Derry City v Galway United: Match Preview (June 2025)

 

Derry City FC v. Galway United FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 19, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 13^th June 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Slipping to sixth in the Premier Division after defeat away to Bohemians two weeks ago, Derry City welcome seventh placed Galway United to the Brandywell on Friday. Just three points off the European places, victory for City could fire them back into the mix. Defeat, however, would see Galway leapfrog Derry and demote the Candystripes to seventh place.

Derry City:

The 1-0 loss to Bohemians at the end of May was one of those matches were simply nothing went right for City. After just 22 seconds, referee Rob Hennessy had given Bohemians a penalty when Mark Connolly was adjudged to have handballed it in the box. It was a soft call at best; the ball was fired at pace into the mid-riff of Connolly who tried to keep his arms down. Even the usually home-club-biased Bohemians commentators said it wasn’t a pen. Dayle Rooney fired the resulting spot-kick into the top corner and gave the Candystripes a mountain to climb with just two minutes played.

With the early advantage, Bohemians were on top throughout the first half. They were winning all the second balls and pressed Derry with energy. The away side couldn’t settle on the ball, and it showed in the number of times that possession was lost. Danny Mullen was isolated up top and the longballs played up to him were dealt with comfortably by Bohemians’ centre backs. Despite Shane Ferguson being hooked for Gavin Whyte after just 25 minutes to usher in a more attacking formation, the first 45 were a tough watch for the travelling City faithful.

Half-time saw three changes for Tiernan Lynch’s side as City tried to get something from the game. Kevin Holt, Michael Duffy and Hayden Cann were replaced by Ronan Boyce, Dom Thomas and Ben Doherty as the Candystripes moulded their formation to be more direct. The extra attacking outlets did give City more life, particularly down the flanks. The introduction of Ronan Boyce in particular gave City a right-footed right-back for the first time since his injury three weeks ago.

Just fifteen minutes later and City’s half-time plans went up in smoke. Ben Doherty, who has had a stop-start 2025 through foot and hamstring injuries, went down injured. He was replaced by Robbie Benson, forcing Ronan Boyce to play as the left-sided wing back and Adam O’Reilly as his counterpart on the right. To be fair to O’Reilly, whose usual game of breaking up the play in the middle was hampered by a yellow card, his overlapping runs from right-back gave City their best chances of the second half.

O’Reilly played balls in for Danny Mullen which were headed and volleyed narrowly over. His best foray saw him slide a ball across the face of goal on the 70^th minute. Robbie Benson came painfully close to stabbing it in and saw his penalty claims waved away despite being bundled over within the six yard box by the covering defender. That wasn’t the first big penalty shout for Derry either – Danny Mullen was pushed to the ground by Dawson Devoy on the 53^rd minute in direct view of the referee, who didn’t as much as shrug to acknowledge the claim. Another night when the man in the middle took centre stage for the wrong reasons.

Despite feeling hard-done-by by the officials, City never really looked like winning the game. Bohemians set up well, pressing Derry high and praying on loose balls. Their defensive structure was solid and frustrated a Derry City side who struggled to carve them open. On another night, it could’ve been a goal-fest for the home team, who hit an exposed City on the counter on numerous occasions across the second half. James Clarke and Colm Whelan came within inches of finding goals of their own. Robbie Benson’s dismissal just twenty minutes after coming on summarised a difficult night for the Candystripes, who were on the wrong side of a card-happy referee but failed to create anything of real quality throughout.

As a result of his red card, Robbie Benson will miss the game against Galway United. Ben Doherty’s recent set-back may see him miss more gametime, although Tiernan Lynch hinted at the returns of Cameron Dummigan and Sadou Diallo in the coming weeks. Michael Duffy will hope to rekindle his early-season form, as the Candystripes will aim for more quality in forward areas.

With a two week break now under their belt, Derry City will be out for victory following back-to-back defeats in the last two games of May. Conceding at the death against Rovers, before going one down at the very start away to Bohs, Derry’s last two games highlighted the fine margins in this league. That translates to the league table too. Starting the Bohs game in third, City finished it in sixth. Still only three points off the European spots, all hope is not yet lost. 
Rumours have emerged linking Dom Thomas with a return to Scotland as clubs in the Premiership and Championship have shown interest in the winger. The 29 year old has scored once and registered three assists since signing from Queens Park in January, but has failed to nail down a starting berth. With a contract running until the end of the 2026 campaign, City would demand a seemingly healthy fee for the former Spiders captain. 
As transfer speculation mounts around the club; fresh legs and a lack of European football could get our distant title hopes back on track. A win against Galway could prove vital ain doing so.

Galway United:

Currently sitting one place and three points below Derry City in the Premier Division table, Galway United’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag. A very satisfying mixed bag when you look at the standings though. From eighteen games, they’ve won six, drawn six and lost six. If that ratio wasn’t good enough for those of us with OCD tendencies, they’ve scored as many as they’ve conceded too – twenty one.

United’s early season form gave their faithful hope of a prosperous campaign. Galway went unbeaten in their first seven games, albeit winning just three of those. Since their first loss of the season in early April, a 1-0 home defeat to Shamrock Rovers, United’s season has been marred by inconsistency. They’ve won just three more times since that early unbeaten streak and went on a run of four losses in a row in the first weeks of May. A win over Cork City and draw away to Shamrock Rovers in their previous two before the mid-season break hint that their fortunes may be back on the up.

The signing of New Zealand international striker Moses Dyer has been central to Galway’s fortunes in 2025. His nine league goals make him the league’s top scorer at the halfway point – clearing the next closest (Warren Davis and Owen Elding) by two. He found his first in the maroon of Galway away to Derry City in March, before scoring three braces against Bohemians, Shelbourne and Drogheda United. He’s a man who knows where the back of the net is and has showcased his ability to score a range of goals. He’ll be key to anything United do this year.

Patrick Hickey is another player who is one of Galway’s top performers. One of the most unique players in the league in terms of profile, the 6 foot 6 American usually operates in the midfield, but can lead the line in attack or use his height and stature to solidify the defence. He has started all eighteen of Galway’s game this year, chipping in with four goals and an assist – already matching his goal tally of last season.

Galway United have an experienced, hard-working squad. With the likes of former Ireland international Greg Cunningham featuring in a defence alongside once Derry City target Rob Slevin, Bohs loanee Cian Byrne and flying fullback Jeannot Esua, they’re hard to break down and rapid on the counter.

Wales U21 goalie Evan Watts has rotated with veteran Brendan Clarke between the sticks, whilst John Caulfield brought quality off the bench against Shamrock Rovers last time out in the form of Bobby Burns, Conor McCormack, Killian Brouder and Stephen Walsh. If they manage to turn some of those draws and losses into victories in the second half of the season, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Galway finish the season in the mix for Europe. They’ll want to come back from the mid-season break with a first win of the season against Derry City.

Round-up:

It’s hard to predict which way a Derry v Galway game will go. The two counties faced each other in an entertaining draw in the Senior Championship in Celtic Park two weeks ago, and you get the feeling that a high-scoring draw could transcend football and Gaelic in the Brandywell on Friday. Of the last ten meetings between City and United in all competitions, Derry have won three, Galway four and the other three have been stalemates.

The Candystripes are unbeaten against Galway in 2025, drawing 1-1 in March and digging deep to win 3-2 in the torrential rain at Eamonn Deacy Park on Good Friday in April. That win in April was Derry’s first victory in Galway since August 2015. With seven goals scored by seven different scorers in this meeting already this year, we could be in for another goal-filled occasion.

As both sides aim to bounce back into the top half of the table, and use their competitors’ European escapades to their advantage, this is a match which could prove crucial in deciding the Euro spots for 2026. I don’t know why, but Galway strike me as a team which could go far in the cup this year too. Recent results aside, you can’t beat summer football with a big stick, so ye can’t.

