St. Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City: Match Preview (25th October 2024)

St. Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City: Match Preview (25^th October 2024)

 

St Patrick’s Athletic FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 35, Richmond Park, Friday 25^th October 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

After breaking a five game winless run in league action with a 2-0 victory away to Dundalk last Friday, Derry City travel to the form team in the division needing a win to take the Premier Division title down to the last day. Last week’s win condemned Dundalk to the First Division, whilst St. Pat’s’ win over Galway United was their seventh consecutive league win. Victory on Friday for the Candystripes would give them the opportunity to win the league in the Brandywell on the 1^st of November.

Last time out – Dundalk 0-2 Derry City:

Derry City, who had just one league win in the previous ten matches, travelled to Dundalk last Friday with the home side needing a win to stay afloat in the Premier Division for another week. There wasn’t the sense of quiet confidence that you might expect from a title chasing side travelling to a relegation-doomed opponent that you might have expected leading into the game. Dundalk had drawn to Galway United a week prior and were expected to fight with life and limb to keep their Premier Division status alive for another week. The opening exchanges weren’t much to write home about. After a relatively quiet first ten minutes, the twelfth minute saw Dundalk’s Jamie Gullan shoot straight at Brian Maher in the first attempt in anger of the game. Four minutes later and the away side had taken the lead. Michael Duffy’s floated, outswinging corner was met by the head of Danny Mullen who powered the ball towards Collie Whelan. Whether aware of it or not, the ball struck the former UCD man’s back before deflecting into the top corner. Making his first start since signing 22 months ago, Whelan had his first goal of the season, and what a time it had come at. 1-0 Derry with just over a quarter of an hour gone. The home side came closest again the first half just past the 34 minute mark. Some excellent control in the middle of the park by Aodh Dervin saw the midfielder play an outside-of-the-boot pass through to Jamie Gullan. The Scottish striker was bearing down on Brian Maher with a golden opportunity to level the tie, but Dundalk’s top goalscorer drove the ball centimetres past the far post and wide. A real let of for Derry, who were undone by a moment of real quality by Aodh Dervin.

The rest of the first half petered out without much incident but, within a minute of the restart, Dundalk had another fine chance to go level. Sadou Diallo saw his pocket picked deep inside City territory and the ball made its way out to Daryl Horgan on the right flank. The former Ireland international delivered a perfectly weighted ball onto the head of Jad Hakiki, who nodded straight at Maher – either side of City’s keeper and that was a certain goal. A bright start by the Lilywhites, who cleared an Adam O’Reilly header off the line just a minute later. It was 70 minutes in before City found another good opportunity. Michael Duffy, who had another impressive performance for Derry, found time and space in the box after a well worked corner routine. The 30 year old’s curling effort was just inches wide of Ross Munro’s left hand post. Duffy and McMullan linked well again four minutes later when Duffy was sent in behind the Dundalk defence by a Will Patching ball from deep. The winger squared the ball into the centre of the box to be met by Paul McMullan who was approaching the penalty spot. Twelve yards out, the Scotsman fired straight at the Dundalk keeper. Another massive opportunity which went begging for McMullan – compounding with recent misses against Bohemians and Sligo Rovers to keep the 28 year old awake at night. Duffy took centre stage again on the 75 minute mark when he slalomed into the box, only to be felled by Robbie Benson. There were no doubts over the validity of the penalty, which was duly and cooly dispatched in typical fashion by Will Patching. Carrying a niggling groin injury, Patching marked his 26^th birthday with a calm finish into the bottom corner – a trademark penalty by the former Manchester City and Dundalk man to seal his former side’s fate and wrap up all three points for City.
At this point, City were top of the league. Within minutes though, both Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers had scored winners past the 80^th minute mark to keeping the former top and maintain the pressure of the latter. Those three points for City render Friday’s game against Pat’s vital in their title charge.

