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

 Derry City FC v Drogheda United FC, FAI Cup Third Round, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Saturday 16^th August 2025, kick-off 8pm

After being held to 0-0 draws by Munster sides Cork City and Waterford last week, Derry City and Drogheda United now meet in the FAI Cup third round. With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs, City and United do battle in a repeat of last year’s final, which the Louth side emerged victorious from. It’s one of the biggest games of the season to date, as victory would leave either Derry or Drogheda just two games away from another Aviva Stadium final in November.

Derry City:

Last Friday’s stalemate at home to bottom side Cork City wasn’t for the footballing purist. Derry had lost 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers the week prior, and the City faithful were demanding a response. Tenth placed Cork, on the other hand, had won their first game in almost four months in the previous game and were desperate to get points on the board to keep alive any hope of clinging on.

The home side started the brighter of the two teams, attacking Cork’s defence as they had the wind behind them. Said wind also scuppered many of goalkeeper Conor Brann’s kicks, which added additional pressure to the travelling side’s backline. One of those kicks, which got caught by the wind, led to Derry’s first big opportunity. Liam Boyce nodded the dropping ball towards Michael Duffy who drove at the Cork defence, before cutting inside and firing narrowly wide from distance.

Liam Boyce was again at the centre of City’s best chance of the game just five minutes before the break. Adam O’Reilly’s inch-perfect ball was met by the former Hearts striker in the six-yard box, but he misjudged the flight of the ball and headed over from close range. A let off for Cork and an indication of how things were going for City.

I can’t go through this without mentioning the ridiculous piece of skill that Michael Duffy did when turning away from his Cork City counterpart, flicking a pass through the legs of the defender with a deft touch off the heel just after the break. That was, unfortunately for City, the highlight of the second half. Ben Doherty, Dipo Akinyemi and Danny Mullen were all introduced in attacking areas but couldn’t impact the game. City had 72% off the ball in the second period and delivered cross after cross into the Cork box, none of which would stick or create decent chances.

Goalless and coming away with a point apiece, Friday’s game was dull to say the least. Not helped by the artificial pitch in all it’s glory, which delved up back-spinning bounces and heavy touches, neither side deserved more than a point. Derry played their best football early in the second half but couldn’t snatch a goal when the wind was behind them. Sadou Diallo was also booked in the first ten minutes and will miss the next league game through suspension, although the Englishman is in line to make his 100^th Derry appearance should he feature on Saturday.

By the time the second half came round, the home side looked predictable and didn’t pick up the intensity when it was really needed. Ben Doherty played more than thirty minutes of football for the first time since the 2-1 home win over Cork in April when he replaced Gavin Whyte – one of only a few positives to take from the game. Most attacks in the second period when down his side, but the balls into the box failed to trouble Cork’s resolute defence. It seemed like the travelling side were prepared to dig deeper, which is a damning indictment considering they’re seven points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Digging deep is simply a necessity when facing Drogheda United on Saturday. They’ll be happy to sit and soak pressure as Cork City did, but their speed going forward could prove deadly. With more quality than Cork, Drogheda will know exactly what’s required of them to find victory on Saturday evening.

Since hammering Waterford 7-2 five weeks ago, City haven’t won a league game, scoring just once and picking up two points in the four Premier Division games following that win. In comparison, the Candystripes were on a four game winning streak before losing to Sligo Rovers on 12^th July, which included three clean sheets and twelve goals. It appears, from the outside at least, that the amount of player movement in the transfer window may have caused inconsistent form in this latter part of the summer period.

City’s only win since thrashing Waterford was the 5-1 victory away to Treaty United in the second round of the FAI Cup. Tiernan Lynch and has side will be looking for a victory of even more importance on Saturday to get the season back on track. Already winning, losing and drawing to Drogheda United this year, it’s hard to tell which way this one will swing. It’s important to remember that City are still third in the league, and we’re not falling apart, but a huge cup win could be the catalyst to a successful last three months of the campaign.

Drogheda United:

FAI Cup holders Drogheda United have had a rollercoaster campaign. Going full-time following last year’s FAI Cup final win over 2-0, expecting the riches that it’s entrance into the second round of UEFA Conference League football would bring, United flew out of the blocks in the early stages.

Top of the Premier Division after fourteen games, Drogheda were being touted as title challengers. With more than a third of the season gone, the Louth side had held their own at the summit before being displaced by Shamrock Rovers. Some expected United’s form to fall off coming into the hectic summer calendar of cup and European football but, as it turned out, only one of those two was to become a distraction.

To cut a long and much publicised story short, Drogheda United were the first victim of UEFA’s rule on multi-club ownership. Despite going through the Court for Arbitration for Sport, Drogheda were booted out of the UEFA Conference League and replaced by Silkeborg, the Danish club with whom they share an owner. Crystal Palace have been dealt a similar blow, being kicked from the Europa League to the Conference League, while Slovakian side DAC 1904 were also expelled from the Conference League. The scourge of multi-club ownership rearing its head once again.

Since learning in mid-June that their European escapades would be cancelled this summer, Drogheda have won four of their seven games in all competitions. With two losses, one at home to Shamrock Rovers and a 3-0 defeat in the Brandywell, it seems like United aren’t letting the Euro disappointment get to their heads. They’re still in contention for European spots, level on points with Derry City in third and one behind Bohemians in second.

The cup holders began their silverware defence with a comfortable 5-0 win over Leinster Senior League outfit Crumlin United. Thomas Oluwa and Darragh Markey both scored and assisted, while centre back Conor Keeley bagged his sixth of the season in all competitions – two of which came against Derry City earlier in the year. Swansea City loanee Josh Thomas also found the net against Crumlin and has netted in three of his last five in all competitions, one of which was a crucial winner away to Bohemians. 19 year old midfielder John O’Sullivan scored the fifth on his debut for the club.

Fighting on the same plane as Derry City, Drogheda United will be out to emulate their cup glory from last season. Holding on to forward Warren Davis has been key to their summer business, he has scored seven goals and assisted twice more this year. Conor Keeley’s eight goals and assists really stands out for a centre back, too. Darragh Markey is a tidy technician in the middle, alongside the energetic Shane Farrell. American goalkeeper Luke Dennison has been one of the most impressive stoppers in the country this year – he tops the clean sheets chart for the league with twelve.

A well-drilled and hardworking team, who have goals spread across the pitch, no team will find Drogheda United an easy opponent. Derry City were the first Premier Division opponent that Drogheda faced in their journey to last year’s FAI Cup victory, and it didn’t phase them at all. With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs, this repeat of the 2024 final should live up to its billing.

Round-up:

As the title hopes of both Derry City and Drogheda United dried up in recent weeks, last year’s silver and gold medallists once again turn to the FAI Cup for their source of silverware dreams. It’s a repeat of last season’s final, as the 2022 champions host the 2024 victors for a spot in the last eight of Ireland’s premier cup competition.

City and United have both comfortably beaten the other across the season; Drogheda when they came from behind to win 3-1 in April and Derry when they cruised to a 3-0 win in late June. The other matchup between these two ended in a 1-1 draw in May, when the now-departed Dom Thomas found a 90^th minute equaliser. You really never know what you’ll get in this pairing.

Prior to last year’s final defeat, Derry City had beaten Drogheda United in their previous five cup meetings. Included in there was a 5-0 quarterfinal replay victory in 2014, a 3-0 round three tie a year later and 2-1 round two reply another year later in 2016. City scored twice late on to win in the second round in 2020 before winning on penalties in 2021’s first round. There’s certainly cup history between these two – history which Tiernan Lynch will be out to make more of.

It's a Saturday evening cup tie in a sunny Brandywell. Not many of us are confident but hi, what more could you ask for…

Pól O’Hare – 12^th August 2025

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

Derry City FC v Cork City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 27, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 8^th August 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City waved goodbye to any hope of a title challenge this season when a second-half capitulation saw the Candystripes lose 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Sunday. The result saw Rovers open a ten point gap at the summit, all but wrapping up the league title in early August. Derry return to the Brandywell on Friday, hoping for a reaction against bottom side Cork City, who picked up their first league win since April last weekend.

Derry City:

The term ‘title race’ was spoken about with whispered hushes prior to Derry City’s trip to Shamrock Rovers last Sunday. City had picked up just one point from their two games in hand on Rovers heading into the game, when two wins would’ve narrowed the gap to three points. If City won on Sunday, the gap would’ve been cut to five points – a decent margin but not impossible. When City had the momentum throughout most of the first half, it looked like City’s two year wait for victory in Tallaght may have been about to end.