Pól O’Hare – 10^th June 2025

Bohemians v Derry City: Match Preview (May 2025)

 Bohemian FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 18, Dalymount Park, Friday 30^th May 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Coming off the back of a heartbreaking late defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers last week, Derry City look to get back to winning ways as they travel to face Bohemians on Friday night. Level on points, both sides will be looking to take three points into the summer break. With the season now at its midway point, and with the next game not until the 13^th of June, Tiernan Lynch will be hoping to take a positive result into the second half of his first campaign as Derry City boss.

Derry City:

Five points behind Shamrock Rovers going into last Friday’s crunch tie, a win for City would have cemented their status as real title contenders. I said ahead of that game that we’d need one of the best performances of the season to get something out of the match but, despite the performance, it wasn’t to be.

With a packed Brandywell behind them, Derry City started the better side and fashioned the best of the chances throughout the majority of the first forty-five. With the yellow card count reading ‘three’ after just fifteen minutes, Stephen Bradley hooked Cory O’Sullivan for upcoming Ireland international Josh Honohan. O’Sullivan was lucky to stay on the pitch after committing a second foul just minutes after receiving his first yellow, and it was a risk that Rovers weren’t willing to take.

The away side began to grow into the game in the second half, after Graham Burke fashioned a chance for himself towards the end of the first period. Burke was Rovers’ biggest threat during the game, threatening the City goal from distance on multiple occasions. For the Candystripes, Scottish duo Paul McMullan and Danny Mullen were introduced on the hour mark. For the second week in a row, City found a goal from the bench – this time coming just five minutes after Lynch brought on the two aforementioned attackers.

Breaking forward down the middle, Paul McMullan played an inch-perfect through ball to Danny Mullen who was rushing towards the box. After taking a touch which seemed heavy, the striker showed composure to lift it over Ed McGinty in the Rovers goal and send the home fans wild. A well-worked and clinical goal from the Candystripes to open the scoring.

City’s lead didn’t last for long. Shamrock Rovers, flexing their muscles by bringing on Michael Noonan, Daniel Mandriou and Dylan Watts from the bench, found an equaliser on the seventieth minute. A snap-shot from Roberto Lopes caught out Brian Maher, who got a palm to the ball but directed it back into his box where Noonan was on hand to nod in his third goal in as many games. It was a poor goal to concede, but the failure to give a foul for a tackle which left Danny Mullen writhing in pain in the build-up played into the hands of Rovers. It was a refereeing decision which cost the Candystripes.

Just as it looked like the game would end in a draw, which would have been a fair result, Rovers nipped the winner at the end. Danny Grant beat Ben Doherty down the flank and slid the ball into Aaron McEneff. The Derry-man fired past Brian Maher to send the three points back down to Tallaght. The 29 year old former City captain wheeled away in celebration, cupping his ears to his native home fans. It was a celebration which resulted in a booking and left a sour taste to the end of the game. Three points for Rovers, who go eight points clear of Derry at the summit.

The game on Friday was one of those that was just hard to take. If we were played off the pitch and outclassed, which can happen against Rovers, you’d be able to hold your hands up and concede that they’re the better team. That wasn’t the case this time. City went toe-to-toe with the Tallaght side and were more than unlucky to leave emptyhanded.

The defending was solid and the passing was intricate. Going into half-time with the better of the chances in the first half, Danny Mullen’s opener was a deserved goal for the home side. Brian Maher was caught off guard for the equaliser and, if he had an extra split second to react, he would probably have tipped it over the bar. The foul on Mullen directly before the shot which led to the opener should have been given. In a match with 21 fouls and six yellow cards, I was shocked to see that Danny Mullen getting taken out from behind didn’t warrant at least a free kick. On another night, that would’ve been a yellow and a free out.

As sickening as the winner was, the fact that so many stayed behind to applaud the defeated City side showed how good the performance was. It was a performance which showed that we deserve to be fighting at the top, and shows just how far we’ve come under Tiernan Lynch. With Conor Barr and Duncan Idehen returning from loans in July, and the transfer window opening soon, the second half of the campaign should be one of success for the Candystripes.

Danny Mullen’s goal was his fifth of the campaign, seeing him sit just one behind Michael Duffy in the scoring charts for City. Mullen’s late winner against Bohemians in June of last year sent the travelling support delirious, as did Michael Duffy’s FAI Cup semi-final brace. City’s number seven netted yet another free kick against Bohs in the 1-0 win earlier this season. They are two players who Reynolds’ side will be going all out to keep quiet on Friday.

Adam O’Reilly had yet another brilliant performance in the midfield, as did Carl Winchester. Hayden Cann played some impressive balls forward, whilst Mark Connolly and Kevin Holt showed their experience alongside Sam Todd. Shane Ferguson gave width with attacking runs forward, although the lack of a naturally right footed full-back to deputise for the injured Ronan Boyce and Cameron Dummigan seem to be hurting the side’s balance.

Paul McMullan impressed off the bench once again and will be pushing for a starting place after assisting Mullen’s goal for City. Gavin Whyte showed his class with some nice touches and turns, while Michael Duffy was unfortunate not to test the keeper more after a few decent opportunities. He loves playing in Dalymount and will be gunning for his seventh of the season in Phibsborough on Friday. With Ben Doherty returning from injury to provide that extra bit of attacking flair from wing-back, I’d expect another high energy, attacking performance from the Candystripes on Friday. City will be sure to use the hurt of the Rovers defeat to push for three points in Dalymount.

Bohemians:

After a stop-start 2024 campaign, Bohemians finished the season in 8^th place. A disappointing finish, the Phibsborough side evaded the relegation zone by eight points and had high expectations of a rebuild going into the new year. Said new year didn’t bring the joy expected, as Bohs flirted with the relegation zone after losing five of their first eight, despite beating rivals Shamrock Rovers in front of a record crowd in the Aviva Stadium in matchday one.

The Bohemians hierarchy ignored calls to sack manager Alan Reynolds, who was trusted to get things moving again. To be fair to him, he silenced the critics and did just that. Bohs have won six of their last eight league games, coming from behind to defeat Shamrock Rovers again as well as getting the better of fellow Dublin rivals St. Pat’s and Shelbourne. Suddenly, the ‘more shirts than points’ gimmick ended for another year. Have to say though, those Guinness jerseys are top class. The Fontaines DC ones though? As José Mourinho would say, ‘if I speak I’m in trouble’.

In typical Bohemians fashion, the winners in five of those six victories were scored after the 85^th minute. There were back to back 97^th minute winners against Pats and Galway United, a 96^th minute winner away to Shamrock Rovers and 85^th and 88^th minute goals against Cork City and Sligo Rovers. If there’s one thing you can’t do against Reynolds’ side these days, it’s think that you’ve seen out a win.

Down to fourth after defeat to Drogheda United last week, Bohs sit level on points with Derry City going into Friday night. With the ever-entertaining record of no draws, nine wins and eight losses, they’re well within the European mix. Beating some of the heavy hitters and favourites for the title already this year, Reynolds will have his faithful dreaming of a title charge in 2025.

After winning only four times at home in the entirety of last season, Bohemians have already surpassed that tally this year with five. That is only the sixth best home record in the division though. The only side who haven’t drawn a game this year, you really never know what you’ll get from this team. With both St Pat’s and Shelbourne only a point behind City and Bohs, a draw in Dalymount wouldn’t do either side much good.

Former Derry City forward Colm Whelan, who joined Bohs from the Candystripes after last year’s Cup final defeat, is their best performing player in the forward line in 2025. With four goals and an assist, his five goal involvements are better than any of his teammates. Joined on four league goals this year is former Motherwell midfielder Ross Tierney, he’s always one to put a shift and can play across the midfield. Defender Sean Grehan, who chose Bohs over Derry City to join on-loan from Crystal Palace, has bagged three this term – including a brace against Galway United and the winner against St. Pat’s. Two of the 21 year old’s three goals have come in the 97^th minute, so you should close your eyes if he goes up for a corner late on.