Derry City:

With Pat Hoban, Ben Doherty, Cameron Dummigan, Patrick McEleney, Ciarán Coll and Daniel Kelly all out injured, Ruaidhrí Higgins handed a first start in two years to Collie Whelan and a first start in eleven to Shane McEleney. Whelan’s hard work in returning from back-to-back ACL injuries was rewarded with his early goal, whilst Shane McEleney’s experience added to that of his defensive counterparts in keeping a clean sheet and getting the win in the bag. The lack of Patrick McEleney and Ciarán Coll in the squad last Friday was a concern – both players are senior players whose experience would’ve been vital in the final days of the campaign had they not picked up season-ending injuries. The apparent injury to Mark Connolly in the second half will only add to Higgins’ injury woes, at a time when you need as big a squad as possible. Will Patching isn’t fully fit either but will be playing through the pain barrier for the next few games. Centre back Duncan Idehen saw his first minutes in red and white after joining in the summer, the 22 year old will likely feature more next term as he’s signed until the end of 2025.

Andre Wisdom filled in at left-back against Dundalk, whilst Shane McEleney featured at left centre half – two naturally right footed players who will hope St. Patrick’s’ wingers have an off day on Friday. Michael Duffy was central to most of Derry’s attacking threat last week, whilst Danny Mullen linked up well and Sadou Diallo had yet another good performance in midfield – the 25 year old has been impressive in the past few games after a tough start to the campaign.

There are no two ways about it, Friday night’s game against St Pat’s is as tough as they come and the biggest of Ruaidhrí Higgins tenure. Two days after his 40^th birthday, a win for Higgins side will take the league title down to the last day. That means that victory of Shelbourne would guarantee a first title since 1997. On the other hand, defeat or even a draw against Pat’s would put Derry City out of the title race if Shelbourne beat Drogheda United in Tolka. Drogheda are a hard team to play against, but with Dundalk’s relegation and Bohemians’ safety both confirmed, the Louth side have nothing to play for until the play-offs and cup final. They won’t want to risk players so, with no disrespect to Kevin Doherty’s men, Shelbourne will likely win. Shamrock Rovers also travel to Dundalk who, of course, are already dead and buried. They’ll be playing only for pride and Rovers currently sit level on points with Derry. St. Pat’s are just two points behind Derry and would leapfrog the Candystripes into a European spot with victory in Inchicore. They haven’t lost in any competition since falling to Istanbul Basaksehir in the play-off round of the UEFA Conference League, but have lost all four of their previous meetings with Derry in league and cup action this year with an aggregate loss of 9-2. City’s last away game in Dublin was the cup semi-final against Bohemians, another huge game. The crowd was bouncing and the performance was on point, we’ll hope for more of the same on Friday. Inchicore is probably the very last place you’d want to go to when needing a win. It’s these games that show what champions elect are made of though. St Pat's and Cork City are the only two sides in all competitions who Derry have a 100% winning record against in 2024, so we do know how to beat them. All is on the line here in City’s biggest league game since 2006. To compound any Derry City anxiety, Friday’s referee is Rob Hennessy. Derry City have won just one of the last 27 games he’s been in charge of. Anyone else nervous?

 

St Patrick’s Athletic:

Following a poor start to the season which saw manager Jon Daly sacked after picking up just five wins from the first fifteen, St Pat’s pulled off arguably the biggest League of Ireland managerial coup of the century and brought in Stephen Kenny, most recently manager of the Irish national team. The Saints’ change in fortunes wasn’t immediate, winning just one of the former Derry City and Dundalk manager’s first six fixtures. Once they got Europe out of the way, which included wins over Vaduz and Sabah before drawing then losing to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League play-offs, Pats’ finally clicked. That loss in Turkey was St Pat’s most recent loss in all competitions, dating back to August. Seven league wins on the bounce for Kenny’s men since, the most of any side this season and just two away from equalling the club record. In short, Pat’s away is the absolute last place you want to go when you need a win to stay in the title race.