Attacking on the front foot, City came close three times throughout the first period. Michael Duffy was the man behind two of those chances. A deft ball over the defence by Sadou Diallo saw Duffy clip the ball past Ed McGinty. Right in front of the travelling City fans, the ball came back off the post. Derry’s number seven showed some fancy footwork to jink between two Rovers defenders later in the half, before firing narrowly wide of the far corner. A late Brandon Fleming foray troubled the Hoops’ defenders but failed to squirm past McGinty.

A few heavy tackles in the first half and chances for either side led into what looked like it’d be an entertaining second half. However, it took just two minutes after the restart for the home side to open the scoring. Alex Bannon was caught by a ball fired out to the left wing. Fullback Josh Honohan stormed into the City box and laid it on a plate for veteran forward Rory Gaffney, who peeled away from Jamie Stott and prodded home from within the six yard box.  Suddenly, City needed two and Rovers were taking control.

Sligo Rovers loanee Conor Malley unleashed a strike from thirty yards which kissed the crossbar to give the travelling fans a scare just minutes after the scoring was opened. By the 65^th minute, Rovers were home and hosed with a two goal lead. A sweeping ball down the right flank unleashed Gaffney, who showed the pace of a man years younger to beat Alex Bannon to the ball. The Burton Albion loanee fell for Gaffney’s fake shot and found himself on the floor by the time Gaffney’s left footed effort flew past Maher. A second for the hosts and no way back for City.

It went from bad to worse for a City side who were reduced to ten men with the same amount of minutes left. Bannon went marauding forward before taking a heavy touch and catching Josh Honohan with a lunging tackle. A second yellow to put an end to a night to forget for the Scottish centre back. That’s now Rovers ten points clear, and the City faithful beginning to look over their shoulder at Shelbourne and Drogheda United who are only three points off the Candystripes in third. Always next year lads.

If I’m being 100% honest, I’m glad we don’t have the false hope of trying to catch a runaway Rovers team in chasing a title winning dream. 2022 and 2023 were the same story, compounded by 2024’s fourth placed finish despite having the opportunity to go top with four games to go. It’ll allow the squad to regroup and focus on finishing in the European spots and getting a good run at the cup.

The first half on Sunday was promising. City, who started with four of the summer signings in the starting eleven, played on the front foot and troubled Rovers’ backline. Michael Duffy and Brandon Fleming combined well down the flank and look like they’re building an exciting relationship down that wing. Sadou Diallo and Carl Winchester played well in the midfield; the former showing a few deft touches and passes while the latter made his presence known in deep midfield.

When the second half rolled round, the gulf between City and Rovers really began to show. It’s not that City don’t have quality players, but Rovers have had a core that’s been central to all of their success. They’re well drilled, fit and clinical – a side who know what they’re doing when it comes to the business end of the season. Rory Gaffney and Pico Lopes, 35 and 33 years old, were the two best players on the pitch. Gaffney was lively and took his chances, while Lopes didn’t give Dipo Akinyemi a sniff. Resting the likes of Jack Byrne, Graham Burke and Aaron Greene ahead of a Conference League third round bout on Thursday – Stephen Bradley’s side beat us comfortably without leaving third gear.

If Tiernan Lynch could restart Sunday the third of August, I’d say at least two of Sam Todd, Hayden Cann and Ronan Boyce would be starting. Jamie Stott and Alex Bannon are essentially still in preseason having finished their respective seasons with Morecambe (RIP) and Airdrieonians in May. It was Stott’s debut and Bannon’s fourth appearance in a Derry shirt, while Cann and Todd have been consistent all year. Both new centre backs will come good, with Sunday likely a learning curve for City’s new-look defensive structure.

As I’ve said already, Michael Duffy and Brandon Fleming look electric combining with each other on the left wing. Unfortunately, it seems like the void left by the departures of Paul McMullan and Dom Thomas on the other flank are yet to be filled. Liam Boyce started alongside Dipo Akinyemi on top, playing slightly off to the right, but couldn’t impact the game. Gavin Whyte came off the bench after missing the Bohs game but also found no joy in breaking down the Rovers backline.

Ben Doherty made his first appearance in six weeks after picking up an injury in Dalymount Park in June, if he gets a string of games together between now and November he gives another attacking outlet down the left flank. Adam Frizzell hasn’t been given much gametime to show what he brings to the squad and could feature more frequently in the next couple of months.  

Still sitting in third, but with Shelbourne and Drogheda United looming larger in the rearview, City can’t settle for anything less than a win on Friday. It’s vital to stay fighting in the top three or four places and the squad can’t let results like the Rovers defeat get to their heads. It’s a battle of the cities for the last time until the final day of the season, with a big cup tie at home to Drogheda United on the menu for next week. Onwards and upwards, folks.

Cork City:

Winning the First Division in 2024 by September, with a margin of eighteen points ahead of second placed UCD, it looked like Cork City had put the inconsistency of their recent yo-yo years behind them. Since being relegated to the First Division in 2020, Cork City spent three seasons in Ireland’s second tier having been relegated again in 2023 following promotion.

Unfortunately for the Cork faithful, their return to the Premier Division ahead of 2025 has brought with it a return to the doom and gloom. Currently rooted to the bottom of the league, eight points adrift of ninth placed Sligo Rovers having won just four times all year, Cork City are destined for the drop. Despite winning their first league game since April last weekend, City still have a mountain to climb.

With just one defeat from the first six games back in the top flight, it seemed like Cork City would hold their own this year. A 2-1 defeat in the Brandywell in early April ended that though, as it sent Cork on a streak of ten losses from fourteen games. As if that wasn’t bad enough, star striker Ruairí Keating suffered an Achilles rupture which ended his season prematurely. Forming what looked to be a promising strike partnership with former Republic of Ireland striker Sean Maguire, Keating’s injury has been a microcosm of Cork’s season. He’s recently been joined by star winger Cathal O’Sullivan on the injury list. The eighteen year old suffered a devastating ACL tear last week, which will rule him out until at least the start of the 2026 campaign.

The recent 3-2 home defeat against Sligo Rovers will likely have been the most painful defeat of the lot. Victory would’ve cut the gap to ninth to five points, and when Cork led 2-0 by the 56^th minute, that looked likely. The game flipped on its head in the next half hour, when goals by Owen Elding and Patrick McClean were followed by an 89^th minute Ryan O’Kane winner for the visitors. A cruel defeat that likely put the final nail in the Cork City coffin.

 A 3-0 win over Leinster Senior League side Leicester Celtic has seen the Rebels progress to the third round of the FAI Cup, where they’ll host Munster rivals Waterford. A run in the cup could be the thing that brings the spirits up, but with key forward Djenairo Daniels leaving for Kilmarnock, winger Malik Dijksteel joining him in Scotland by switching to St Mirren and defender Milan Mbeng heading to Shelbourne, it’d need to be a hell of a run to lift the mood in Turner’s Cross.

One thing that Cork City has going for them is their youth. Twenty year old midfielder Kitt Nelson, on loan from Preston North End, has scored five and assisted once this season. Three of those six goal involvements have come against relegation rivals Sligo Rovers too. Dutch forward Djenairo Daniels, who only made twelve appearances for the club between signing in April and leaving for Kilmarnock in July, leads Cork’s goal involvement table with five goals and two assists. A quality replacement for Keating, City were unable to extend the 23 year old’s short term contract.

Eighteen year old winger Cathal O’Sullivan, who shone in the First Division last year, will be a big loss in the end of the season. A tricky winger cut from the Arjen Robben cloth of cutting in from the right flank, he has suitors across Europe. Speaking of such, 16 year old David Dunne recently made the switch to Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco from the Rebels. The winger made his debut in the Brandywell earlier this season, but Cork won’t receive any windfall from the move due to the status of Dunne’s contract, something which could hurt them in the future given his talent.

With the second most draws in the Premier Division it’d be reductive to say that Cork City won’t leave this division without a fight. Despite the trouble on and off the pitch, the Rebel Army are one of the most well supported teams in the league. They’ll be desperate to pick up any points to keep any sliver of hope at making the relegation play-offs alive. The two Cities won’t meet again until the final day of the season but this one has the potential to be crucial in both side’s seasons.