Star signing Lys Mousset, formerly a £10m Sheffield United striker, scored his first goal for the club when he found a late winner away to Sligo Rovers three weeks ago. He’s still struggling for full match fitness, but his quality and first touch can’t be underestimated – there’s a reason he cost £15m in transfer fees throughout his career. The signature of Sligo Rovers captain Niall Morahan was another smart acquisition, bolstering an already strong midfield which includes Dawson Devoy, James Clarke, James McManus, Jordan Flores and Adam McDonnell.

Dayle Rooney is one of the league’s most dangerous wingers and has scored some wondergoals in his time. On the other wing, Bohs have former Waterford Connor Parsons, whilst James Clarke can play on either flank as well as in attacking midfield. A defence mixing youth with experience is stationed in front of James Talbot or Kacper Chorazka in goals.

With something of a feelgood factor returning to Dalymount Park in recent weeks, the Bohemians faithful will fancy themselves against any team. Despite losing to Derry City earlier in the campaign, the Phibsboro side are a different outfit now. Playing on the large Dalymount surface, a pitch which will suit both teams in their offensive forays, expect an entertaining affair with an atmosphere bouncing at either side of the stadium. Bohemians will be looking to keep archnemesis Michael Duffy off free-kicks, whilst the Candystripes travel to ‘the old’ Dalymount Park for one of the last times before its renovation.

Round-up:

Both Bohemians and Derry City will be gunning for three points on Friday after losses last time out. Still fighting in the upper reaches of the table, both managers will see a win as crucial going into the mid-season break. The Candystripes will be out for their seventh win in the last ten visits to Bohemians, whilst Reynolds’ men will want to enact revenge for defeat earlier this year and in last season’s FAI Cup semi-final.

With late goals adding to the scripts of both side’s fortunes in recent weeks, expect drama, a big atmosphere and exciting football in Dalymount Park on Friday night. With a two week break after this one, bringing the three points home will be the aim of the game for both Bohs and the Candystripes. We might even be lucky enough to see City wearing the green away kit for only the second time this season too…

Pól O’Hare – 27^th May 2025

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

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shamrock Rovers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

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

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

Pól O’Hare – 21^st May 2025

Drogheda United v Derry City: Match Preview (May 2025)

Drogheda United FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 16, Sullivan & Lambe Park, Friday 16^th May 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Winning three games in a row for the first time in almost a year to send them joint top of the Premier Division table, Derry City will hope to make it back-to-back away victories when they face third-placed Drogheda United on Friday. The home side have won just once in their last six games following a flying start to 2025 but have been leapfrogged by the Candystripes in the upper reaches of the table. Suffering a 3-1 defeat at home to Drogheda United earlier this year, City will hope to inflict a similar outcome in Sullivan & Lambe Park on Friday evening.

Derry City:

Derry City made the long journey to Cork last Friday night with the third worst away record in the Premier Division. Knowing what happened the last time City won two on the trot, i.e. falling to a 2-1 defeat against struggling Waterford, there was a wariness around getting too optimistic about the game against Cork City. On the other hand, City’s unbeaten record against the Rebel Army stretched back nearly seven years and the home side were struck with an injury crisis.

Luckily for fans of the Candystripes, that unbeaten record was extended by another few months. In a first half were City controlled almost 60% of possession, the away side capitalised on their dominance in the early stages by opening the scoring after just twenty-four minutes. Gavin Whyte, after taking a looped ball in his stride, floating an inch-perfect cross over the stranded Tein Troost in the Cork goal. Liam Boyce was on hand, or head, to nod in his fourth in the red and white jersey. Sam Todd saw a header cleared off the line on the 40^th minute, before Derry went into the break with the advantage.

The home side found themselves level on the hour mark when a throw-in, which was taken quickly and about thirty yards ahead of where the ball went out, found its way to Cory O’Sullivan. The youngster’s ball into the box was prodded home by Djenairo Daniels, netting his third goal in just five appearances for Cork City this season, much to the delight of the commentary team and home fans alike. The Rebel Army were back in the game and pushing to go ahead.

It was on the 78 minute mark when the words ‘Oh no, it’s 2-1 to Derry City’ were uttered from the co-commentators mouth. He was right too, as Kevin Holt nodded Michael Duffy’s corner into the back of the net to bag his first goal for the club after a big-money move from Dundee United. He had a knack for finding late goals in Scotland and found the winner in Turner’s Cross last Friday. Boos rang out across the stadium when the full-time whistle blew and, less than two hours later, manager Tim Clancy left Cork City. 

Tiernan Lynch’s Derry City side showed a different kind of fight and desire on Friday night, knowing that they’d won just twice on the road in 2025 and needed three points to stay within touching distance with the top of the table. From a Derry point of view, it was a great win. After making the six-and-a-half hour trip to Cork, the Candystripes managed to recover from a leveller in the second half to win the game after dominating the earlier stages. It’s the first time since June last year that City have won three games in a row. That run actually saw Derry pick up four wins on the bounce, something which we’ll hope to see repeated on Friday night.

Two of Derry City’s high-profile new signings found the goals in Turner’s Cross, both from headers. That power and aerial dominance is something which will be a welcome addition to City’s arsenal. Boyce’s goal was his fourth for the club, levelling him with Danny Mullen in second place of Derry’s goalscoring table in 2025. Michael Duffy, still top of that list, made it eight goal involvements for the year when he assisted Kevin Holt’s winner. Gavin Whyte showed a brilliant first touch and cross for Boyce’s opener, joining up with Dom Thomas on three goals and assists in 2025.

Friday night was a well-rounded team performance, but the Candystripes haven’t come away from Munster unscathed. Ronan Boyce and Adam O’Reilly, two of Derry’s top performers this season, both suffered what looked to be nasty injuries. Boyce was replaced after 53 minutes when he pulled up with what looked to be a muscle injury, whilst O’Reilly suffered a heavy blow to the ribs. The stoppage for O’Reilly’s treatment saw the game played right up to the 104^th minute, but the midfielder was forced to see out the game as City had used their three substitute windows.

The severity of those knocks is yet to be seen. With Derry City in the midst of their best run of form in eleven months, they couldn’t have come at a worse time. It’s likely that Robbie Benson will slot in to replace O’Reilly in midfield, although City’s lack of recognised right-back cover could see Drogheda United target that flank with the pace of Dayle Rooney. Ciaron Harkin may deputise there, although it’ll likely be Hayden Cann who’s pushed wider should Boyce miss much gametime.  Cameron Dummigan, who could slot in at both right fullback or centre midfield if fit, is City’s other injury omission, alongside Sadou Diallo. With revenge on the mind following April’s humiliation in the Brandywell, and last season’s FAI Cup defeat, the Candystripes will be desperate to claim three points against a high-flying Drogheda United.

Drogheda United:

Fans of Drogheda United have been living somewhere between Louth and Dreamland for the past six or seven months. Finishing 2024 by beating Athlone Town to maintain their Premier Division status, a week after beating Derry City 2-0 in the FAI Cup final, Drogheda United made the decision to go full-time heading into the 2025 campaign. It’s a decision which has paid off - Drogheda United have been in the top three since the third week of the season.

Fast approaching the half-way point of the term and Drogheda are fighting at the right end of the table. It’s only in recent weeks that the Louth side have begun to stutter – losing two of their last four games. That’s more than they had done in the previous eleven this year. After fifteen games, United sit third. Losing just three times all year, whilst winning six and drawing six, Kevin Doherty’s side are making the most of the topsy-turvy start to the season. Their 21 goals scored is the second highest in the division, whilst their thirteen conceded is the second lowest. Always a side who worked hard for each other and threatened on the counter, they’ve taken that to another level in 2025.