The Inchicore side sit fourth in the table, two points behind Derry City and four behind Shelbourne. There was a time this season when Pat’s looked unlikely to qualify for Europe, let alone having the possibility of taking the league title down to the very last game. They’ve netted 20 goals and conceded 6 since that loss in Istanbul and you have to go back to July to find their last league loss. Derry City’s 3-0 FAI Cup win means they are the only Irish team to have beaten St. Pat’s since 4^th July. In the space of ten days in late September, Pat’s beat Waterford 3-0 at home, inflicted Shamrock Rovers’ biggest domestic home defeat in years by beating them 3-0 in Tallaght before going to beat Shelbourne 3-2 in Tolka Park on the last day of the month. They’re certainly a force to be reckoned with.

There hasn’t really been a single standout performer for St Pat’s in 2024. Brandon Kavanagh, a winter signing from Derry City, has 12 assists and 5 league goals – putting him top of the Premier Division assist table. Wideman Jake Mulraney, who has been in fine form under Stephen Kenny, is their top scorer with 7 in the league. One goal behind him is teenage sensation Mason Melia – a striker with a €1m price tag who only turned 17 a month ago. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are reportedly interested, as is probably every other club who can afford him. I can’t think of a better teenage prospect in the LOI in a long time. Aidan Keena, winner of the 2022 golden boot when at Sligo Rovers, has scored four in his last five since signing from Cheltenham Town to replace the outgoing Ruairí Keating. Zach Elbouzedi was another astute signing – he signed from AIK Stockholm and has contributed to five goals in his last seven outings. Recent injures to himself and Mulraney will limit Pats’ quality on the wings, but Jason McClelland and Alex Nolan aren’t bad deputies.

Kian Leavy, Jamie Lennon and Chris Forrester have been instrumental in the engine room this campaign, whilst Romal Palmer has showed his class and pedigree since joining on-loan from Göztepe. Joe Redmond is arguably the best centre back in the league at the minute and is partnered by Tom Grivosti – scorer of a wondergoal in the Brandywell a couple of years back. Axel Sjoberg struggled against Michael Duffy earlier in the season but has been vital going forward from right back, meanwhile Joseph Anang became first choice goalkeeper instantly when he rejoined the club from West Ham United.

Pat’s will fancy their chances for a European berth now at the very least, even if they don’t beat Derry on Friday. They’re unbeaten at home in all competitions since June but have lost to Derry five of the past ten times in Richmond Park, winning four and drawing one of the other five. That also includes a 4-0 win for Derry and a 4-1 win for Pats. In Inchicore at least, there hasn’t been too much to separate the sides recently. This one seems to have the makings of an absolute classic. Kenny was Derry’s manager when we lost the league on the final day of the season in both 2005 and 2006 - could do with him letting us get the three points on Friday.

Round-up:

This is one of those games that gets people who have no interest in football asking what the score is. City haven’t lost in Dublin since May, Pat’s haven’t lost at home since June. It’s the closest Derry City have been to a league title in eighteen years, and a win on Friday would mean that, even if Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers also win, Derry will have the chance to lift the title with a win on the final day. Even a draw won’t be enough if Shelbourne win – we’d mathematically be out of the race and would likely have to watch them lift it in the Brandywell next Friday. I don’t even want to think about it to be honest. Both sides will fancy their chances in Richmond Park, the momentum is with Pats thanks to their winning streak, but City’s win in Dundalk will give the players confidence. This could go down in Derry City history forever - get the candles lit, we may need all the help we can get.

Pól O’Hare -  23 October 2024

Dundalk v Derry City: Match Preview (18th October 2024)

 

Dundalk v Derry City: Match Preview

 

 

Dundalk FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 34, Oriel Park, Friday 18^th October 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City could have been top of the table with a win and a draw against Bohemians and Sligo Rovers last weekend. Instead, the Candystripes’ anticlimactic duo of back-to-back draws sees them second in the league, two points off top spot with three games to go. With the toughest run in of the top three, City must win their remaining three games to be in with a chance of glory. First up is a tough trip to relegation doomed Dundalk on Friday, who know that their First Division fate could be confirmed should they lose to Derry City. This is make or break at both ends of the table.