Round-up:

All focus for Derry City now turns to finishing in the European places, beginning the final ten games of the season with a home game against Cork City on Friday. It’s something of a must win for both sides. Derry need to keep pressure on Bohs in second and not let Shels or Drogheda get too close behind them. Cork need a win to reduce the gap to second bottom to five points. It’s crunch time for both Cities.

Cork City haven’t beaten Derry City since October 2018. In the fourteen games in league and cup action since then, Derry have won twelve and drawn twice. The odds, therefore, are stacked in the favour of the hosts. With Cork City picking up a much welcomed first win in almost four months last weekend, they’ll hope to string a few more together if they’re to have any hope of reeling in Sligo Rovers or Galway United in the lower echelons of the table.

With eight wins in a row against The Rebels, Tiernan Lynch’s Candystripes will hope to extend that record and head into next week’s cup tie on a positive note. With the distraction of the title behind us for another year, City have their sights set on a European place.

Pól O’Hare – 5^th August 2025

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

Shamrock Rovers FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 26, Tallaght Stadium, Sunday 3^rd August 2025, kick-off 7pm

Coming out of their two games in hand over Shamrock Rovers with just one point, Derry City now travel to the league leaders on Sunday. Eight points behind the Hoops, last week’s draw with Bohemians allowed Rovers to get one hand on the Premier Division trophy – it’s now up to Tiernan Lynch’s Derry side to keep pressure on the top and ensure a finish in the European places.

Derry City:

In a match which made the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Derry City and Bohemians played out an entertaining 1-1 draw last Friday night. Whilst enjoyable to watch, a point apiece did more for Shamrock Rovers than for either City or Bohs, who sit eight and seven points behind the Tallaght side at the summit.

The home side tested keeper Kacper Chorazka twice within the first fifteen minutes when Dipo Akinyemi, on his home debut for Derry City, rifled two strikes directly at the Bohs shot-stopper within two minutes of each other. In an attritional first half, James Clarke came closest for the visitors when he side footed a Ross Tierney lay-off at Brian Maher on the 45^th minute.

Five minutes were added at the end of the first half after a flare landed on the pitch (flung from outside the ground) earlier in the half. It was a stoppage which worked in the favour of the home side, who opened the scoring in the fifth minute of additional time. After some neat work from Michael Duffy down the left flank, the winger laid the ball off to debutant left back Brandon Fleming. The former Hull City man floated a ball into the box, which was nodded past Chorazka to open the scoring and give Dipo Akinyemi his first for the club.

That lead didn’t last long into the second half. Just six and a half minutes after the restart, Ross Tierney had smartly lifted a James Clarke header over Brian Maher and into the roof of the net. It was a fine finish from the former Motherwell man, and it made the second half a more interesting battle.

Derry City were the side applying most of the pressure throughout the second period. Substitute Robbie Benson came closest to finding the winner on the 80^th minute when he diverted a Michael Duffy cross just inches past the far post. Three minutes later, Danny Mullen stung the palms of Chorazka with a fierce effort as City turned the screw. It wasn’t to be for either side in the end, who both seemed disappointed to settle for a point each.

As 1-1 draws go, Friday’s encounter was a high-intensity, enjoyable watch. With both sides knowing that they needed to win to keep serious pressure on Shamrock Rovers, they had decent chances throughout. As Gavin Whyte was absent from the squad, Tiernan Lynch handed Brandon Fleming his debut at left back and started Michael Duffy in attacking midfield. Fleming had a brilliant first appearance for the club. He was solid defending against Dayle Rooney and was eager to surge forward down the left flank. For a player who hasn’t played since May, he lasted the full ninety minutes and attacked throughout the second half, linking well with Michael Duffy and showing some good footwork in the box.

Dipo Akinyemi and Alex Bannon both impressed in their first Brandywell appearances too. Akinyemi was a handful and a physical presence up front, showing some decent footwork and prowess in the air. His goal was deserved, and it was refreshing to see him have a few pops from distance. Bannon looked comfortable on the ball and read the game well too, slotting in for Hayden Cann who has impressed at the right side of centre back this season. Adding centre back Jamie Stott from Morecambe, who played 45 times in League Two last season, the recruitment this window looks to be successful already.

Ben Doherty returned to the bench for the first time following his injury in Dalymount in June. Gavin Whyte didn’t make the matchday squad but, despite Cameron Dummigan’s long term lay-off, Tiernan Lynch doesn’t have anymore concerns going into the Rovers game. With another couple of signings mooted, and despite the departure of stalwart Ciaron Harkin to Sligo Rovers, Derry City have a strong squad going into the business end of the season. Teenager Glenn McCourt also left for Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.

The big pitch in Tallaght Stadium is the best in the League of Ireland. It suits technical players who like to keep the ball on the ground and create things. In that sense, it’ll suit the likes of Michael Duffy, Liam Boyce and Gavin Whyte. It also suits Shamrock Rovers, which is why they’re so dominant at home. With some of the best technical players in Ireland on display, this encounter should broadcast the best that domestic football in Ireland has to offer. With a draw between the two last time out in Tallaght, a defeat for City will eliminate them from the title race – if that eight point gap isn’t already too much. Victory will reignite hope in the City faithful and cut the gap to five points.

Shamrock Rovers:

Despite ending 2024 emptyhanded in terms of silverware, Shamrock Rovers came just two points away from winning a fifth league title in a row and pocketed more than €7m by reaching the knockout rounds of the UEFA Conference League. If Harry Wood had scored in the 85^th minute for Shelbourne in the Brandywell on the final day, Rovers would have completed a fifth consecutive title win. With eleven games to go in the 2025 season, the Tallaght side would need to have a catastrophic end to the campaign to blow their seven point lead and fail to reclaim the Premier Division title.

Shamrock Rovers have a tendency to start the league campaign sluggishly, before picking up the pace when some of the early challengers begin to fall off. It wasn’t until fifteen games had been played before Shamrock Rovers had knocked Drogheda United off the top of the table. In fact, Rovers were rock bottom with just one point from the opening three games at the start of the campaign.

Stephen Bradley’s men went top in early May, level on points with Derry City in second after fifteen games. Almost three months later, the Hoops haven’t slipped from their perch. The gap to second is now seven points and they’re eight clear of Derry in third. Rovers have lost just once in the league since April, winning nine of the fourteen league games since their second last loss. The Hoops have lost just four league games in 2025, three of which have come against rivals Bohemians. Sligo Rovers are the only other team to have taken all three points in a match against the Tallaght side this year.

Bumped into the second round of UEFA Conference League qualifying following Drogheda United’s removal, Rovers had the luxury of bypassing a home and away tie in Europe in mid-July. Hammering St. Joseph’s of Gibraltar 4-0 over two legs, a side who lost to Shelbourne in 2024 but beat Belfast’s Cliftonville in extra-time in the first round this year, Rovers would be fancied to go deep into the qualifying rounds and aim to reach the league phase for the second time in three years. With the experience the squad has in Europe, it’d be a shock if they dropped out before the play-off round. Their 4-0 first leg victory against St Joseph’s allowed them to rotate heavily, maintaining a fit squad for Sunday’s clash.

Shamrock Rovers aren’t strapped when it comes to quality either. Stephen Bradley has built a reliable core since taking over as manager in 2016. In the last couple of years, he has added younger talent to blend with the experience already present in the squad. A defence with the likes of Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes and Dan Cleary has seen Joshua Honohan and Adam Matthews added. Honohan has since been called up to an Ireland senior squad and Matthews is a former Celtic fullback who started in that famous win against Barcelona in 2012. Callum Honohan, the 19 year old brother of Joshua, is a recent signing after acquiring him from Cork City.

The pedigree in the centre of the park speaks for itself. Last year’s PFAI Player of the Year Dylan Watts has been restricted to just sixteen league starts in 2025 following the arrival of Ireland U21 international Matthew Healy from Belgian side Royal Francs Borains. Four capped Ireland midfielder Jack Byrne has contributed to nine goals in 21 games in the league. When fit, everyone knows he can flip a game on its head. Sligo Rovers playmaker Conor Malley has also been added on loan until November. Daniel Mandriou turned down the likes of Romanian side FCSB to rejoin Rovers from Lincoln City last summer, but has made just twelve appearances in 2025. Aaron McEneff scored a late winner off the bench in the Brandywell in the previous meeting between these two, while the likes of Darragh Nugent and Gary O’Neill add legs and grit to the midfield. Graham Burke, with seven goals and five assists from attacking midfield, has once again proven that he’s one of the league’s finest midfielders.

