, but I don’t think there was contact and it evened out the handball decision which wasn’t given. After a wait of more than three minutes, Pat Hoban smashed past Pöhls to level the tie – much to the delight of the Brandywell faithful. An absolutely inch perfect penalty. The atmosphere was electric for the next few minutes before the final whistle as Derry’s talisman bagged a huge goal in the title race. Six games to go and three points behind, it’s heating up.

Derry City:

After his goal in the game against Shelbourne two weeks ago, Danny Mullen was preferred to Pat Hoban to lead the line. Mullen’s game intelligence and link-up play make him one of the best supporting strikers in the league, and after bagging his tenth in all competitions against Shels, his inclusion from the start was more than warranted. The Scotsman was unlucky not to win a penalty following his cross which struck the hand of Lee Grace. Pat Hoban, who came on in the second half, fired his penalty home with conviction to put himself back on top of the Premier Division goalscoring with his 13^th of the season. I think Sadou Diallo played one of his best games in a red and white shirt before being replaced by Patrick McEleney on the 66^th minute. He looked comfortable in possession and played some quality passes forward. Adam O’Reilly showed his class in the middle once again, proving once again that he’s one of the best midfielders in the league.

Mark Connolly was solid alongside Andre Wisdom at centre back, two men who have been in great form since developing a partnership at the back. Meanwhile, Ronan Boyce made his first start since the 2-2 draw against Sligo Rovers in late May. The 23 year old didn’t look like he hadn’t played much football recently as he showed his quality, particularly in the first half - nearly assisting Michael Duffy right at the end of the half. Speaking of Duffy, both he and Paul McMullan troubled Rovers’ fullbacks, whilst Will Patching had a good game playing in the number 10 role. Jacob Davenport slotted in well at left-back from the bench, whilst Sean Robertson saw his first minutes since his debut away to Waterford. Colm Whelan was a handful after replacing Danny Mullen and played the pass which won City the late penalty. The transfers late in the window are proving crucial in Derry’s squad depth towards the end of the season, with centre back Duncan Idehen still waiting for his debut.

Derry City are in a good place going into the final six games. With just 18 points to play for, City’s current standing in second, three points behind Shelbourne, mean that the league could very well come down to the last game of the season. That is, of course, a top-two clash in the Brandywell on the 1^st of November. The team are in good form and seem hungry – the pressing and energy against Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers recently have kicked City into a higher gear. Aside from the injuries to Daniel Kelly and Ben Doherty, we have a mostly fit squad, and next Friday’s tie away to Drogheda United could put City top if Shelbourne lose to Sligo Rovers. It’s the first time in a very long time that we’ve been this close to the top going into the final month or so of the season - everyone needs to rally together and back the team for the next six weeks. We’ve only lost once in the league since July, so it’s important to keep tight at the back and clinical at the other end of the pitch. In less than two months’ time, we may very well be domestic double winners – but we have to keep the good form up to keep that going.

Drogheda United:

There was a stage when it looked like Drogheda United were certain for the drop, but after the very public demise of their Louth neighbours Dundalk, coupled with a mid-season revival, Drogs seem safe from automatic relegation. They currently sit in 9^th place, five points clear of Dundalk and four points behind Bohemians in 8^th. Whilst not an ideal standing for the men from Weavers Park, they’d fancy their chances in a promotion/relegation play-off tie. Starting with just three win from their first twenty four league games, Drogheda have only lost once in their last seven. Impressively, with 38 goals scored, they’re the league’s fourth highest goal-scorers despite finding themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. Only Shamrock Rovers (44), Derry City (43) and Waterford (39) have scored more.

One big contributor to that trigger-happiness in front of goal is English striker Douglas James-Taylor. The 22 year old Walsall loanee signed on a year long loan in July, which encompasses the first half of next season too. In just nine league appearances he’s netted six goals. On top of that, he bagged a 21 minute hattrick in the FAI Cup against Wilton United, and scored a brace in Drogheda’s next cup game – a 4-1 win over Athlone Town. That’s a return of eleven goals in twelve games in Louth, a sensational start to life for the man who made 26 appearances in League Two last season – what a coup for Kevin Doherty.