(Second) Last time out – Derry City 1-1 Bohemians:

After a 2-0 win over Bohemians in the FAI Cup semi-final a week earlier for Derry City, it was always going to be difficult to beat the same team twice on the bounce. Much like that match in Dalymount, Friday night was something of a game of two halves. With new £1m Celtic signing Luke McCowan in attendance, alongside senior internationals in the form of Norwich and Ireland defender Shane Duffy, and Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland, Bohemians started the better side. They kept hold of the ball well and frustrated Derry, as they did in the first half a week prior. Centre back Jevon Mills seemed to find himself with time on the ball as Derry allowed the away side to pass it between their defenders. Dayle Rooney’s powerful effort from distance was the first major action of the game after just three minutes, stinging the fingers of Brian Maher who parried it over his crossbar. Before the ten minute mark though, Derry City nearly had the breakthrough. Michael Duffy, scorer of both goals a week prior, bent a free kick over the Bohs well and onto Kacper Chorazka’s crossbar. So close to two free wonderful free kicks in two weeks for City’s number seven. Three minutes after that and Derry really should have scored. A well worked move saw Hoban receive the ball before feeding it through to Michael Duffy, storming into the box. Duffy’s pulled ball back into the area got stuck under the feet of Paul McMullan who eventually saw his stabbed effort cleared off the line by Jordan Flores. A big scare for the away side and two missed opportunities in quick succession for the Candystripes.

By the twenty minute mark, Alan Reynolds’ men had taken the lead. Neat interchange between Paddy Kirk and James Clarke saw Dayle Rooney receive it on the far left touchline. The winger’s ball right across the face of goal was met by Scottish midfielder Archie Meekison at the back post, who duly clipped it over Maher and into the back of the net. It was a deserved goal for the away side, who were mounting pressure in the Derry half. Within a minute of the restart, Will Patching found himself in behind the Bohs defence - his effort was comfortably saved by the Polish shot-stopper. Derry’s last opportunity of the half came via a whipped Ben Doherty cross six minutes from time, which would have been converted by Pat Hoban had it not been for the toe of a stretching Jevon Mills to poke it behind.

It was the home side’s turn to go up a gear and turn up the pressure on Bohemians after the restart. Less than ten minutes in and Ben Doherty ,who had been fantastic in Dalymount a week prior, pulled up when trying to burst down the left flank. It didn’t look good for the 27 year old, who looked to be in real pain and was replaced by Danny Mullen. Just minutes later and the Candystripes were lucky to keep eleven men on the pitch when Andre Wisdom pulled back Dayle Rooney after having his pocket picked by the former Drogheda United man. Rooney would have been one on one with Brian Maher had Wisdom not fouled him – the former Liverpool and Derby County man coming away with a yellow card, but it was a necessary foul that prevented a likely goal.

Two minutes later and Derry City had equalised. An out-swinging Michael Duffy corner was met expertly by Pat Hoban just twenty seconds after the hour mark, who powered past Chorazka and into the top corner. The Candystripes were now in the ascendancy and searching for a winner. That could, and should, have come on the 76^th minute when Michael Duffy’s fantastic trivela pass from his own half fed Danny Mullen in behind the Bohemians defence. Mullen squared it across the box and into the path of Paul McMullan who had an empty net to convert into. The winger’s side footed effort from inside the six yard box came crashing off the post. A major let off for Bohemians, and a major miss for Derry City. The Scotsman should have had a brace at this point. Substitute Sean Robertson had another golden opportunity to win it for Derry in injury time when he won it from Paddy Kirk deep in Bohs territory. He could have put his foot through it when he got into the box, especially after feinting past Jake Carroll, but took one touch too many and saw the ball swarmed away by the Bohs defenders. It finished 1-1, making it one win in eight in the league for the Candystripes. At this point, a win on Monday over Sligo would still put City top of the league but it really felt like two points dropped rather than one gained.