Forwards Rory Gaffney, Aaron Greene and Michael Noonan each have bagged six goals in league action in 2025. Gaffney and Greene are both 35, while Noonan is just 16. The summer signing of 22 year old John McGovern, who bagged 20 goals in all competitions for Dungannon Swifts as they lifted the Irish Cup in 2024/25, has added yet more quality and youth to the strike force in Tallaght. With three goals in recent friendly wins over Glenavon and Ballymena United under the belt, he’s a player who may lead the line for Rovers for years to come.

While I’m on the topic of young talent, 16 year old winger Victor Ozhianvuna is tipped for a move to Arsenal when he turns 18 in 2027. It’s been reported that the fella will eclipse the €1.9m base fee that Spurs paid St Pat’s for Mason Melia to break the League of Ireland record. He’s a tricky winger who bagged his first goal for the club in their 4-0 win over Wexford in the FAI Cup second round. Should Rovers sell him to Arsenal and get him back on loan until he can be registered in the UK when he turns 18, they’ll have a proper player on their hands.

Shamrock Rovers will see victory on Sunday as a result which would likely all but wrap up a fifth title in six seasons. With a healthy lead in the title race, Rovers have a large enough squad to balance league, cup and European football while competing on all fronts. Without winning the FAI Cup since 2019 though, Rovers will be desperate to complete the domestic double and pick up a trophy which has been elusive for six years.

Round-up:

With eleven games to go, and eight points clear, Shamrock Rovers will win the Premier Division in 2025 if they don’t suffer a complete collapse between now and November. Such a collapse is something which Derry City are praying for though. The Candystripes don’t have a great recent record in making up ground when a team above them slips up, but a win on Sunday will be crucial if Tiernan Lynch’s side are to mount any sort of a title charge in the final third of the season.

Derry City haven’t beaten Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght since March 2023, and that was their only win in the last fifteen games away to the Hoops. The second most recent win came in August 2017, when Barry McNamee scored from the halfway line. Of the last ten meetings between the two, City have won just once, with Rovers winning five and the other four being draws.

With such a record against Shamrock Rovers, you wouldn’t fancy City’s chances on Sunday. Rovers have played in Europe on Thursday though, alerting Derry to a possible European hangover from their opponent’s double header against St Joseph’s. With City’s title hopes looking slimmer with each passing game, victory here is the only thing that can keep us fighting…

Pól O’Hare – 31^st July 2025

Derry City v Bohemians: Match Preview (July 2025)

Derry City FC v Bohemian FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 25, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 25^th July 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City returned to winning ways and progressed to the third round of the FAI Cup following a second-half demolition of Treaty United last Friday. It’s a return to league action for the Candystripes this week, as they face second placed Bohemians in a tie which could prove crucial in determining the top three come November. It’s one of the biggest games of the season for City and comes nine days before Tiernan Lynch’s side travel to leaders Shamrock Rovers.

Derry City:

With the recent four game winning streak put to an abrupt end via a 2-0 defeat in Sligo two weeks ago, there were a few nerves going into the FAI Cup tie away to Treaty United. Derry were coming up against a young and energetic side, fighting in the upper reaches of the First Division, who were desperate to cause an upset. Those who remember 2011’s 4-1 FAI Cup defeat to Wexford Youths, then bottom of the First Division, may have feared for a potential banana slip of similar proportions.

I have to say, when the Treaty game was 0-0 going into half time, I feared for a tricky second period. With the introduction of Liam Boyce on the 56^th minute, those nerves were extinguished. City did dominate the majority of the first half but failed to really trouble Corey Chambers, while the home side tested Brian Maher just before the break.

Less than three minutes after coming off the bench, City’s NI international striker Boyce rose highest in the box to divert a Michael Duffy corner over the keeper and into the net. It was a goal which eased the nerves and allowed the away side to open the floodgates.

Michael Duffy had completed a trio of assists by the 74^th minute, as two more corners saw Alex Bannon net on his first start and Liam Boyce net his second of the evening. The cream of Derry’s quality began to rise to the top as they dominated from set pieces. Patrick McEleney would have been a happy man watching that.

Lee Devitt bagged his fifteenth of the season to pull a goal back for the hosts, whose comeback hopes were quickly eliminated via a third Liam Boyce goal from the penalty spot on the 85^th minute. That’s a second hattrick in three games for the former Hearts striker, who had to wait for four years before breaking his trio duct three weeks ago. Three goals in twenty minutes to bring his goal tally for the year to eleven – not bad at all.

Boyce was involved in City’s fifth and final goal on the 87^th minute, when the visitors executed a swift passing move to wrap up the win. The 34 year old fed the ball through to Adam Frizzell, who laid it on a plate for Danny Mullen to calmly slot past Chambers. A first goal involvement for new signing Frizzell and a seventh in 2025 for Mullen to seal a perfect second half performance from Lynch’s men. It’s now Drogheda United at home in the third round for City, a repeat which sees a repeat of last year’s final.

The Treaty United game went exactly to plan for City, or at least the second half did. New signings Dipo Akinyemi and Alex Bannon were handed first starts – Akinyemi showing his physical presence up front and Bannon highlighting his calmness with the ball at his feet as well as popping up with a goal. They seem to be two astute signings, especially given the recent sales of Kevin Holt to Ayr United and Pat Hoban to Glentoran. Adam Frizzell will also be satisfied to get his first goal involvement for City with his assist for the fifth goal and added that extra bit of quality off the bench.

Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce did Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce things. Three assists for Duffy and three goals for Boyce, taking their goals and assists tally to eighteen and twelve respectively. They’re two quality players and are performing when it really matters. After a frustrating night in Sligo two weeks ago, Lynch and the City faithful alike will be happy to get another win and another five goals under the belt ahead of one the season’s biggest games.

The signing of Brandon Fleming from Hull City will prove key depth on the left side of the pitch – he’s naturally a left back and has experience playing in every league from the Championship to the National League. At 25 and on a contract until the end of next season, he looks to be a shrewd acquisition. Fellow defender Conor Barr, who impressed in Joe Gormley’s testimonial against Cliftonville two weeks ago, has subsequently joined the Reds on loan following an impressive spell at Ballymena United last season.

Ben Doherty and Cameron Dummigan are City’s only two players out injured ahead of Friday’s game. Dummigan hasn’t played in almost a year after a tough spell with injuries, while Ben Doherty has suffered foot and hamstring problems which have limited him to just nine appearances in 2025. Adam O’Reilly started alongside Sadou Diallo in the centre of the park, his first start since the 1-1 draw with Galway United on June 13^th, seeing Carl Winchester drop to the bench. Arlo Doherty wasn’t used, as a substitute keeper may expect in cup competition, while Sean Patton and Ciaron Harkin were also left on the bench. Patton spent last week on trial at Reading FC in England, after trialling at Portsmouth last year.

With one win and one loss in this year’s two previous meetings with Bohemians, Derry City will be desperate to pick up all three points given the stakes in this meeting. It’s both teams’ final game in hand on leaders Shamrock Rovers, who have an eight point gap to Bohs in second. A point behind the Phibsborough side, defeat for City would likely mark curtains for their title hopes. Victory, especially ahead of next week’s visit to Tallaght, could reignite a race for top spot. With the transfer window closing for non-free agents on Monday, we’re officially in ‘business end’ territory.

Bohemians:

Just six weeks out from their last meeting, Bohemians play Derry City in the Brandywell for the final time in 2025. Their season to date has been a roller coaster, summed up by the fact that they’ve drawn just two of their previous 25 games. They went from calling for manager Alan Reynolds’ head before hitting form and finding themselves fighting in a title race.

Bohemians have seen a striker with £15m in transfer fees come and go in the past six months, alongside making millions in kit collaborations with Fontaines DC and Oasis. To think the League of Ireland has come so far that the actual Oasis, not even the juice, are dropping kits with Bohemians... As marketing goes, Daniel Lambert has overseen a masterclass in Phibsborough.

Lys Mousset was a signing who would either have been the best striker the division’s seen or a complete flop. When you come into Bohemians as a former £15m Premier League striker, and you’re still not even 30, you don’t have much room for error. Bagging just once, Pyscho Killer Lys Mousset is no more. That doesn’t mean that the squad isn’t stacked with quality though.