After scoring fifteen goals in three FAI Cup games to reach the semi-finals, where they will face Wexford in a massive opportunity to reach their first FAI Cup final since 2013, Drogheda now have scored a massive 53 goals in 34 games. That’s a mad statistic for a team who are in the relegation zone. I can’t look at Drogheda United without mentioning their demolition of Europe-hunting Sligo Rovers too. Doherty’s men hammered the west-coast side 7-0, a demolition of the highest order. Giving all the plaudits to Douglas James-Taylor would be doing another striker, Frantz Pierrot, a huge disservice. The Haitian striker caught the eye at Athlone Town in the First Division in 2023, when he scored 24 and assisted a further 5 in 38 league games (including play-off ties). He’s a handful for opposition defenders and was sent off against Derry in the Brandywell back in June. Pierrot has been in some form recently, bagging four goals and an assist in his last six games to take his tally for the season up to 8 in the league – making him Drogheda’s top scorer. There is a bit of a reliance on the two big men up top for Drogheda though – left-back Evan Weir is tied with former Finn Harps striker Adam Foley on four goals in third place on Drogs’ scoring charts. Weir has since left to sign for Walsall, where he has made a handful of appearances. I always say this, but I think midfielder Darragh Markey is one of the most underrated in the league, whilst Gary Deegan is an experienced player in the centre of the park. Shane Farrell is an impressive signing from Shelbourne, whilst the arrival of full-back Elicha Ahui, who spent half of the 2023 season at Drogheda, is another astute signing. With five league games and a cup semi-final left, Kevin Doherty will be hoping for a big end to the season. Despite sitting second bottom, you can never write off Drogheda United.

Round-up:

In what could very well be a cup final tie in less than two months’ time, Derry City v Drogheda United is a game that could have repercussions at both sides of the table. City are unbeaten in their last six games against Drogheda, going back to a 1-0 loss in the Brandywell in April 2023. The last meeting between the two saw Derry’s best goal haul of the season, a 5-1 victory for the Candystripes. City had five different goalscorers that night, and this tie has only been scoreless once since the penultimate scoreless draw back in May 2017. In saying that, four of the last five in Weaver’s Park have been draws and Doherty’s men held fourth placed Galway United to a draw on Monday. They’re are a tough side to break down, but their league-high goals conceded column of 54 will make good viewing for City’s in-form forward line. The stakes are high and getting higher, Friday could be another big night at both ends of the table.

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers: Match Preview (20th September 2024)

 

Match Preview: Derry City v Shamrock Rovers

 

Derry City FC v. Shamrock Rovers FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 30, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 20^th September 2024, kick-of 7.45pm

After a fantastic 2-0 win over league leaders Shelbourne in the FAI Cup quarter-final last Saturday, City welcome the reigning champions to the Brandywell in a mammoth tie at the business end of the Premier Division table. Shamrock Rovers are coming off the back of a 4-0 drubbing of Sligo Rovers and a late win away to Galway United as they gear up to begin their journey in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League next week. Derry City, on the other hand, played their title rivals off the park last weekend and will be confident going into Friday’s tie.

Last time out – Derry City 2-0 Shelbourne:

Billed as a cup tie for the ages, Derry City’s quarter-final bout with fellow double hopefuls Shelbourne provided the Candystripes faithful with their finest performance of the campaign to date. The two hadn’t faced in cup action since City’s record breaking 4-0 final win two years ago, with five of the following six meetings yielding draws. You had to look back to March 2023 to find the last game between Derry and Shels where the spoils weren’t shared, that was a 1-0 win in Tolka Park courtesy of a Ryan Graydon winner for Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men.