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

In true DCFC fashion, that win on Monday night never came. Sligo Rovers, a bogey of team of late for the Candystripes, hadn’t lost to City in a year and a half. Knowing that three points for them would take them just a point behind Derry, Sligo fielded an energetic team and set out with a gameplan right from the off. Within the first fifteen minutes, City had shouts for a penalty when Boyce fell to ground in the box after feeling a push as he was shaping to shoot. Little attention was paid to the penalty calls by the referee, who waived away City protests. After a relatively flat first half hour or so, Oli Denham dispossessed Patrick Hoban who took a heavy touch on the halfway line. The ball was sprayed out to the flank by Arsenal loanee Jack Henry-Francis, allowing Luke Pierce space to cross into the box. Andre Wisdom got his head to it before some pinballing on the edge of the box saw the ball sit perfectly for Englishman Conor Malley, who took one touch before volleying past Maher from range. A spectacular opening to the score, but a sucker-punch from Derry’s point of view. Another few minutes later and Pat Hoban, who seemed to be clutching his hamstring after leaping for a header, was replaced by Danny Mullen. Two blows for Ruaidhrí Higgins, whose side found themselves without their top scorer and a goal down going into half time.

Despite the introductions of Patrick McEleney, Jacob Davenport and Collie Whelan at half time, it was the away team who came out fighting. Within a minute and a half of the restart, Will Fitzgerald smashed the ball into the side-netting after some interplay with Simon Power. An early close call for City in the second phase. Oli Denham’s skied effort from a volley inside the box just three minutes later showed that Sligo weren’t for slowing down. To the surprise of many in the Brandywell, City found themselves level on the 53^rd minute. Collie Whelan knocked the ball forward to Danny Mullen, who played fellow Scot Paul McMullan down the wing on the counter attack. McMullan’s dangerous ball in was sliced by left back Reece Hutchinson, looping over Ed McGinty and into the back of the net. Luck, for once, on Derry’s side who now needed one goal to go top of the table.

Momentum was now with the Candystripes, who had a spring in their step for the first time in the game. Just before the hour mark, Collie Whelan tested McGinty with a low-shot on the turn – dealt with comfortably by the Oxford United loanee. Sligo Rovers had the next big opportunity, and it was one which they should have been scoring. After picking out Fitzgerald down the flank, Ellis Chapman made way into the box and, inside the six yard box with just Brian Maher to aim past, the Englishman misplaced his effort wide. A big scare for the Candystripes at the hands of Rovers’ two dangermen. Paul McMullan’s mazy run on the 69^th minute came to no avail for Derry as he shot straight at McGinty, before the away side saw themselves reduced to ten five minutes later.  Luke Pearce, already on a yellow, penalised for colliding with Brian Maher in the box. This came just after Ellis Chapman went down off the ball. The Sligo talisman jarred his knee in the turf and was eventually stretchered off after minutes of treatment, it didn’t look good for the Englishman. Despite the ten men of the away side, City only had one golden opportunity in the remainder of the game. After Colm Whelan’s near post header was well saved by the Sligo shot-stopper, a deep Michael Duffy ball found Sean Robertson at the back post. The winger, who had the goal at his mercy, fired over the crossbar deep into additional time. Too little. too late for Derry City, whose missed opportunities in front of goal against both Bohemians and Sligo Rovers cost them precious points in the title race.

Derry City:

For all their opportunities against Bohemians on Friday, Derry City came away with just one point and one goal. That goal put Pat Hoban two clear at the top of the goal-scoring chart in the Premier Division, but the misses of McMullan and Robertson should really have been converted into more than one goal for City. Michael Duffy, Ronan Boyce and Sadou Diallo in particular were great once the game got going on Friday. Duffy was lively down the left, smothered by at least two men at all times, preventing him from cutting inside. That free kick just ten minutes in came painfully close to opening the score, and bagging the 30 year old his fourth against Bohs this year. Will Patching’s effort just minutes after the visitor’s goal was another golden opportunity, whilst Paul McMullan’s duo of misses probably would have swung the game in the favour of the Brandywell side. On another night, City could have scored three or four, but it wasn’t to be on Friday. The injury to Ben Doherty will lose City some attacking flair down the left flank, although Sean Robertson looked dangerous after replacing Paul McMullan.