The signing of Douglas James-Taylor from Walsall is a real coup for Alan Reynolds. He had a stellar campaign on loan at Drogheda United last year but has failed to get going this year due to recurring injuries. Despite that, he’s a strong and mobile centre forward who has proven himself at this level. Scoring the winner against Derry City in last year’s FAI Cup final, the City faithful know all too well his threat. DJT opened his Bohs account with a fine finish to open the scoring at home to Galway United two weeks ago.

With four goals and four assists, winger Dayle Rooney has been Bohemians’ man main in 2025. Recently tied down to a new contract, he’s one of the most effective wide men in the League of Ireland. Another player who has come into his own this year is James Clarke. A target of Ruaidhrí Higgins whilst at Derry City, Clarke scored and assisted in a recent 2-0 win over Shamrock Rovers and was the subject of interest from Grimsby Town. He netted twice to put Galway United to the sword in the aforementioned 3-0 win on the 11^th too.

Clarke’s midfield counterparts Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy have really come into their own. With a touch of quality that can change a game, both players demonstrate why they earned moves to Motherwell and MK Dons before returning to Dublin. With eleven goal contributions between them in the league, and capable of operating across the midfield, they’re two players who would start in most midfields in the league.

With Adam McDonnell or Niall Morahan partnering Devoy in the deeper midfield role, Bohs have a balanced spine to their team. Jordan Flores, naturally a holding mid, has deputised at left-back and was one of the best players on the pitch when Bohemians beat Derry 1-0 in Dalymount in June. With Liam Smith and John Mountney as options at right back, as well as the experienced Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley at centre back, Bohs’ experienced back line has seen them hold the best defensive record in the league this season. The returning Cian Byrne, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Galway United, will only add to that.

Bohemians began their FAI Cup journey in ruthless fashion, beating Leinster Senior League side Killester Donnycarney 7-0 to progress to the Third Round. Former Derry City striker Colm Whelan bagged four goals and got two assists with an immense performance, while 18 year old Markuss Strods scored twice in his first start for the club. 19 year old Rhys Brennan also scored and assisted, adding to his stoppage time winner away to Shamrock Rovers earlier in the season. Unbeaten in five, scoring thirteen and conceding just once in that time, Bohs are in fine form.

Round-up:

Both pushing for European spots, Bohemians and Derry will view this as one of the most important games of their respective seasons. With both sides closely fighting in the upper reaches of the Premier Division, Bohemians will be on the hunt for their first win on Foyleside since April 2023. Coming from the summer period into the business end of the campaign, this won’t be one to miss.

Derry City and Bohemians will be confident after high-scoring wins in their FAI Cup openers last week, scoring five and seven respectively. With both sides beating each other 1-0 in the two previous meetings this year, it’s hard to know which way this game will go. Derry have played their best football at home this season and are third in the table for home form. In contrast, Bohs are third in the table for away form – picking up sixteen points but losing six times on their travels.

One thing’s for sure on Friday night, the football will be attacking and the players on show will be some of the best in the division. A draw would keep Shamrock Rovers’ buffer at the top at a healthy seven points. A win for Bohs would close it to five points and all but eliminate City from the title race, while victory for Derry would close the gap to six points and see them leapfrog Bohs back into second. This is a massive game going into the run in.

Pól O’Hare – 22^nd July 2025

Treaty United v Derry City: Match Preview (July 2025)

Treaty United FC v Derry City FC, FAI Cup Second Round, Markets Field, Friday 18^th July 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Following Saturday’s sobering 2-0 loss away to Sligo Rovers, Derry City now regroup and turn to cup action. Limerick’s Treaty United welcome the Candystripes as both sides kick off their FAI Cup campaigns for 2025, whilst looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing defeat. Derry City will also be the only side Treaty United have met twice in FAI Cup action, with the previous outing being 2022’s semi-final.

Derry City:

As the City faithful descended on Sligo last Saturday, with temperatures touching the 30C mark, it seemed like we had a proper day of summer football ahead. The away end in the Showgrounds was packed with red and white but, in the baking heat, City failed to make it five wins in a row. Crucially, it marked defeat in one of two games in hand on Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.

It was all Sligo Rovers for most of the early exchanges, as the home side piled the pressure on the Derry goal and blocked their visitors from making many forays out of their own half. The energy of Ryan O’Kane and Owen Elding on either wing troubled City’s defence, which was without Kevin Holt – adding fuel to the fire of his rumoured departure.

It only took eighteen and a half minutes for the home side to find the opener, which came through Derry native and former player Patrick McClean. The defender found space at the back post to volley a Jake Doyle-Hayes corner past Brian Maher. City now on the back foot with more than 70 minutes left to play.

Within three minutes, the visitors came painfully close to equalising when Hayden Cann’s header from a corner was cleared off the line. Derry failed to threaten again in the first half and were punished on the stroke of the break. Jad Hakiki played the ball to winger Ryan O’Kane after surging forward. O’Kane’s cross wasn’t dealt with by Brian Maher, who got a hand to the ball but was left stranded in the middle of the box. Wilson Waweru, linked with a callup to the Kenyan national team, was on hand to put his side 2-0 up.

Two behind at the break and having struggled in the first half, it looked like City had a mountain to climb to get anything out of the game. An early goal in the second half would’ve been crucial, and did almost come after just two minutes when Sam Sargeant expertly denied Michael Duffy. Another brilliant save from Sergeant late in the half denied Hayden Cann once again, but Derry failed to create anything of meaning. Sligo Rovers, who found space in behind and should’ve been three of four up if it weren’t for the linesman’s flag or poor finishing, were deserving of their win. A tough one to take for the travelling Candystripes.

Derry City’s loss on Saturday meant that they had wasted a chance to cut the gap to the top with one of their two precious games in hand. With Bohemians dispatching Galway United on Friday, City returned to second place and stayed there following Derry’s defeat. The clash between second and third next week, both teams’ final game in hand, will be crucial in determining any slither of a title charge.

Saturday’s defeat was City’s fifth loss on the road in 2025, something which they’ll be desperate not to repeat in Limerick on Friday. Despite the loss, and with all due respect to Treaty United, City really should be winning and progressing to the next round.

The omission of Kevin Holt on the left side of defence proved costly for City, who lost an experienced head in the backline but saw Shane Ferguson handed a start on his 34^th birthday. Rovers’ first goal showed that City were missing that bit of physicality in the box and were duly punished. Brian Maher’s error for the second was unfortunate but came at a crucial juncture in the game. If City went in to the break just 1-0 down, we may have come away with something.

Alex Bannon had his first taste of competitive Irish football after coming off the bench and looked comfortable on the ball and passing forward, although Lynch will likely be on the lookout for a left-sided centre back should Holt’s rumoured departure be true. Sam Todd is more suited to the left fullback position, and gave City an attacking outlet there. Gavin Whyte was replaced by Adam O’Reilly at half-time and the Corkman’s energy in the centre of the park gave City something different. He tried to run in-behind a few times but was let down by the service into him.

Derry City missed a bit of that doggedness required to get points down in Sligo. The type of fast football seen in the 7-2 win over Waterford can’t be played there given Rovers’ defensive and pressing setup – something which City found out the hard way. Saturday also showed that City are missing a midfielder with a bit of magic in the centre of the park. Someone like Patrick McEleney or Will Patching, who could pull off a defensive-splitting pass or effort from distance to change a game just isn’t present in City's current midfield arsenal. It’s yet to be seen if Adam Frizzell can be that man, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tiernan Lynch recruit a midfielder, winger or defender before the window’s up.

All focus for the Candystripes must now turn to cup action, as they seek revenge for last season’s final loss by going one step further this year. It's a first visit to Limerick for the Candystripes since October 2018.

Treaty United:

Founded in 2020, Treaty United have played just nine FAI Cup ties in their existence. When they host Derry City on Friday, the Candystripes will be the first team whom they’ve faced twice in the Cup in the club’s history.

Limerick’s League of Ireland representative, Treaty were formed from the ashes of Limerick FC. Founded in 1937, Limerick FC was dissolved in 2020 after racking up almost €500,000 in debt. With two league titles, two FAI Cups and three League Cup crowns across their 83 year history, the club of Ireland’s fourth largest city left a hole in the footballing landscape when it was wound up.