Knowing that three of the four other quarter-finals had already been contested, producing a whopping 14 goals, it seemed that the RTÉ cameras had come up North for the right game. The consistent rain throughout the day left the pitch slick, and there was action pretty much from the get-go. Within 70 seconds, Derry set the tone for the evening as Paul McMullan’s pressure won possession from Kameron Ledwidge in the Shelbourne half. McMullan fed it through to Will Patching who fired the first opportunity of the game over the crossbar. Five minutes later and Patching’s midfield partner Sadou Diallo came painfully close for the second time in as many games as he watched a low driven effort fly low and past the post. It wasn’t long past the twenty minute mark before the deadlock was broken and I’m not going to beat around the bush, I absolutely love this goal. Adam O’Reilly’s relentless energy in the midfield saw him win possession from Harry Wood in the centre circle, before a deft feint to the left took the onrushing Matt Smith out of the equation. O’Reilly’s driven ball into the middle of the pitch was expertly dummied by Danny Mullen, taking Mark Coyle and Shane Griffin out of the game. Will Patching found space to collect the O’Reilly pass before laying the ball off for Michael Duffy. The winger jinked into the box, feigning to cut in on his right before shaping up to hit it on his left – leaving Tyreke Wilson helpless. Duffy’s low shot nestled past Kearns to give City a well deserved 1-0 lead with a genuine goal of the season contender. Beautiful football, cheers Derry City.

Shelbourne just about kept the scoreline at 1-0 five minutes before the break, when another sumptuous Derry move saw a Paul McMullen ball take everyone by surprise when Danny Mullen latched onto it before rounding Conor Kearns in the Shels goal. From a tight angle, the Scotsman saw his effort blocked right on the goal-line by Shane Griffin. So close to a dream first half for the Candystripes. Just minutes after the hour-mark, and Derry had that dream goal. After Mark Coyle nipped the ball away from Will Patching, he was stopped in his tracks by the ever-present Adam O’Reilly. The Corkman found Patching, who spun round his marker before playing a one-two with Paul McMullan. The former Man City man drove into the box and squared it across the six yard box to find Danny Mullen, who slotted in for his tenth of the season. Two assists for Patching, and a brilliant two goal lead for Derry City. The connection between the forward line and midfield proving a joy to watch once again. After winning the ball back high-up the pitch once again ten minutes later, Paul McMullan’s driven cross was flicked by the heel of substitute Pat Hoban – the veteran forward’s effort leaving Kearns stranded and narrowly missing the far post. For the following twenty minutes, Shelbourne never really threatened and the home side took complete control. The absolute best performance of the season for Ruaidhrí Higgins and his men to progress to the last four of the FAI Cup.

Derry City:

Saturday’s performance was exactly what we want to see from this Derry City team. Everyone to a man was phenomenal and we played the league leaders off the park. The forward players were fantastic, Patching was a joy to watch given that much freedom in the midfield and O’Reilly covered every single blade of (plastic) grass. Mark Connolly dominated everything coming his way, whilst Andre Wisdom moved seamlessly from right back to centre back. Brian Maher, making his 52^nd consecutive appearance in the starting eleven, faced very little threat from the Shels forwards. The energy and high press throughout the game was brilliant and I’d love to see it every week. Sometimes City tend to sit a bit more compact when the opposition have possession, but with the energy in forward lines, Shelbourne weren’t allowed a minute’s peace throughout the ninety.

The only negative from Saturday’s performance was the injury suffered by Ben Doherty. The Premier Division’s highest assister last term struggled in the first half after seemingly over-stretching and was replaced by Ronan Boyce. That meant that Ciaran Coll moved to left back and Wisdom partnered Connolly for the second half. It was good to see Patrick McEleney come back into the team, and he looked really up for it. His efforts from outside the box, and free kick driven keeper’s side, hint that the captain is confident and coming back to his best. I have to say too, that long sleeve jersey he was wearing was cracker. Jacob Davenport played his first minutes since early August, whilst Pat Hoban came on for the last half hour – twelve years to the day since scoring for Mervue United against Derry in the Brandywell.