Losing star striker Frantz Pierrot to Velez Mostar of Bosnia in the off-season hasn’t turned out to be the loss it threatened. Drogs have replaced his goals by chipping in from all areas of the pitch. Winger Warren Davis has scored six in the league this season, while centre back Conor Keeley has bagged four. Included in said four is a brace against Derry City in their 3-1 second-half annihilation of the Candystripes five weeks ago. Standing at 6’7”, Keeley is a threat going forward as well as a unit in defence.

Attacking midfielder Darragh Markey has four goal involvements this term, while Ryan Brennan and Thomas Oluwa are next on three each. Goalkeeper Luke Dennison has been one of the best performing shot stoppers in Ireland after signing from Bohemians last year, keeping six clean sheets in 2025. Fellow American full back Owen Lambe is also proving a hit with the fans after joining from Orange County SC in the winter window. Shane Farrell is one of the league’s hardest working players in the middle of the park, whilst defender Andrew Quinn, who opened the scoring in last year’s cup final, has chipped in with assists away to Bohemians and Sligo Rovers. Farrell is joint with Derry City’s Carl Winchester as the two players with the most tackles in the league this year.

Flying full back Elicha Ahui won man of the match in the 2024 FAI Cup final when he last faced Michael Duffy, but has played just four times this year through injury. Injury has also hampered forward Douglas James-Taylor’s campaign, although he has returned to the squad in recent matches. He bagged twelve goals in 2024 after joining Drogheda United on loan from Walsall in July and scored the winner in the Cup final.

Last week’s 3-0 loss away to Shamrock Rovers shows that Drogheda United’s form won’t last forever, but sitting in the European places after fifteen games indicates that they mean business. United will be out to right the wrongs of Tallaghtmand get their season back on track after winning just one of their last six.

With European football to look forward to in the summer, Kevin Doherty’s Drogheda side will want to keep as close to the summit as possible before the congestion of UEFA Conference League and FAI Cup football rolls around in July. The manager will be hoping that his side won’t live to rue those recent dropped points come November. Even if United begin to drop off in the summer, their form in the first half of the season should hold them in good stead. They’ll be hoping for a repeat of that 3-1 win in the Ryan McBride Brandywell in April to get back to winning ways on Friday night.

Round-up:

Derry City, as one of the form teams in the league, will hope to make it four wins in a row when they travel to Drogheda on Friday night. The Candystripes have won just one of their last seven games in Sullivan & Lambe Park but know that victory would open a five point buffer between the two sides and could put City top depending on results elsewhere.

Drogheda United, on the other hand, will be desperate to rekindle some of their early-season form to get back to winning ways. Winning just one of their last six, after winning five of their first nine games in 2025, Kevin Doherty knows that three points against a rival for European spots could be crucial come of the end of the season. With 22 goals in the last six meetings between these two since February 2024, you’re guaranteed goals. With league leaders Shamrock Rovers coming up next for Derry City, a win here would be a huge statement of intent.

Pól O’Hare – 13^th May 2025

Cork City v Derry City: Match Preview (May 2025)

Cork City FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 15, Turner’s Cross, Friday 9^th May 2025, kick-off 7.45pm 

Coming off the back of two home wins against Shelbourne and St Pat's across the Bank Holiday weekend, Derry City are now met with the long journey south to face Cork City. it will be the first meeting between the two in Turner’s Cross since last season’s FAI Cup victory for the Candystripes, who will be hoping to extend their winning run to three. Cork City, on the other hand, will be aiming for their first win in five in their pursuit to escape the relegation zone.

Derry City:

Heading into last Friday’s tie with Shelbourne, City sat seventh in the Premier Division. Despite that position, just two spots above the relegation zone, Derry were only three points off top spot. Given the competitive nature of the league so far in 2025, Tiernan Lynch would’ve known that his side couldn’t have afforded to lose the game. When Liam Boyce knocked in City’s second just after the half hour mark in the Brandywell though, you had a feeling that this would be our weekend.

It was a performance which brought immense satisfaction to all involved with the club. Michael Duffy’s opener was a brilliantly crafted corner technique which came just before the quarter hour mark, when Shelbourne where the team on top. Duffy, unmarked and beginning on the edge of the box, made a darting run to meet Shane Ferguson’s deep inswinger with the instep of his right foot. A perfect ball from Ferguson to register his first goal involvement as a City player, being matched by a brilliant volley from City’s number seven – bringing his goal tally to six for the season.

Liam Boyce’s goal seventeen minutes later showed another aspect of City’s play which has improved this season. The former Hearts striker pressed the Shelbourne backline and, as Sam Bone struggled to deal with an awkward ball passed back to him, Boyce nipped in to fire a week footed shot past Kearns in the Shels goal. 2-0 Derry with half an hour gone, sending the City faithful into raptures.

It was the best performance of the Tiernan Lynch era. The champions were played off the park, and conceded two goals for the fourth game in a row, whilst City defended well and made use of the ball when in possession. Despite Shelbourne holding the ball for 61% of the game, Derry were clinical and were unlucky not to have more goals. Ronan Boyce hit a Zidane-esque half volley in the first half which went narrowly wide, whilst a corner in the second period struck the post. Mipo Odubeko was kept quiet, whilst the home side frustrated Duff’s men in their attempts to get back into the game. That was clearly felt by Damien Duff, who left the Brandywell pitch without shaking the hand of Tiernan Lynch. Not the first time this season that he’s refused to shake the hand an opposition coach, who is in whose head again?

Every Derry City player to a man was brilliant. Maher gathered every ball that came his way despite a scare in the first half. The defence were solid and refused to give the champions a sniff. Adam O’Reilly put in one of his best performances in a Derry City shirt, showcasing his reading of the game, work-rate and brilliant first touch. Carl Winchester showed all his experience in the middle too, as did Robbie Benson when he came on. Michael Duffy proved once again why he’s arguably the league’s best player at the minute, while Liam Boyce bagged his second in red and white. Paul McMullan, Sam Todd, Benson and Danny Mullen understood the task at hand to perfection when introduced from the bench.

With St. Pat’s travelling to the Brandywell as league leaders on Monday night, City had no time to rest following the victory over Shelbourne. Starting with Brandon Kavanagh, Chris Forrester and Aidan Keena on the bench, it seemed like Stephen Kenny didn’t think Derry City would perform how they did. The squad rotation in the City squad was Tiernan Lynch’s first masterstroke of Monday night. Derry’s downfall in their recent loss in Waterford was that it was third unchanged eleven in a row. The team looked leggy and lacked its usual intensity. Starting Paul McMullan and Danny Mullen on Monday night showed that Lynch had learned from the defeat in Waterford.

The first half was something of a mixed bag. Both sides had forays forward and chances at goal without managing a sustained spell on the ball, but the away side came closest with two goals ruled out for offside. There was a sense at half-time that Derry City were lucky to go into the break with the tie even.

The match burst into life in the second half as City grew into the game and split the Pat’s defence. Within three minutes of the restart, the deadlock was broken. The ever-present Adam O’Reilly was on hand to intercept a loose pass by centre back Tom Grivosti, before sliding an inch perfect ball into the path of Danny Mullen. The Scottish striker rounded Joseph Anang in the Pat’s goal to slot home his third of the season. The home fans sent into raptures as the evening sun shone over the Brandywell.

On another night, the Candystripes would’ve added to their advantage. There were numerous more chances identical to the goal, but the home side dug deep and ground out the three points. Adam O’Reilly brought yet another man of the match performance as he delivered one of the most complete midfield performances you’re likely to see anywhere this week. Paul McMullan’s pace and engine caused the Pat’s back-line trouble, as did Michael Duffy. Brian Maher broke a club record with his 111^th consecutive league appearance and pulled off a brilliant reaction save in the dying moments to turn Aidan Keena’s deflected shot wide. Carl Winchester looks to be the signing of the season but Gavin Whyte, Sam Todd and Robbie Benson in particular were quality off the bench. A huge performance in front of a bouncing Brandywell for the Candystripes.