Knowing that a win on Monday would have put them top of the league, Derry City failed to capitalise on either of their games in hand over the weekend. The draw on Monday meant that City have now won just once in the league since mid-June and picked up two points out of a possible six over the weekend – when four could’ve put us top. Derry are now second, level on points with Shamrock Rovers and two behind Shelbourne. While that doesn’t sound awful, we now need a side who have one league win in their last nine to win their last three to reach maximum points. That includes away games against Dundalk and St. Pat’s, a side literally fighting for their survival and a club who have six wins on the bounce. The last game, at the Brandywell against Shelbourne, seemed that it would be the title decider for months. Now though, the trophy may not be lifted by either side in Derry on the 1^st of November. It’s a tough ask for even the most optimistic Derry City supporter to keep the belief for a title win – we’re now hoping for a miracle and a few favours from Drogheda United against Shels and Rovers to stay in it. It’s the hope that kills you, but it’s not all said and done just yet.

Derry City are without Pat Hoban, possibly for the remainder of the season, after his injury on Friday night. It didn’t look good for the league’s top scorer, who will be hoping neither Johnny Kenny or Pádraig Amond top his 14 goal haul this campaign as he hunts for the golden boot. Cameron Dummigan has been a big miss recently, whilst Will Patching doesn’t seem to be 100% fit. Mark Connolly struggled towards the end on Monday night too. On the other hand, Colm Whelan had his best game since coming back from injury earlier in the summer. He got involved playing deeper than usual, coming close on two occasions. Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney didn’t stop running, but it was disappointing to see a few heads drop after conceding. Ruaidhrí Higgins will be hoping for his senior players to pull the rest of the squad through the next few games to have any hope of maintaining this title push alive. Fail to win on Friday and we’ll be in a scrap to get Europe let alone the title this year.

Dundalk:

After winning the League of Ireland Premier Division five times between 2014 and 2019, and reaching UEFA Europa League group stages in 2016 and 2020, Dundalk found themselves hours away from extinction in September. Brian Ainscough, the Irish-American businessman who funded Kerry FC before taking control of Dundalk in late 2023, revealed that the club had amassed losses of €1.2m and could struggle to make it to the end of the season. With players and staff seeing wages unpaid, and lingering rock bottom of the Premier Division table, Dundalk were in a dire state. The death of club stalwart Mark ‘Maxi’ Kavanagh made a tough year even harder for the Lilywhite faithful. It was lovely to see fans from clubs all over Ireland coming to attend his funeral recently, showing how much of a character he was.

It’s at the stage now where, if Dundalk fail to beat Derry City on Friday and Drogheda United beat Shamrock Rovers, the Lilywhites will be relegated. It’ll hurt even more knowing that seven current Derry players used to play for Dundalk, as did manager Ruaidhrí Higgins. Pat Hoban is the club’s record goal-scorer and could’ve played a part in relegating them on Friday had it not been for the recent injury.

Despite being taken over by a consortium led by John Temple, a Dundalk native, the club’s issues are far from solved. It’s been recently revealed that the 1903 Supporters Club will fund Dundalk’s academy teams, allowing Temple to cover first team costs. Despite the turmoil though, the players haven’t thrown in the towel just yet. Eoin Kenny’s stoppage time equaliser against Galway United salvaged a point against a team who would’ve gone second with a win. Despite winning just five league games in 2024, and crashing out of the FAI Cup at the first attempt, two of those wins did come in the derby over Drogheda United and away to St. Pat’s. Home wins over Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Sligo Rovers show that they still have it in them to get one over teams in big games. Two home ties over Derry City and Shamrock Rovers, before making the short journey south to Drogheda United on the final day, mark a difficult trio of games for Jon Daly’s men. Whilst their relegation is all but confirmed, Derry City can’t take them for granted – as was shown earlier in the season with 0-0 and 1-1 draws played out between the sides.