It's an away trip to Bohemians on the 4^th of October in the semi-finals, probably the toughest draw City could’ve got. After needing penalties to beat Kerry FC, Bohs hammered UCD 4-0 in the quarters to set up a mouthwatering battle for the final in Dalymount. There’s a lot of football to be played before then though, with City due to host Shamrock Rovers and travel to Drogheda United. There’s also a game against Sligo Rovers which will be postponed until a later date. Derry were phenomenal against Shelbourne and, with a maximum of nine matches to go until the end of the campaign, we need performances like that nearly every week between now and November. Big, big six weeks ahead.

Shamrock Rovers:

Four-in-a-row champions Shamrock Rovers have reignited a glimmer of a title hope to push for their fifth league glory since 2020 after winning their two games in hand. The Hoops find themselves in 3rd place, eight points behind Shelbourne at the top of the table and four points behind Derry in second. They’re now as close to us as we are to Shelbourne. Stephen Bradley’s men have shown a clinical side in the past few years and, despite their anti-climactic domestic campaign in 2024, Derry City know all too well the quality possessed in the Rovers squad. A 3-1 win in the Brandywell and a 1-0 win in Tallaght earlier in the campaign show that the Tallaght side know how to get the job done over the Candystripes.

Shamrock Rovers usually have a knack of kicking on and beating everyone in their sight towards the end of the season, after taking a while to get going in the early stages. Rovers have won each of the last four seasons by at least seven points, with the biggest margin being a sixteen point gap of St. Pat’s in 2021. In 2024, they haven’t quite hit those heights. Bradley’s men won back to back league games for the first time since mid-April with recent wins over Galway and Sligo, but were knocked out of the FAI Cup at the first time of asking by rivals Bohemians. The highlight of their season has undoubtedly been their involvement in Europe, qualifying for the European competition proper for the third time. That’ll net them least €3m, whilst a draw will bag around €150,000 and a win €450,000, serious dough. Despite a 6-0 loss to PAOK of Greece in the Europa League play-offs, Rovers bagged wins in both the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers – showing just how important winning the league is in getting a shot at European groups. The Hoops don’t have the worst league phase ties either, with home ties coming against APOEL Nicosia, Welsh side The New Saints (home to Derry men Josh Daniels and Rory Holden) and FK Borac Banja Luka of Bosnia. Those are games that Rovers could pick up points from, with an away tie against NIFL winners Larne looking like another possible three points. A glamour tie against Chelsea in December, and a tough trip to Rapid Wien of Austria, might not be so fruitful.

The squad depth and quality in the Shamrock Rovers squad is frightening to be honest. Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny tops the goalscoring charts in the Hoops’ ranks with twelve goals, level with Pat Hoban and Pádraig Amond at the summit of the league goalscoring table. Aaron Greene is on eight, with two coming against Derry in May. Darragh Burns, the pacey forward on loan from MK Dons, has scored five and assisted another four as he has displayed his talent on the wing this term. Dylan Watts tops the assist charts with six as he’s filled the gap by the injured Jack Byrne. Former Ireland international Byrne has had a stop-start season, making just 14 appearances. The 28 year old bagged a hat-trick of assists in their win over Sligo Rovers at the weekend, having previously assisted just once all season. Daniel Mandroiu is a major coup after signing from Lincoln City in August, staving off interest from Steaua Bucharest of Romania to seal his signature. 21 year old Conan Noonan has made four assists in something of a breakthrough campaign for him, whilst Darragh Nugent’s energy has seen him made 23 league appearances. The experience of Pico Lopes, Dan Cleary, Sean Hoare (who bagged a brace against Sligo) and Lee Grace build a solid defence, whilst Josh Honohan is proving to be a bargain signing from Cork City.  German goalkeeper Leon Pöhls, entrusted with the number 1 shirt following Alan Mannus’ retirement, has kept 9 clean sheets in 28 league games, but his mistakes have been highlighted this term. They better stay away from Brian Maher though.