Monday’s victory made it six points from six across the Bank Holiday weekend, beating both the champions and league leaders in four days. Friday and Monday saw Tiernan Lynch’s Derry City really click. The team dug deep, ran their legs off and knew both how and when to kill the game. The goals were quality. A well worked set piece routine, a high press pouncing on a defensive error and a brilliant through ball saw City unpick two of the strongest teams in Ireland. The fact that we kept two clean sheets against sides who beat us 3-1 and 2-0 earlier in the campaign shows just how far this squad has come on. After waiting nearly two years to see City win a Friday-Monday/Tuesday double-header, we’ve now won two in three weeks. The feel-good factor is back at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Derry’s weekend of Jazz, sunshine and six points fired City to third in the table – one point off top and eleven clear of the relegation zone. The goal difference is positive again and the two wins mean that we’re the form team in the league. The Brandywell has become the fortress it promised to be after the new North Stand has been opened fully – seeing Derry City sit top of the ‘home form’ table. In order to be respected as true title contenders though, the Candystripes need to bring that siege mentality on the road.

With two away games against Cork City and Drogheda United on the horizon, City sit eighth in the ‘away form’ table. Only the two sides currently occupying the relegation zone have picked up less points away from home this term. I’m not deviating from the brilliant two wins last weekend, but dropping points on the road would be frustrating given the quality of the home performances. Cork City have lost just once at home this season, drawing four and winning the other two. If City don’t go down there expecting a battle, we’ll come away from Turner’s Cross with nothing.

Fitness and availability are two key aspects of playing the high-intensity football that Tiernan Lynch wants from his Derry City side, so getting players back from injury will be paramount to sustaining the good form. Pat Hoban was named on the bench on Friday night for the first time in almost two months, whilst Sadou Diallo and Ben Doherty are returning to training soon following arm and foot injuries. Cameron Dummigan is the only long-term absentee in the squad – he hasn’t played since August last year.

There aren’t any easy games in the Premier Division anymore, but if Derry City want to maintain a serious charge for European football or even the title, they’ll be hoping for maximum points away to Cork City on Friday. With Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers clashing in a first versus second contest in Tallaght on Friday, a draw in that game, and victory for Derry in Cork, would see City go a point clear at the top ahead of facing both Rovers and Drogheda in the next two weeks. We’re starting to click, and the feel-good factor is well and truly back. Love to see it.

Cork City:

Relegated and promoted twice since winning the Premier Division in 2017, it’s hard to know what to expect from Cork City as an outsider looking in. Signing the likes of Seán Maguire and Ruairí Keating last season, Cork waltzed to the First Division title – securing top spot in early September, with six games to go. The Rebel Army’s return to the top flight of Irish football hasn’t been as soon as smooth as they would’ve hoped, though.

After fourteen games, City find themselves in ninth position. With just two wins in 2025, both coming via late winners against Bohemians and Waterford at home, Cork have lost six and drawn six of the other twelve. In truth, six draws from the opening fourteen for a promoted team isn’t bad going, it shows that they aren’t here purely to take part. Five of those five draws have been 1-1, including home and away draws with relegation rivals Sligo Rovers, one away to champions Shelbourne and once against Shamrock Rovers.

With key forwards Maguire and Keating both out through recent injuries, Maguire expected back soon but Keating out for the remainder of the season following an Achilles tear in the Brandywell in April, luck hasn’t quite been on the side of the Leesiders in 2025. Dropping points from winning positions in seven of their fourteen games this term, Cork City will want to make their goals count, and their defence impenetrable.

Scoring the second fewest number of goals and conceding the second most this year, Cork City will be hoping to find goals from elsewhere on the pitch given their injury concerns in the forward line. Maguire and Keating have contributed to five goals between them this year – 35.7% of Cork’s total tally. Kitt Nelson, the 20 year old midfielder on-loan from Preston North End has taken those matters into his own hands. With four goals this season, he’s City’s top scorer. He has scored home and away against Sligo Rovers and the opener in the 2-1 loss in the Brandywell a month ago. His 95^th minute winner against rivals Waterford may prove to be his most important.

Standouts in the green jersey this year have been defensive duo Milan Mbeng and Benny Couto, the first a versatile centre back who has the pace and power to play out wide, whilst Couto is a flying wingback and adds an extra dimension to the attack. To the dismay of the Cork faithful, both players are out injured.
Derryman Evan McLaughlin scored his first goal of the season when he slotted a penalty past Stephen McMullan in the win over Waterford after missing the start of the campaign through injury. He was named in the First Division Team of the Year in 2024 after scoring five and assisting seven from left back, following his departure from Derry City and adaption to fullback from midfield.

Cathal O’Sullivan and David Dunne are two youngsters to keep an eye on. O’Sullivan has established himself as one of the most promising young players in Ireland, making the Arjen Robben trademark of cutting inside onto his left his own. Dunne came off the bench to make his first appearance of the season in the Brandywell last month and is rumoured to have completed a move to AS Monaco following a trial with Real Sociedad last year. Another one off the Rebel Army’s impressive talent line, and another example of the Brexit-era Irish young players moving to the continent rather than England. They’ll both make Cork a few quid in the years to come.

Djenairo Daniels, the Dutch forward who joined the club in April after most recently lining out for Fram Reykjavik, seems to be an astute signing. In his four games in Cork, he’s showing glimpses that he could prove to be the answer to City’s goalscoring woes. He scored a brace in the 3-2 defeat to Drogheda United on Monday past and assisted the equalisers against Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers. Derry City’s defenders will have a task on their hands to extend that two game streak of clean sheets.

Round-up:

Derry City are unbeaten against Cork City in all of their last twelve meetings in league and cup action, dating back almost six years. The Candystripes have been victorious in each of the last six meetings between the two, winning all four encounters in Cork’s last Premier Division campaign in 2023, alongside FAI Cup victories in 2022 and 2024.

Cork City, on the other hand, need wins to get their season back on track and evade the clutches of relegation. Six points adrift from safety, the Rebel Army need to battle an injury crisis affecting key players to claim just their third victory of the season. They have, however, lost just once at home all year.

It’s always an entertaining match when the Premier Division’s two Cities do battle, and with both sides desperate for points at either end of the table, this one should bring action. It’s the first of back-to-back away games for Derry City, who will be desperate to translate their home form into points on the road in the coming weeks.

Pól O'Hare – 6^TH May 2025

 

Derry City v Shelbourne & St. Patrick’s Athletic: Double Preview (May 2025)

Derry City FC v Shelbourne FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 13, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 2^nd May 2025 kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City FC v St Patrick’s Athletic FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 14, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Monday 5th May 2025 kick-off 7.45pm

Just when it seemed that Derry City were beginning to click under Tiernan Lynch, the Candystripes fell to a 2-1 victory away to relegation threatened Waterford on Friday night. With the optimism surrounding the previous two wins quickly evaporating, City will need two huge performances against Shelbourne and St. Pat’s across the Bank Holiday weekend to get the season back on track. All isn’t lost just yet though, as Derry still sit just three points off top spot despite their league position.

Derry City:

Coming off the back of two performances in which Derry City defeated both Galway United and Sligo Rovers, the City faithful were quietly confident in getting a result against Waterford on Friday night. Waterford had lost all seven of their previous ties, seeing manager Keith Long replaced. In typical Derry City fashion, Waterford picked up their first win since early March by beating the travelling Candystripes 2-1 on a wet day in Ireland’s most southern province.

The opening exchanges of the game were fairly flat, as both sides had opportunities but failed to convert in the first twenty minutes. Gavin Whyte shot straight at McMullan in the Waterford goal from inside the box, whilst Kevin Holt cleared a Ryan Burke header off the line. The opening goal came in the 40^th minute, when City failed to clear a looping corner and found themselves at sixes and sevens. With Brian Maher out of his goal, and the City players on the back-post failing to put a head on the ball, Darragh Leahy bundled it in for his first goal of the season to send the home side into the break with the advantage.