Treaty United, originally called Limerick United before being forced to change, were granted their first First Division licence in 2020 before entering in 2021. With just four full seasons under their belt, United have made a good showing for themselves. The club’s most impressive achievement was reaching the semi-finals of the FAI Cup in 2022, their previous meeting against Derry City, where they lost 2-1. They finished in the Promotion playoff spots in their first two seasons, before placing 6^th and 7^th in 2023 and 2024.

Treaty United’s first FAI Cup appearance in 2021 offered one of the toughest draws possible – the cup holders Dundalk. They took the Lilywhites to extra-time, before current Derry City set-piece coach and Ballymena United midfielder Patrick McEleney scored the winner. They built on that in 2022, hammering Usher Celtic 5-0, before beating Maynooth University Town 3-0 to reach the quarterfinal stage. In the last eight of the competition, they impressively dispatched Premier Division opposition by defeating UCD 4-1. Derry City welcomed Treaty to the Brandywell in the semis and, despite being 2-0 down after 16 minutes, the Limerick side netted a penalty before the half hour mark to bring themselves back into the tie. It wasn’t to be that year, but the fight shown by the team and noise of the Treaty fans certainly won the club a few admirers in Derry.

A 2-0 loss to Cork City in the FAI Cup first round in 2023 ended any similar dreams that year, but with wins over Kilbarrack United and Pike Rovers in 2024, Treaty made the quarter-finals again. It was a repeat of their previous quarter-final performance, but not in the way they would’ve hoped. Wexford United made short work of the Limerickmen, beating them 4-1.

Currently fourth in the First Division, the Treaty faithful will hope for a strong second half to the campaign. With just ten points separating fourth and eighth, and Dundalk and Cobh Ramblers battling it out for the title, the next few months promise an entertaining finale to Ireland’s second tier. Promotion to the Premier Division just half a decade after being founded would make a great return for the Limerick side.

Tommy Barrett has been Treaty United’s only manager. He was Limerick’s manager when they folded and immediately took the hotseat in the phoenix club. Barrett’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation has his side firing, scoring 36 goals and conceding 23 in 23 league games. Those 36 scored are the same as league leaders Dundalk and the second most in the league, whilst the 21 conceded makes their defence the third tightest in the division. There’s one man in particular who is United’s standout marksman, Lee Devitt.

The 25 year old former Cobh Ramblers man has netted 14 goals from midfield, a remarkable stat which means he has scored more than any Premier Division player and sits behind only Barry Coffey (15) in terms of goals scored in the First Division. Former Finn Harps winger Karl O’Sullivan’s four assists makes him another key asset going forward. Former UCD and Shelbourne forward Yoyo Mahdy, once hot property in the League of Ireland, chipped in with four goals and three assists this year too, but has recently left the club.

Treaty United have a young team who will be willing to run their socks off and pounce on mistakes. The experienced heads in the dressing room will therefore be tasked with leading their team through their biggest game of the season. 33 year old Lee J Lynch was a league and cup winner with Sligo Rovers in 2012 and 2013, as well as picking up a First Division winner’s medal with Limerick in 2016 and NIFL Championship triumph under City gaffer Tiernan Lynch at Larne in 2018-19. He’s certainly a man who’s been in these situations before.

18 year old goalkeeper Michael Dike recently made the move from Treaty to Brighton & Hove Albion, joining the Seagulls’ under-21s side after impressing towards the backend of last year in the First Division. Other youngsters impressing at United, who aspire to follow in the footsteps of their former teammate, are 19 and 20 year old defenders Robbie Lynch and Richkov Boevi. They’ve both seen regular gametime this year. 21 year old Canadian forward Joe Hanson is a Vancouver Whitecaps academy graduate and joins the Canadian contingent of Connor Wilson and Corey Chambers in Limerick. Trpimir Vrljicak, Valeriy Doya and Vojtech Ptacek all have experienced playing elsewhere in Europe. Before his departure, Yoyo Mahdy spent a year at one of Africa’s oldest football clubs, Egyptian second-tier side Olympic Alexandria, after leaving Finn Harps in 2022.

There is always that aspect of curiosity when facing a club we’re not used to seeing in regular league action. Treaty United impressed the Brandywell faithful with a large travelling support too. In just four years, they’ve reached the quarterfinals twice and semi-finals of this competition, so aren’t to be frowned upon.

Treaty United’s young team will be gunning for an upset, especially at home, but they haven’t faced a Premier Division side competitively since Cork City in the first round of the FAI Cup in 2023. Their last, and only, win against a topflight side came against UCD in the quarters three years ago. Despite being underdogs this time around, Treaty United will hope to make trips to Derry a more regular occurrence with promotion to the Premier Division in the future. Whilst they’d love a cup run, I’d say Treaty wouldn’t be devastated if defeat on Friday meant turning full focus to their promotion push.

Round-up:

After suffering defeat in Sligo last week, Tiernan Lynch’s side will be desperate to start their FAI Cup journey with a win. City have shown good form in the cup in the past few years, grinding out results and blowing the likes of St. Pat’s, Shelbourne and Bohemians away last year. The doggedness which was lacking in Sligo will certainly need to be present in Limerick.

Treaty United are hopeful of finishing the season in the promotion spots but, as has been seen in the past, will back themselves against Premier Division opponents in the cup. With the talismanic Lee Devitt spurring them on, they won’t back down for Derry City in the slightest. Treaty v Derry is a tie we’ve seen just once previously, but shouldn’t disappoint given the stakes on the line.
Pól O'Hare - 13th July 2025

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (July 25)

Sligo Rovers FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 24, Sligo Showgrounds, Saturday 12^th July 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Following Derry City’s seven goal annihilation of Waterford on Friday, the Candystripes face a trip to north-west rivals Sligo Rovers on Saturday, hoping to close the gap to the top. Last Friday’s victory over Waterford was the highest scoring game of the Premier Division season and the first time City scored seven in three years. Derry, as the form team in the league, travel to a Sligo side who held Shamrock Rovers last week and knowing that the Showgrounds has proved a difficult host in the recent past.

Derry City:

Last Friday’s win over Waterford really needs no introduction. After losing 2-1 in both previous games against the Blues this year, Tiernan Lynch knew his side needed a big win to break that curse and continue the winning run. That’s exactly what they did. I’ll try to make my recap brief, but I have to apologise in advance if I get carried away.

Within just five minutes, the home side had the deadlock broken. A brilliant switch from Mark Connolly found Ronan Boyce high and wide. Boyce squared it to Gavin Whyte and, when most other players would go for goal, put the ball on a plate for Liam Boyce to smash into the top corner. A quality goal from City to get off the mark.

A Mark Connolly header hit the crossbar just two minutes after the opener, but on the 24th minute Liam Boyce had bagged his brace. Michael Duffy surged down the left flank and slid the ball across the box unchallenged. Boyce was on hand to double City’s lead via a deflected effort – more slick football from the home side.

On the 36^th minute, Derry made it three. After some pinballing on the edge of the box, Michael Duffy laid the ball to Sadou Diallo. City’s number 15 had only one thing on his mind, to put his laces through it. The ball subsequently rocketed off the crossbar and in, giving the City fans a goal of the season contender to match. One of the best goals I’ve seen live, and it had the home side in cruise control. Five minutes before half time saw Michael Duffy bag a hat-trick of assists when his corner was directed into the net via the forehead of Mark Connolly. 4-0 and a first of the season for the big centre back.

Waterford’s main man Pádraig Amond capitalised on a defensive error from Hayden Cann to slide the ball under Brian Maher to pull one back for the away side four minutes into the second half, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished just a further four minutes after that. Gavin Whyte swept a sumptuous ball into the path of Michael Duffy who chopped it into his weak foot to shrug off the covering defender before slotting past Brad Wade for City’s fifth. A deserved goal to add to his three assists, as five star Derry ran riot.

To add to Michael Duffy’s trio of assists, Liam Boyce bagged his first hattrick in City colours five minutes later. Gavin Whyte delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which was poked expertly home by the veteran striker. That put Boyce up to eight in terms of goals this season and was his first hattrick since April 2021, when he scored three in a 6-0 win for Hearts against Alloa Athletic. It also meant that Gavin Whyte bagged himself a hattrick of assists. Christ we’re good.

Six became seven on the 73^rd minute when Michael Duffy jinked down the left wing before playing the ball to Gavin Whyte, who took one touch before firing into the bottom corner. A goal to add to his three assists as City thumped Waterford. Two absolutely fantastic players showcasing their talent at the peak of their powers, we really are lucky to have Duffy and Whyte in our team.