Round-up:

Rovers hammered Sligo Rovers last weekend, and needed a fluke of an own-goal to beat Galway United on Monday night. Galway now host Shelbourne on Friday, and could do Derry a favour if the Candystripes get one over Stephen Bradley’s men. History is, unfortunately, not on the side of the team in red and white though. It’s been 18 months since Derry City last beat Shamrock Rovers, but then again it was 18 months since they last beat Shelbourne before last Saturday too. Of the six games since that win in March 2023, Rovers have won four – including two of the previous three in 2024. The President’s Cup win in 2023 was City’s last home win over Rovers, and it was the FAI Cup quarter final in 2022 before that. This fixture earlier in the season saw Derry swept to the side by Bradley’s men, as an Aaron Greene put City to the sword in a 3-1 win for the Hoops. Greene’s two goals both came from beating Derry’s centre backs for pace with a long ball over the top – that was the best we’ve been beaten in a long time. A win could be huge on Friday and with that four point gap still giving Shelbourne control in the title race, a win is almost more of a need than a want. This game is never quiet though and there will be more twists and turns in the last seven games, but Ruaidhrí Higgins will hope that Derry City fans will be given something to remember on the twentieth night of September…

 

Pól O’Hare – 18^th September 2024

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

 

FAI Cup Quarter Final Match Preview: Derry City v Shelbourne

 

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

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

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

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

Derry City:

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

Shelbourne:

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

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

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

 

Pól O’Hare – 12^th September 2024

Galway United v Derry City: Match Preview (30th August 2024)

 

Galway United v Derry City: Match Preview (30^th August 2024)

 

Galway United FC v. Derry City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 29, Eamonn Deacy Park, Friday 30^th August 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City find themselves going into a League of Ireland game top of the table for the first time in almost six months after beating Waterford last Friday. Ben Doherty’s speculative header, dropped over the line by the Blues goalkeeper, separated the sides and saw the Candystripes capitalise on Shelbourne’s draw with Bohemians. City now travel to their third away game in a row as they prepare to face Galway United, a team pushing for European spots.

Last time out - Waterford 0-1 Derry City:

The Candystripes lined out in Waterford knowing they’d been victorious in five of the last six meetings between the two sides. Former Liverpool and Derby County defender Andre Wisdom went straight into the starting eleven at right back, allowing Cameron Dummigan to play in his more favoured central midfield role. It was an experienced back line for City with Ben Doherty the only man of the four to be under 30 years of age.

City started on the front foot, utilising the pace on the counter of Paul McMullan and Michael Duffy. Thirteen minutes in and Derry had their first opportunity, Michael Duffy driving through the middle of the park before spreading the Waterford defence with a pass to McMullan. The Scottish winger’s ball in was dangerous but was just behind the two Derry men in the box. Ten minutes before the end of the half and McMullan found himself inches away from opening the scoring. With space behind the left back again, McMullan drove a low shot off the near post after being played through by Adam O’Reilly, playing in a more advanced position than usual. The home side had a big opportunity of their own on the break of half-time. After some scrambling in the box, former City trialist Rowan McDonald’s low shot was saved superbly by Brian Maher in the City goal. Both Mark Connolly and Ciarán Coll put their bodies on the line at the near post to deny the following Waterford efforts and keep the scores level going into the break.

The early stages of the second period saw both sides have their fair share of opportunities. Waterford’s Christie Pattison rattled the same post as Paul McMullan less then ten minutes into the half when he spun Mark Connolly on the edge of the box and saw his left footed effort whistle past Brian Maher before striking the upright - City and Waterford both denied by the same post. The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark as Cameron Dummigan floated a ball deep towards the far post. Caught by the wind, the ball was met by the head of Ben Doherty. The full back’s looping header troubled Louis Jones in the home side’s goal, who struggled to get a safe grasp on the ball and dropped it before quickly picking it up. After a second or two, the linesman flagged for a goal – much to the dismay of the home support. 1-0 City and a slice of luck to put the Candystripes top of the table.