Despite bringing on Liam Boyce, Adam O’Reilly, Ciaron Harkin and Shane Ferguson early in the second half, Waterford doubled their advantage on the 65^th minute. Conan Noonan’s free kick from the centre of the park dropped for Tommy Lonergan in the box. The former St. Pat’s striker touched the ball on for veteran Pádraig Amond, who’s deflected shot nestled in the bottom corner. City undone from a set piece yet again.

City found their best chances later in the second half through substitute Sean Patton, who tested Stephen McMullan twice. A consolation goal finally came for the travelling side, when Liam Boyce nodded over the Waterford keeper and into the net despite being flattened by McMullan’s right arm. Waterford could’ve had three right at the end when Tommy Lonergan shot wide from inside the box, whilst Ciaron Harkin’s hooked ball over the bar with the second last touch of the game saw Derry fail to claim a point. For Waterford, two of their four wins in 2025 have come against Derry City. For City, they failed to capitalise on a night when other results went in their favour.

Tiernan Lynch named an unchanged lineup for the third game in a row, keeping the same starting eleven who beat Galway United and Sligo Rovers in the previous two. The saying goes, ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it’, but City looked leggy late in the first half and failed to press with the intensity they had done in matches prior. It’s easy saying this in hindsight, but with three games in a week including four hour trips to Galway and six hour trips to Waterford, it seems like fresh legs were the missing ingredient for City on Friday night. The energetic Adam O’Reilly struggled to impact the game when introduced at half-time, whilst Ronan Boyce, another key performer this season, was taken off just after the hour mark. City do have good squad depth, and on another day, the Candystripes may have found more joy with the likes of O’Reilly, Paul McMullan and Sean Patton in from the start.

Dom Thomas and Gavin Whyte, who were instrumental to the previous two victories, struggled to get involved in the game. Thomas was subbed at half-time and Whyte’s best opportunity was fired straight at the Waterford keeper. Matt Lawlor in the Waterford dugout had his side set up well, extinguishing all that City threw at them and refusing to allow the away side to have time on the ball or counter. The new (interim) manager bounce coming back to hurt City, as it did when Alan Reynolds beat Derry City in his first game as Bohemians manager last year.

The Waterford game, similarly to the Drogheda United defeat, is one to take on the chin and adapt from. It seemed like Waterford just wanted it more and worked harder for it, which is something that the City faithful won’t take too kindly to. There’ll certainly be a change to the starting eleven as City will relish the week break between the Waterford and Shelbourne matches. Sean Patton’s deserving of a start and compliments Liam Boyce or Danny Mullen well. His strength and turn of pace see him profit from flick-ons, also allowing him to run in behind the defence. The added factor of the 18 year old could trouble Shelbourne’s defence, who’ll be expecting a physical battle. Paul McMullan has only made three starts this year and could be in line for an inclusion to inject pace down the flank, although Dom Thomas has impressed recently. Michael Duffy hasn’t scored for four games now, his longest barren run this season, and will be itching to back on the scoresheet, whilst Maher, Connolly and co. will be desperate for the satisfaction of keeping dangerous Shels and Pats forwards out at the other end. Control in the midfield and defensive solidity against two of the best teams in Ireland will be the aim of the game across the Bank Holiday weekend.

Despite another four yellow cards adding to City’s already poor disciplinary record, there are no more suspensions to worry about it for Friday at least. Ben Doherty, Sadou Diallo, Pat Hoban and Cameron Dummigan are all still out through injury. Winless against both Shelbourne and Pats this season, Tiernan Lynch will hope to see his Derry City side right the wrongs of the defeat in Waterford. Despite sitting seventh and with a negative goal difference, City still sit just three points of the top. Let off the hook, City could propel themselves back into the European conversation with two big results. Six points would be immense, four would be good going and, dare I say it, two draws wouldn’t be the end of the world. Three points separating first from seventh in a ten team league is mental right enough.

Shelbourne:

For the first time since bagging an 85^th minute winner to win their first league title in nineteen years in the Brandywell last November, Shelbourne return to face a rejuvenated Derry City side. Claiming a comfortable victory in this fixture on the opening day of the season, Shelbourne have had a solid start to their title defence. With just one loss from the opening twelve fixtures, Damien Duff’s side find themselves sitting one point off top and are out to show that 2024’s title winning campaign wasn’t a fluke.

Since returning to the Premier Division in 2022, Shelbourne developed a reputation of being watertight at the back and found an ability to grind out points. In 2023, they had the second best defence in the league and last year went one step further, topping the table by conceding just 27 goals in 36 games, despite scoring only 40. Building on the confidence gained last season, Duff is rebranding his side to focus on a possession-based approach and killing teams with passes. Despite the domination in recent matches, the Reds have just won twice in their last ten games, drawing seven and losing once since opening the campaign with back-to-back wins. In fact, Shelbourne have drawn 2-2 in each of their last three games, showing they have no problem in scoring but can be undone at the back. This has borne frustration for the Tolka faithful, who watched their side keep 76% and 79% possession in two recent draws with Galway United and Drogheda United – it seems that teams are doing to them what they were once masters at.

Damien Duff didn’t add many new faces to his side before the start of the season, but the new arrivals have hit the ground running. Scottish midfielder Kerr McInroy was brought in after most recently lining out for Kilmarnock and instantly became a fan favourite, earning himself a new contract to keep him at Tolka Park past the 2025 season and ward off interest. Ellis Chapman, signed from Sligo Rovers, recently bagged his first goal for Shelbourne, whilst striker Mipo Odubeko has scored four in twelve appearances. He could be the complimentary marksman to Sean Boyd that Duff’s side were calling out for. Dan Kelly, signed from Derry City, has yet to play for the Reds after struggling with a knee injury at the back end of last season. Another new winger, Ryan O’Kane, has been limited to just three appearances this term.

Midfielder Evan Caffrey has been Shelbourne’s unsung hero in 2025, bagging three goals and making two assists in eleven appearances. He’s a tireless worker in the midfield, adding dynamism to McInroy and Mark Coyle in the centre of the park. Both strikers Sean Boyd and Mipo Odubeko have helped their side by contributing to four goals each this term. Standout defender Paddy Barrett hasn’t played since mid-March, but Sam Bone, Kameron Ledwidge and Liverpool loanee James Norris are key to the league’s third best defence this term. Midfielder Harry Wood equals City’s Michael Duffy with 1.4 successful dribbles per game, another league high. Conor Kearns’ three clean sheets between the sticks are less than only Brian Maher, Luke Dennison and Joseph Anang this term. It’s clear, therefore, that Shelbourne have quality throughout the team and will be hoping for three points on Foyleside for just the second time since in three years.

St Patrick’s Athletic:

If it was a relaxing bank holiday weekend that Derry City were looking for, they’ll be disappointed. The weekend doesn’t get any easier for the Candystripes as they welcome title hopefuls St. Pat’s to the Brandywell on Monday night. Despite a poor first half to the season last year, Pat’s ended 2024 by reaching the UEFA Conference League play-off spot and consolidating a top three league finish by winning all nine of their final games. Included in those nine was a 1-0 win over Derry City, when Brandon Kavanagh’s goal against his former side denied the Candystripes the chance to win the title. Pat’s have carried that form into 2025 too, for the most part, losing just three of their opening twelve league games.

The Saints have kept clean sheets in six of those twelve games, but are winless in the last three. Coming off the back of a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Dublin rivals Bohemians, conceding in the 90^th and 97^th minute, Kenny’s side will be looking for an immediate response as they face table-toppers Galway United on Friday before travelling to Derry on Monday. After twelve games, Stephen Kenny’s side find themselves third in the Premier Division table – scoring the second most goals in the division and conceding the second least. Key, therefore, to St. Pat’s this season has been their defence. Captain Joe Redmond has been a standout at the back, as has Tom Grivosti. Goalkeeper Joseph Anang has probably been the best goalkeeper in Ireland in 2025, with a league high six clean sheets. Those six have been matched only by Drogheda’s Luke Dennison and are two more than the next highest, Derry City’s Brian Maher. Being watertight at the back has been the aim of the game this year.