Waterford did pull another back before the end as Pádraig Amond found the bottom corner to see him become the first player in the Premier Division to break the ten goal barrier. Despite defensive lapses for both Waterford goals, we really can’t be complaining. According to @StattoLOI on X, Duffy is the first player since Graham Burke in 2020 to record five goal involvements in one Premier Division game. Prior to Friday night, the last Derry player to record four goal involvements was Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe in June 2019 and, six years later, we had two players to it in one night.

Michael Duffy’s performances were duly rewarded with the SSE Airtricity Player of the Month award for June after standout performances. It’s his first time winning it since 2018 and his victory makes him the first Derry City player since Jordan McEneff in February 2023 to be named the Player of the Month. Derry’s number 7 will be hoping to make it back-to-back awards in July following another immense performance against Waterford.

I said I’d try not to get carried away, but this is one of the most entertaining sides I’ve seen in my time watching Derry. They turn defensive to attack in a heartbeat, going forward with energy and purpose. The forward line have found that clinical streak and blown a side away. I’ve been saying we’d click and it’s finally come. That’s 12 goals scored and 2 conceded in the last four games for Tiernan Lynch’s men. Michael Duffy’s eight goals and seven assists has him on 15 goal involvements for the year, more than any other player. Liam Boyce has joined him on 8 goals now too. Boyce in the Better Land back in full swing.

Now nine points behind Shamrock Rovers at the top, Derry City go into their two games in hand and FAI Cup opener on full confidence. With new signing Adam Frizzell handed a debut last week, and some rotational players getting a runout in Sunday’s 2-2 draw away to Cliftonville, we have a fit and firing squad with quality throughout. Alex Bannon also made his first appearance for City last Sunday. English striker Dipo Akinyemi joined the Candystripes on a long term contract from York City on Wednesday and adds yet more quality to the attack. Yes Sir Akinyemi will be getting a run out very soon.

The players have bought into Tiernan Lynch’s tactics and that 5-2-3 formation has been working wonders. Sadou Diallo’s wondergoal was deserving following his recent good form, while words can’t really describe Michael Duffy and Gavin Whyte these days. With our closest away trip coming on a Saturday, for the second time this year, the City faithful will travel to Sligo in their numbers, hoping for a repeat of March’s and May’s victories.

Sligo Rovers:

After a mid-tabled finish last year, 2025 hasn’t been quite so kind to Sligo Rovers. After 22 games, the Bit’O’Red find themselves in the relegation zone, seven points adrift of safety. That ninth place is one of uncertainty, as the club finishing there has the buffer of a play-off spot but isn’t quite comfortable with regards to staying up.

That’s the predicament which Sligo Rovers find themselves in. They’re five points clear of Cork City, who have won just twice all season and look to be in turmoil off the pitch. That gap to Waterford in eighth looks like it could be a bridge too far for the Connacht side, but it’s a battle they’re willing to take.

Operating on a relatively tight budget, and having to deal with the yearly onslaught of a heavily changing squad going into the new campaign, it could be that the number of new faces is the cause for Rovers’ inconsistency. They’ve picked up points in consecutive games just three times this year. When you combine that with the fact that John Russell’s side have lost more games than anyone else in the Premier Division, you can see the size of the task at hand.

Sligo Rovers have lost at least once to eight out of the other nine teams in the division this year, the only exception being relegation zone neighbours Cork City, with whom they drew twice. With the third most goals conceded (39), the upcoming transfer window will be key in Rovers’ fight for survival.

Said window didn’t get off to a brilliant start, losing key fullback Reece Hutchinson to League Two side Crewe Alexandra. The attacking left-footer scored three and assisted twice for Sligo in 2025, who will net his former side a healthy fee after the English club activated his release clause.

Hutchinson has been replaced by former Derry City man Patrick McClean, who returns to the Showgrounds on an 18 month deal after six years at Glentoran. The 28 year old can play in central defence or at fullback and has experience captaining the Glens. He has been joined by 23 year old Englishman Seb Quirk, who made 41 appearances for Accrington Stanley since signing from Everton in January 2023.

Hutchinson’s departure was followed by two further shrewd incomings. First was 20 year old midfielder James McManus, who joined on-loan from Bohemians after making 12 appearances for the Gypsies this term. He’s a deep-lying midfielder who will hope that a successful spell on the west coast can forge him a spot back in the Bohemians team.

The second arrival from north Dublin came in the form of Ryan O’Kane, on loan from Shelbourne. The quick winger impressed at Dundalk after joining from Warrenpoint Town in 2021. He was one of Shelbourne's first signings of their title defending season but made just five appearances this term. Still just 21, O’Kane has played in almost 120 career matches and adds to an already energetic attack of Wilson Waweru, Francely Lomboto and Owen Elding.

Speak of the devil, Owen Elding is perhaps the hottest property in the League of Ireland at the minute. At just 19, he’s scored eight goals in the Premier Division this term, starting 21 of his side’s 23 games. They aren’t just regular goals either, he’s scored absolute rockets against Bohemians and Shelbourne. He’s a serious player, who’s eligibility to play for the Irish national underage sides is believed to be at the final stages. I remember his father playing for both Sligo Rovers and Derry City, which makes me feel quite old. I don’t want to focus too much on Anthony Elding, but I did some digging and found out that he did actually play in goal for Derry after Gerard Doherty and Shaun Patton got injured in a match against Galway United in 2015. I knew I wasn’t going mad, he made a brilliant stop if I remember right too.

With eight league goals, Owen Elding is Sligo’s main man this year. Francely Lomboto is tied with Jad Hakiki on four, whilst Reece Hutchinson and former Derry striker Cian Kavanagh have three each. Will Fitzgerald’s six assists highlights the winger’s threat down the left flank.

Sligo Rovers’ midfield is certainly deserving of a higher league placing on quality alone. Former Hibernian midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes was a marquee signing, joining Conor Malley, who attracted interest from Shamrock Rovers following a standout 2024 in the middle of the park. Malley hasn’t hit those heights this year, but the energy of Jad Hakiki and now James McManus add more legs into the centre of the park. 18 year old Guilherme Priosti recently signed his first professional contract, while youngsters Kyle McDonagh and Daire Patton have been given first team involvement.

Sam Sargeant, signed from Waterford to replace McGinty, has been Rovers’ first choice this year, although 20 year Conor Walsh made six appearances earlier in the campaign. Sargeant made some brilliant saves to deny Shamrock Rovers last weekend. 18 year olds Conor Reynolds and Gareth McElroy have made 17 and 18 appearances as Russell has gone for a youthful backline. The experience of John Mahon and Patrick McClean will be welcomed in their fight for survival.

Sligo Rovers will hope that City’s 1-0 win in the Showgrounds in March was a blip in their impressive home record against the Candystripes. That win was City’s first there since 2021, while dropped points at the Showgrounds in the past couple of years have been costly. With just thirteen games remaining, Sligo will be desperate for points wherever they can get them. Going 2-0 up against Shamrock Rovers last week, before holding on for a draw, may give them the confidence they need to pull off a result on Saturday.

Round-up:

Derry City travel to Sligo Rovers on Saturday as the form team in the league, on a four game winning streak having scored twelve in that time. The Showgrounds haven’t given the Candystripes such joy in the past few years though. City have won just once in their last eight visits to the Yeats Country, with March’s 1-0 win marking their first victory there since August 2021.

Three of the four meetings in 2024 between City and Rovers were draws, while the Bit’O’Red bagged an 89^th minute winner to claim all three points in the other game. This year, City have won both games against Sligo Rovers, scoring four and keeping two clean sheets. Tiernan Lynch will be desperate for his side to continue that streak in their hunt for Europe, and even the title. It’s a Saturday trip to the west coast whilst City are in great form, not to mention it’s meant to be pushing 30C. Viva summer football.

Pól O’Hare – 9^th July 2025

Derry City v Waterford: Match Preview (July 2025)

Derry City FC v Waterford FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 23, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 4^th July 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City have climbed to second place in the Premier Division table after a comfortable 3-0 win over European rivals Drogheda United. In one of the side’s most impressive performances of the year, the Candystripes dominated and cruised to their joint-highest victory of the season. Up next is Waterford in the Ryan McBride Brandywell, a side who lost narrowly to Shamrock Rovers last week, but have won just one of their last seven.