After some resolute defending, the City faithful were nearly heartbroken in added time when Gbemi Arubi poked past Brian Maher in the six yard box. The linesman came to the aid of the Candystripes, flagging for offside and securing the points for Derry by doing so. It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t have to be. That’s four wins against Waterford in 2024 for Derry City, who kept four clean sheets and scored nine goals in doing so. Bellissimo.

Derry City:

Friday night saw the introductions of two new recruits for Derry City. Andre Wisdom, a shock mid-week signing and a player of real pedigree. It was a signing which, for some reason, was very much scrutinised as a stat did the rounds claiming that the 31 year old played 12 games in 3 years. Turns out that wasn’t true, as Wisdom played 30 odd games in the National League last season and completed a full pre-season with League Two side Salford City. He looked solid at right-back, particularly in the second half after getting up to the speed of the game. Defensively sound and forward thinking in terms of his passes, he looks like he’ll be a great addition to the squad. Wisdom knows the task at hand too, it’s not often you see a former Premier League player celebrating a late tackle on their League of Ireland debut.

Another man who made his debut against Waterford was Sean Robertson, brought on to replace Paul McMullan late in the second half. The 23 year old Englishman looked lively too. A natural wing-back, he looked quick and skilful playing higher up the pitch and won a free kick in a dangerous position after beating his opponent with a deft flick before being fouled. He could be a good rotational option at right back or right wing. A former Crystal Palace youth player, Robertson played alongside Sadou Diallo for Forest Green Rovers in 2022 and spent 10 games on loan at Crewe Alexandra last year. He hasn’t got many senior games under his belt but his energy may be useful going into the final stages of the campaign. The third addition of last week was 22 year old left-sided centre back Duncan Idehen. The defender spent time in the youth ranks of Norwich City, Lincoln City, Grimsby Town and Birmingham City before joining Bristol City. Idehen played two senior games in Bristol, lining out for Yeovil Town and Bath City in the National League before signing for Derry. With Sam Todd following Jordan McEneff to Larne on loan, it seems like Idehen could be the answer to the left-sided centre back issues going into the future.

City looked good going forward against Waterford but had to show a different side of themselves when the going got tough. We saw it against Cork City two weeks ago too, we took a big chance when we got it and defended well to get us over the line. Two tough wins in two tough games down in Munster. Will Patching had more freedom in the midfield, showing energy and quality throughout. Adam O’Reilly played further forward than usual, whilst Cameron Dummigan looked composed in the middle of the park. The injury to Dummigan in the second half didn’t look too good, as he hobbled off to be replaced by Sadou Diallo with it later being revealed that the Lurgan man’s season is over. Dummigan will be a big miss, but the introduction of Andre Wisdom and return to fitness of Ronan Boyce may see the likes of Jacob Davenport given game-time in the middle. The Englishman has only played 45 minutes of football since signing from Morecambe in June but looks to be of real quality. After a worrying transfer window where our business was minimal at best, the introduction of three new players in the past week has given us more squad depth in stretched areas. Top of the league with eight to go and City are getting used to grinding out results away from home. Keep it up and we’ve got a proper title race on our hands folks.

Galway United:

I can’t do a preview of Galway United without mentioning the season they had last year. 30 wins from 36 in the league, just two losses and a goal difference of +80 saw the Tribesmen cruise to finish 25 points above Waterford in second place to win the First Division title. A first season back in the Premier Division since 2017 and United seem to have gotten into the swing of things quickly. Despite winning just two of their first six, Galway kick started their season with an away win over Derry City in late March – inflicting the Candsytripes’ first home loss of the season and triggering a run in which John Caulfield’s men lost just one of their next ten games. Defensive solidity has been the way forward for Galway – they’ve conceded just 20 goals in 27 games, a figure bettered only by Shelbourne (18).