Dundalk haven’t won in any competition since the 12^th of July, when they beat their Louth neighbours Drogheda United 4-2 in Oriel Park. It’s been seven losses and three draws in the ten games since then. They mathematically can’t avoid the relegation zone this season. At best for Dundalk, they’d hope for huge wins over Derry and Shamrock Rovers, alongside a Drogheda capitulation. That’d put them on 31 points going into the final day, two behind Drogheda even if Kevin Doherty’s men lose to Rovers and Shelbourne in their next two. It just so happens that Dundalk and Drogheda face each other on the final day. The Lilywhites’ 23 goals scored is the lowest in the league, but they’ve conceded eight less than Drogs in ninth.

Veteran winger Daryl Horgan, who signed a two-year contract extension earlier in the season, has been Dundalk’s best player this campaign. A club legend appearing nearly 100 times for the club between 2014 and 2016, including receiving a Republic of Ireland call-up, Horgan has four goals and four assists this term. Those eight goal contributions mark 33% of Dundalk’s entire goal tally in 2024. Jamie Gullan, the Scottish forward who’s wicked from free kicks, is their top scorer with six goals, but he has bagged just once since June. His free kick wondergoal in Tallaght on the opening day of the campaign is worth watching again. Ryan O’Kane is a young winger with bags of potential, he scored Dundalk’s only goal in the 4-1 loss in the Brandywell in April. Fellow wide man Sam Durrant joined Dundalk from Sheffield Wednesday in August 2023 and has two caps for the Sri Lankan national team. He wears number 10 for Sri Lanka and qualifies to play for them through his mother.

Midfield duo Jad Hakiki and Aodh Dervin were two astute signings in the summer window, coming in from Shelbourne and Galway United respectively. The latter saw himself in bother with Galway manager John Caulfield last time out when Caulfield refused to shake Dervin’s hand after the match following his tackle on left-back Greg Cunningham, which has ruled the veteran defender out for the season. 32 year old midfielder Robbie Benson still plays with the passion he did when he first joined the Lilywhites from UCD eight years ago – he has five goal involvements this term. Scottish goalkeeper Ross Munro has had a rocky start to life in Louth, with some high profile errors costing his side. Meanwhile, veteran defenders Andy Boyle and John Mountney are still going strong for Dundalk well into their 30s.

Round-up:

Dundalk haven’t beaten Derry City since the last day of the 2022 season, when former City midfielder Keith Ward struck a sweet volley into the bottom corner, ensuring that his side finished the campaign level on points with the Candystripes. Derry finished second that year, with Dundalk third – no one would have seen them stricken in tenth two years later. Two draws from the previous three encounters between these two in 2024 will give the Lilywhites hope for a point on Friday. In the same vein, going to a relegation scrapping side three games out from the end of the season is not somewhere you want to go when you need wins to maintain a title push. Ruaidhrí Higgins and his men found that out the hard way three weeks ago when losing 2-1 away to Drogheda United. City beat Dundalk 4-1 in the Brandywell back in April and you can cast your mind back to the last game of the 2021 season when City travelled to Dundalk for an end of season crunch tie. Goals from Jamie McGonigle and Ciaron Harkin saw City pick up their first win in Oriel since 2013 that night and ensured that European football returned Derry for 2022 (via at St. Pat’s cup win). Wins for Drogheda in their next two (Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne) would do Derry massive favours but relegate Dundalk. A lot of the Derry squad will have fond memories of Dundalk after spending parts of their career there, but City are still just about in the hunt for a first title since 1997 and can’t afford to be dropping points at this stage of the season. With just two games left after this one, it’s a must win for both teams down in Oriel Park.

 

Pól O’Hare – 16^th October 2024

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