With a core defensive unit, and attacking wingbacks in Al-Amin Kazeem and Axel Sjoberg, Pat’s have quality in the midfield which can go toe-to-toe with any midfield in the league. Club legend Chris Forrester is one of the most gifted players in the League of Ireland and is still going strong at 32 – he has registered five goal involvements this season. Versatile attacking midfielder Brandon Kavanagh is a player I’d have loved to see stay at the Brandywell. For a €25k fee, he switched Foyleside for Inchicore prior to the 2024 season and became the Premier Division’s most creative player last season. He assisted twelve for his teammates in 2024, scoring six more. He already has two goals and two assists this year.

Jake Mulraney, Zach Elbouzedi and Jason McClelland have contributed to six goals between them in 2025 and give width to the Pats attack. Aidan Keena is the joint top scorer in the league with five, including a brace against Derry City earlier this year, but hasn’t played in six weeks through injury. Wonderkid Mason Melia, subject to a move to Spurs potentially rising to €4m at the end of the season, has overcome injury to score twice for his side this year. The injured Romal Palmer is a big miss, but Jamie Lennon, Barry Baggley and Kian Leavy are three quality players to deputise in centre mid.

Despite a comfortable 2-0 over Derry City already under the belt this season, Pat’s’ record at the Brandywell hasn’t been so fruitful. They’ve won in Derry just three times in the last twenty league and cup matches between the sides since 2015. City won ten of those, with the other seven being draws. There are nearly always goals in this tie, there were fifteen in the five matches between these two last year. City put three past Pat’s twice in 2024, but it was the Dublin side who had the last laugh – leapfrogging the Candystripes into the European places in the penultimate game of the campaign. Will Pat’s get their second win over City this year or will the Candystripes extend their good home form against the Saints on Monday?

Round-up:

Following defeat in Waterford last weekend, Derry City now face the tall task of overcoming both Shelbourne and St. Pat’s to keep tabs with those at the top of the table. Winless in the league against Shelbourne for more than two years, the Candystripes will hope for a repeat of last season’s 2-0 FAI Cup victory over Damien Duff’s side in the Brandywell. Shels, on the other hand, have one just once in Derry in the past three years, but that win did claim the Premier Division title last campaign.

Derry City enjoyed victory in four of the five meetings in league and cup action with St. Pat’s in 2024, but were outplayed by the Saints in Inchicore earlier this season and saw their title hopes fade when Pat’s claimed victory in this tie last October. Unbeaten in the last four between these two in the Brandywell, City will hope to extend that run on Monday night.

With the Jazz Festival bringing a bit of craic and noise to the streets in Derry, it’s up to the team to bring it in the Brandywell. The sun’s supposed to be out, we have two home games in four days and two wins could *theoretically* put us top. Please get something out of this, Derry.

Pól O’Hare – 29^th April 2025

 

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview (25th April 2025)

 

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview (25^th April 2025)

 

Waterford FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 12, Regional Sports Centre, Friday 25^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Registering back-to-back victories over Galway United and Sligo Rovers over Easter weekend, Derry City now make the long journey to Waterford on Friday night. The Blues have lost all seven of their last league games and will be desperate to get points on the board. With a home tie against Shelbourne on the horizon, Tiernan Lynch’s Candystripes will hope to continue their winning streak and close the gap to the top with victory in the RSC on Friday.

Derry City:

After capitulating and falling to defeat at home to Drogheda United a week earlier, Derry City were tasked with an away trip to Galway United on Good Friday before hosting Sligo Rovers on Tuesday. Winless in Galway since 2015, and with a selection dilemma being coupled by consistent rainfall on the west coast, it looked like City had a real task ahead of them in Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night.

With a heavy pitch and difficult conditions looking likely to play into the hands of Galway United, Derry City set out without key players through suspension and injury but handed starts to both Gavin Whyte and Dom Thomas in an effort to switch things up. As they were against Cork City a couple of weeks back, those two were instrumental in Derry heading back up the road with a 3-2 win.

Both sides began the game with good chances, but it was the visitors who led just after the quarter hour mark when Danny Mullen headed Evan Watts’ rebounded Michael Duffy effort into the goal. That was Derry’s first goal in Galway since 2017 and warranted Mullen’s selection in the starting eleven. Despite Brian Maher denying Rob Slevin on the 33^rd minute, United went into the break with the scores even when Slevin’s through ball was prodded over Maher by American midfielder Patrick Hickey with just two minutes left of the half. 1-1 at the break.

Galway’s lead didn’t last long after the restart. Just one minute and 46 seconds into the half, Dom Thomas laid the ball off to Robbie Benson, who tucked the ball beautifully into the top corner. A near-instant response from the reinvigorated Candystripes, despite losing manager Tiernan Lynch to a red card at half-time. As the rain kept falling and the match got scrappier, City hung on against the now ten-man United following Cian Byrne’s dismissal early in the second period. The game was put to bed in stoppage time, much to the delight of the travelling support. Paul McMullan broke after picking up the ball from a heavy touch in the wet turf and drove towards the weakened Galway defence, sliding in Gavin Whyte who fired home to open his City account. Pointing to the badge as he ran towards the away end, City went up the road with three points. Despite a late Vincent Borden consolation goal, I had lost my voice at the back of the away end and the Candystripes had won in Galway for the first time in almost a decade. A very soggy trip, but those are the best when City dig deep for a huge win.

I have to be honest and say I wasn’t hopeful in the car heading down to Galway. It’s one of the toughest places in the league to go and the weather was playing into the home side’s hands. With the likes of O’Reilly, Boyce and Doherty all missing, I thought Galway would go direct and hit us for two or three. I even uttered the words, ‘Jesus I’d take a draw here now’. That wasn’t the case though, as City dug in to claim three huge points and close the gap to the top three. The defence was solid, with Connolly, Holt, Cann and later Todd letting very little past them. The only two lapses in concentration led to Galway’s two goals, with the second coming from a dread set piece. Danny Mullen led the line well, as did Sean Patton when he came on. We made it tough for the home side, stretching the play and making Michael Duffy and Dom Thomas integral to the play.

Mullen’s goal was his first of the season, as was Gavin Whyte’s and Robbie Benson’s. Paul McMullan’s assist for Whyte was his first goal involvement of 2025, whilst Dom Thomas’ assist for Benson’s goal ensured that he’s made three goals for City this term. Everyone to a man was superb and played with real passion and determination. The referee was fond of a card denied what seemed to be a clear goalscoring opportunity for City when Gavin Whyte was flagged offside in the first half despite starting his run from inside his own half when the ball was played. That was evened out when he denied Galway what looked to be a clear penalty in the second half. All-in-all an impressive performance from the Candystripes, who’s attention turned to the Sligo Rovers game on Tuesday – four days after they’d beaten Waterford 4-0 away to move off the foot of the table.

Without Tiernan Lynch on the sideline through suspension, Seamus Lynch and his men set out to impress the City faithful and Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimson in the Brandywell on Tuesday. Against a Sligo Rovers side who despatched Waterford four days prior, the Candystripes did just that. Naming an unchanged lineup from that which won away in Galway, City welcomed the suspended Adam O’Reilly and Liam Boyce back onto the bench.