The experience of Brendan Clarke between the sticks, supported by a quality defensive structure and energetic, hard-hitting midfielders, United have mastered the art of solidifying a place in the top flight after getting promoted for the first time in seven years. It mightn’t always be pretty, but it’s effective. Galway have only lost twice to teams outside of Dublin this campaign and find themselves sixth in the league, seven points clear of St. Pat’s in seventh. They don’t need to worry about going near the First Division again for the foreseeable, the Tribesmen’s sights are set on European horizons. Galway are a point behind Waterford in third and have a game in hand on their fellow promoted side. It’s been 22 years since European football graced the shores of Galway’s Atlantic coast, but they’re very much in the running to change that this time round.

Brendan Clarke has played all 27 league games for Galway United, keeping 13 clean sheets this term. Centre half Rob Slevin, a rumoured target of Derry City, and Killian Brouder have been mainstays in the defence, whilst Jeannot Esua has shown his quality at right full back. American Patrick Hickey has come off the bench fourteen times this season and opened the scoring away to Shamrock Rovers last weekend. The signing of Greg Cunningham, a former Ireland international left back who played in the Premier League for Cardiff City and made more than 300 appearances in the EFL brought another experienced head to the defensive line. Jimmy Keohane, a diminutive attacking midfielder, returned to the League of Ireland after leaving Cork City for Rochdale in 2019 and has started six games since signing for Caulfield’s men in July.

Conor McCormack, formerly of Derry City, is still going strong as one of the league’s finest midfielders at 34, whilst the signings of Bobby Burns and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe from Glentoran added something different going forward. Junior, who won the Premier Division golden boot with Derry City in 2019, scored his first goal in maroon in the 6-0 cup win over Longford Town, whilst Bobby Burns’ pace down the flanks gives Galway a real threat on the wing. Ed McCarthy, similarly, has four goal involvements from the right wing this term.

It's in front of goal where Galway have struggled in 2024, which is surprising seeing how lethal they were last year. Their 23 goals scored is the second lowest in the division, above only bottom-side Dundalk’s 19. For reference, Derry City have played just one more game than Galway but have converted 19 more goals. Stephen Walsh, who netted in the Brandywell in March, is the Tribesmen’s top scorer with seven so far. Only centre back Maurice Nugent and the formerly mentioned Ed McCarthy have managed to bag more than twice this season. David Hurley, who scored 22 and assisted 6 from attacking midfield last year has only contributed to two goals in 2024 as he’s struggled for form in the Premier Division. Deep lying central midfielder Conor McCormack tops the assist charts for Galway with three. Sometimes though, you just have to Roll With It, and United’s solidity has them in good stead heading into the latter stages. If Caulfield’s men find some attacking flair and land a quality number 9, they could be seriously good in 2025.

Round-up:

I started writing this when Oasis weren’t back, and now they are. They released ‘Be Here Now’ in August 1997, three months and two days after Derry City last won the Premier Division. As a Derry fan, where else would you rather be now than here? Felix Healy’s men won the league with two games to spare 27 years ago, whilst I doubt we’ll manage that in 2024, it’s been a long time since we were top with eight games to go. Maybe that’s The Masterplan, make it as nerve-wracking as possible for three months leading up to it. Friday night won’t be any easier, Derry City haven’t beaten Galway away from home in more than nine years. The previous encounter in Eamonn Deacy Park this year was a 0-0 draw in May, whilst The Tribesmen were victorious in the Brandywell in March. City can take solace in knowing that they took all three points in the most recent meeting between the two when Will Patching and Pat Hoban converted in the second half in the Brandywell back in June. Shelbourne, who still have a game in hand on City and sit behind only on goal difference, travel to bottom side Dundalk on Friday. Every game really has to be a must win for City from now on in, but Galway know that a win for them could put them firmly within the European places. Don’t Go Away, there’s definitely a title race on, maybe.

Pól O’Hare – 27^th August 2024

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

 

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

 

Waterford:

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

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

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

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

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

Round – up:

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