Derry City:

Heading into Friday night one point behind opponents Drogheda United, there was a worry that the notoriously hard-to-beat Louth side could put an end to City’s two game winning streak. United were unbeaten against City this season, winning 3-1 and drawing 1-1 earlier in the campaign. With a frustrating few results against Drogheda, of course including the cup final defeat, Derry were out to for a statement win.

A statement win was exactly what we got. The home side were the fastest out of the blocks, piling on the pressure and playing some neat football. City’s closest opportunity in the opening stages of the first half came when Kevin Holt nodded a Michael Duffy cross narrowly wide.

Duffy did eventually turn provider for the Candystripes after a neat corner routine saw him float a ball into the box. Sam Todd rose highest to nod into the corner of the goal and find the back of the net, a deserved goal for one of the club’s standout performers this season. That goal was Derry City’s 1000^th in league action and got them up and running against Drogheda.

Within three minutes, City’s advantage was doubled. Gavin Whyte threaded a pass through the middle which, when deftly flicked by Liam Boyce, found Michael Duffy one on one with Luke Dennison. City’s number seven rounded the American goalkeeper, but his shot from an awkward angle was cleared off the line – and into the path of Ronan Boyce. The right back calmly poked home to make it 2-0 to the Candystripes. Two goals in four minutes undoing the visitors.

Brian Maher made a brilliant one handed save when Thomas Oluwa found an angle for a shot, whilst City were denied a third goal by the linesman’s flag on the stroke of half time. It would’ve been a brilliant goal too, as Carl Winchester latched onto an inch perfect Gavin Whyte through-ball before finding the bottom corner. A standing ovation met the home side going into the break.

Conor Keeley, who scored twice for Drogheda on their last visit to the Brandywell, came closest for the travelling side in the second half. He volleyed narrowly wide in an identical situation to one of his last goals in Derry. Drogheda pushed for a goal as the second half went on, bringing the technical Darragh Markey and imposing forward Dare Kareem off the bench, but failed to do so and were punished by a Derry third in injury time. Michael Duffy’s shot at Luke Dennison was parried into the path of substitute Danny Mullen, who prodded home for his sixth of the season on the 95^th minute.

I don’t want to sound too reactionary, but the win over Drogheda on Friday was one of the best performances I’ve seen from Derry City in a long time. The first half, in particular, was a real peak in the Tiernan Lynch era. The passing was crisp, the movement was smart and the fluidity in the front line caused Drogheda’s usually solid defence real problems. Gavin Whyte and Michael Duffy’s positional freedom in floating into the middle from wide areas created space and got the most out of the side’s two best technical players.

Similarly, Ronan Boyce’s licence to move centrally from right fullback when going forward was a smart tactical decision from Lynch. Sam Todd, naturally a centre back, has really come into his own on the left of a back five following Ben Doherty’s injury. He’s got quick feet and always looks to go forward, whilst his physicality offers something different for City in the forward areas.

I could pick every Derry player on the pitch for praise as not one man put a foot wrong. I’d like to highlight Sadou Diallo in particular, though. His arm injury three months ago really hampered his start to the season, but he has made that role in deep midfield his own since returning two weeks ago. His performances have kept the ever-present Adam O’Reilly out of the starting eleven. Diallo’s passing range, understanding of the game and calm nature in the heart of midfield has complimented the playing style of Carl Winchester well.           

With the transfer window opening on July 1^st, Derry City have been active in the market already. Adam Frizzell, who was named alongside Kevin Holt in the SPFL Championship Team of the Year in 2023-24, will be eligible to play on Friday night following his arrival from Aidrieonians. Scottish defender Alex Bannon was a teammate of Adam Frizzell in Airdrie last season and will join his former colleague at the Brandywell. He’s joined on loan from Burton Albion, one of new Head of Recruitment Michael Mackin’s recommendations. Mackin was previously Head of Analysis at Burton. Leaving the club is Paul McMullan, who always gave 100% and notched 22 goal involvements in two years at the club. He’s returned to Scotland to sign for Raith Rovers.

Now second in the league, as Danny Mullen’s injury time goal meant that Derry went one goal ahead of Bohemians in terms of goal difference, the City faithful will be eager to see the three game winning run continue. Grinding out two 1-0 wins in difficult venues, before comfortably beating a direct rival, is the perfect way to kick-off a busy summer period before the business end of the season gets going. It’s not only three wins in a row for City, it’s three clean sheets too. Tiernan Lynch will hope for nothing else but victory against Waterford on Friday.

Waterford:

Now in their second season back in the top flight, Waterford’s main aim will be to keep a healthy distance between themselves and the relegation zone. The Blues’ up-and-down season, which has seen Keith Long replaced by John Coleman as manager, sees the Munster side sitting 8^th. Judging by their stats, that’s about right too. Their number of losses is the worst outside of the relegation zone, as is their goals scored and goals conceded columns. It’s not all doom and gloom though, as the buffer to ninth is nine points.

Waterford began the season by losing eight of their first eleven games. A seven game losing streak, in which they scored just twice and conceded sixteen, was ended by a deserved 2-1 win over Derry City in in late April. That victory triggered a four game winning streak, but Waterford have won only once since that streak came to an end in a 3-1 loss at home to Shamrock Rovers in mid-May.

Waterford have clearly been working on becoming harder to beat. They scored late on to equalise away to St Pat’s, conceded a stoppage time equaliser at home to Drogheda and provided the entertainment in a thrilling draw with Shelbourne recently. Their 1-0 loss to Shamrock Rovers last week came via a defensive error. The amount of goals shipped (35) is a concern, although the new manager has injected a bit of doggedness to the size. If it wasn’t for some brilliance by Bohemians goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka in their 2-1 win over high flying Bohemians two weeks ago, the Blues could’ve had three or four. As the transfer window opens, Waterford will be keen to add to the squad to consolidate their Premier Division status.

Despite scoring just 24 goals this season, it’s in attacking areas where the Munster side are most impressive. The trio of Pádraig Amond, Tom Lonergan and Conan Noonan provide a balanced mix of youth, energy and clinical finishing. Amond has bagged eight in the league so far, assisting a further two. Lonergan and Noonan both sit on seven each in terms of combined goals and assists. The contribution of those three is vital. The only worry for Waterford is the fact that both Noonan and Lonergan are on loan from Shamrock Rovers and Fleetwood Town, whilst Amond is 37 and has a contract expiring next year. Big boots to fill in the near future.

6’7” Dutch forward Maarten Pouwels is yet to score this season, although offers a different prospect off the bench. Waterford have a few interesting names in their side too. Full back Navajo Bakboord is a Suriname international who made twenty starts in the Dutch Eredivisie last year. Fleetwood Town loanee goalkeeper Stephen McMullan was recently called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad at 20 years of age following an impressive start to life in Munster, whilst Rowan McDonald, James Olayinka and Trae Coyle are former Manchester City and Arsenal academy graduates.

With two wins from two against Derry City this year, Waterford will hope to extend their impressive record against the Candystripes on Friday. Scoring four against City this term, all four from different scorers, shows that the Blues cannot be written off. Scoring eight in their last six matches, it seems like John Coleman’s Waterford side are beginning to mould. Most recently finishing 17^th in League Two as manager of Gillingham, Coleman has a cracker interview highlight reel. Aside from saying his keeper put on weight because he had such little to do against Shelbourne a couple of weeks ago, he’s questioned the very meaning of life whilst at Accrington Stanley. He seems good craic away from the pitch.

Round-up:

Derry City have had a mixed bag in terms of results against Waterford since their return to the top flight last season. In 2024, City won all four of their league games against the Blues with a remarkable record of nine scored and zero conceded. 2025 has been quite the opposite, with Waterford winning both previous meetings 2-1.

The Candystripes have been victorious in eight of the last ten meetings between these two in the Brandywell, going back to 2019. Last Friday’s win over Drogheda was Derry City’s first win at home since the 1-0 win over St Pat’s on May 5^th. Coincidentally, the fifth of May also marks Waterford’s most recent away win – a 1-0 victory over Shelbourne in Tolka Park. With one win from the last seven in the league, John Coleman’s men with hope to see their fortunes improve.

With Shamrock Rovers still 11 points clear at the top, Derry City need to make every game count if they are to even have a sniff at pushing the Hoops for the title. With two games in hand, City will need to take every chance they can get to capitalise on any potential slip-ups from those around them. For now, we’ll just enjoy the performances and hope the run continues.

Pól O’Hare – 2^nd July 2025