For the second match in a row, Danny Mullen opened the scoresheet for Derry City within the opening sixteen minutes. After Gavin Whyte’s shot deflected in the box and hit Mullen in what seemed to be the forearm, the Scottish striker swivelled and drilled the ball below Sam Sargeant in the Rovers goal. Despite the Sligo protestations, City had a home lead. Lynch’s side peppered the away side’s goal and eventually doubled their advantage on the 25 minute mark. An excellent block by Sam Todd, who was rock solid at left back for City, landed kindly for Gavin Whyte. The Northern Ireland international carried the ball from his own half, beating Jake Doyle-Hayes for pace to leave himself 1v1 with the Sligo shot-stopper. In a picture-perfect replay of his goal against Galway, Whyte slotted into the bottom left corner before wheeling away in celebration. An absolute wondergoal from the 29 year old, who has reached a different level since regaining full fitness.

A poked effort by young defender Gareth McElroy from close range was Rovers’ best chance of the first half, but it took City just 49 seconds to add to their lead after the second half begun. A Michael Duffy free kick on the far touchline met the head of Danny Mullen, who had time in the box to pick his spot and grab himself a brace. Two for Mullen, three for Derry – and with the vast majority of the second half still to play, City had the points in the bag.

The remaining 47 minutes of the second half, including stoppage time, were mostly uneventful. City played with more caution and introduced Adam O’Reilly, Liam Boyce, Hayden Cann, Paul McMullan and Sean Patton before the half was out. It was a rare opportunity for some of the side’s key players to be rested as Rovers’ young team failed to consistently threaten Brian Maher’s goal. Both Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce had good chances in the second period, the latter should have bagged himself a brace. The 34 year old forward scooped a Sean Patton cross over the crossbar from six yards out with ten minutes to play. Sligo’s Francely Lomboto almost had a consolation for the away side when he rounded Brian Maher, but failed to convert the chance. Three goals and three points for Derry City and it’s the first Friday-Monday/Tuesday doubleheader that City have picked up maximum points from since beating UCD and Bohemians back to back in May 2023. I hope Mr Hallgrimson has Michael Duffy’s phone number handy.

After the victory over Galway United on Friday, City made it back-to-back wins for only the second time this season with Tuesday’s comfortable win at home to Sligo Rovers. A bogey team for City in recent times, the Candystripes have beaten them twice already this season and haven’t conceded against John Russell’s side. Sam Todd was immense playing out of position at left-back, as were his defensive partners. Ronan Boyce’s start was his 151^st appearance as a Derry City player, showing the experience and quality he has at 23 years of age. Winchester and Benson’s experience added a calmness to the midfield and allowed Gavin Whyte freedom to create. Adding to his first goal for the club against Galway, Whyte’s strike on Tuesday will surely be up for goal of the month. His off the ball movement, first touch and turn of pace show just why he’s been capped 29 times by Northern Ireland – if his form keeps up, he may find himself back in the fold in the near future.

Michael Duffy’s assist for Danny Mullen’s goal was his sixth goal involvement of the season, whilst Danny Mullen is now up to three in the league for goals. Dom Thomas was energetic down the right flank and stretched the play for City, whilst Sam Todd’s assist for Whyte’s goal was his first goal involvement since scoring the winner away to Cork City in the FAI Cup last August. The Candystripes couldn’t buy a goal six weeks ago, but have now scored six in their last two. Tiernan Lynch will be keen to carry the good form into Friday’s game with Waterford – a side stricken to the relegation zone following seven losses on the bounce.

Waterford:

With just over a quarter of the season behind us, Waterford fans will likely view the first eleven games as disappointing. Sitting just above the relegation zone but distanced from the European places, the Blues have struggled for consistency in 2025. After opening the campaign with three wins from their first four; three away wins against Sligo Rovers, Derry City and rivals Cork City at that, Waterford lost all of their next seven league games. Sandwiched between that was a disappointing Leinster Senior Cup defeat against Munster Senior League side Rockmount AFC. With hopes of a top half finish looking prior the campaign, Keith Long left his role as Waterford boss the morning after last Friday's 4-0 home defeat to Sligo Rovers. He’s been replaced by Matt Lawlor on an interim basis, who saw his new side slip to derby defeat away to Cork City via a 95^th minute suckerpunch on Easter Monday. With 21 goals conceded in 11 games so far in 2025, Lawlor has a job on his hands to keep Waterford from capitulating entirely this campaign.

With eighteen departures in the off-season, you can see why Waterford’s new signings may be struggling to mould. Shamrock Rovers loanee Conan Noonan has been the standout of the new arrivals. With just three goal involvements registered from attacking midfield to date, you may think that’s a modest return, but the 22 year old’s turn of pace and reading of the game from the centre of the park have troubled many a defence. He assisted Kacper Radkowski’s opener in their 2-1 win in the Brandywell in late February and ran the show for the visitors that night. If it wasn’t for some last ditch defending, he’d have found himself on the scoresheet too. He’d improve most teams in the Premier Division and will carve his way into Shamrock Rovers’ first team when he returns should he continue to impress.

Northern Ireland U21 goalkeeper Stephen McMullan, on-loan from Fleetwood Town, has been a mainstay between the sticks for Long’s men this season, whilst former Manchester City midfielder Rowan McDonald has made the holding midfield position his own – registering two goals and an assist this year. He was recently taken off injured away to Shamrock Rovers, however. Pádraig Amond, last season’s joint top scorer for the Premier Division alongside Pat Hoban, has started all of Waterford’s game this season and continues to be the focal point up top. Dutch forward Maarten Pouwels, who stands at 6 foot 7, Tommy Lonergan, Sam Glenfield and former City striker Matty Smith aren’t bad deputies in the forward line either. Kyle White was shown red for picking up two yellows in seven minutes in Waterford on Friday, as the Blues capitulated and shipped four against the side who went into the game rock bottom of the table. Dean McMenamy misses out on Friday through suspension. 

I’m a man for an obscure signing though, so I’ve kept an eye on Waterford’s Navajo Bakboord, Trae Coyle and James Olayinka. Full-back Bakboord has played five times for the Suriname national team and played 20 times in the Eredivisie with Heracles Almelo last year – it’s not often you get someone with that much gametime in the Dutch top flight switch to the League of Ireland. Trae Coyle and James Olayinka are both former Arsenal academy players. Coyle was fast-tracked into the Arsenal first team as a teenager by Mikel Arteta during the COVID-struck 2020 season, before going on loan to Gillingham later that year. He’s arrived at Waterford off the back of four years at Lausanne Sport in the Swiss Super League. Olayinka was an unused substitute as Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties in the 2020 Community Shield and joins Waterford after spells as Northampton Town, Southend United and Cheltenham Town. Ironically, all three players were hooked in the second half in the defeat over Sligo.

With the worst goal difference in the league and sitting second bottom in the table, both Waterford will be looking for all three points on Friday to restart the season under Matt Lawlor. The home side have the league’s second worst defence, conceding 21, and the lowest goals-for metric, scoring nine. Not ideal for the Munster blues, who will hope for a new manager bounce to see them build distance from the drop in the coming weeks. All may not be lost just yet for the Blues faithful, as they sit just one point off their Munster rivals Cork City in eighth. Unfortunately for the league’s bottom three sides, the five point gap between 7th and 9^th already looks like it could be a tough hill to climb. With almost of a third of the season gone, it seems like it’ll be Waterford, Cork City and Sligo Rovers fighting it out to stay in the Premier Division come November.

Round-up:

It’s been a tough few weeks for Waterford who, after losing seven in a row in the league, find themselves second bottom of the table and desperate for points. They haven’t beaten Derry City in the RSC since March 2020, whilst City have won three of the last four against the Blues in Munster. Waterford’s 2-1 win over City earlier this year was one of three wins in their first four matches, and looked to shine light on their season, but the Blues haven’t picked up as much as a point since beating Cork City on the 3^rd of March – scoring twice and conceding sixteen in the process. With the form Derry are in, they’ll be hoping to add to Waterford’s woes. Now just three points off the top of the table, and evening out their goal difference, City will be hoping for all three points in the RSC to be taken seriously as contenders at the top of the table. For the first time in a long time, things are looking up for the Candystripes.