Cork City v. Derry City: Match Preview

 

Cork City FC v. Derry City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 35, Turner’s Cross, Friday 27^th October 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            It’s the penultimate game of the season and a win for Derry City can clinch European football for 2024. The Candystripes have fallen to third place since their 0-0 draw with Shelbourne last Friday, as St. Pat’s defeated Sligo Rovers in their game-in-hand to go within three points of league leaders Shamrock Rovers – whom they face in a title decider this week.

 

            Derry suffered their third sending off in their last five games in the draw with Shelbourne as Sadou Diallo was dismissed for a late tackle on Shane Farrell – leaving City at a man disadvantage for the best part of seventy minutes. It was a dull evening for the Candystripes who failed to muster a shot on target and had to rely on a couple of fine saves from Brian Maher to get anything out of the tie. A win for Shelbourne would’ve seen them come within two points of Derry going into the last two fixtures.

 

            Derry City have the worst recent form of any team in the top half of the table, picking up just six points from the last five games. Their only win in that time came against UCD in the Brandywell and are scoreless in the last two. Cork City are six points behind Sligo Rovers in eighth place and anything but a win for the Rebels will mean that they must play in the promotion/relegation play-off if they are to avoid the drop. Cork’s recent record doesn’t make for easy reading for their fans either. Similar to Derry, they have picked up just six points from their last five. After beating Sligo Rovers 3-0 in early September, Cork have lost to Shelbourne, Dundalk and St. Pat’s in the league before beating UCD 2-0 last weekend. Both Cities need a turnaround in form in order to finish the season positively.

 

            Derry will be without midfielder Sadou Diallo against Cork after his red card against Shelbourne last week. There do, however, seem to be no new injury concerns for the Candystripes. Patrick McEleney and Jordan McEneff both played for more than half an hour off the bench, whilst Ronan Boyce replaced Paul McMullan on the eightieth minute in order to maintain defensive solidity. Brandon Kavanagh also played the last five minutes. Ciaran Coll was an unused substitute for the third game in the row, whilst Mark Connolly, Sam Todd, Cian Kavanagh and Tadhg Ryan all played no part against Shelbourne. Ben Doherty will make his 100^th appearance for Derry City against Cork City on Friday.

 

            Cork City have both a mostly clean bill of health and a clean suspension record coming into the tie against Derry. Only two Cork players have made over thirty league appearances this season though - centre back Josh Honohan and striker Ruairí Keating. Captain Cian Coleman and midfielder Aaron Bolger have made 29 appearances, whilst former Finn Harps frontman Tunde Owolabi and ex-Celtic midfielder Aaron Bolger have both made over 25. Star of the show in Turner’s Cross this year has undoubtedly been the aforementioned Ruairí Keating. The 28 year old striker, who beat Will Patching to the September Player of the Month award, has netted thirteen league goals this season so far – leaving him joint top of the Premier Division’s scoring chart with Jonathan Afolabi and Chris Forrester. He’ll be in confident form after netting the winner against UCD last week. Eighteen year old midfielder Joe O’Brien Whitmarsh, who also scored last week, is second in Cork’s league scoring charts with just four goals – showing the Rebels’ reliance on Keating. Interestingly, five different goalkeepers have lined out for Cork City in the league this season. Ireland U21 goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran has made the most appearances with twenty, whilst Altrincham loanee Ollie Bryne has made nine. Tiernan Brooks, who has also played for Ireland’s U21s, suffered an injury on his Cork City debut on loan from Notts County. Tobi Oluwayemi, who is now loan at Admira Wacker from Celtic, started Cork’s first two games of the season – including in the 2-0 loss against Derry in the Brandywell.

           

            That 2-0 win in February was the first of Derry’s three victories over Cork City this season. Colm Whelan scored the winner in a 3-1 win in Turner’s Cross in his return from injury back in May, whilst Tiernan McGinty netted the winner on his Derry City debut against Cork City in late June. The Candystripes will be hoping to finish the season with a 100% record against the Rebels - UCD are the only other team who Derry have beaten in all four meetings this term. Cork City haven’t beaten Derry since October 2018 when ex-City man Barry McNamee netted the opener in a 3-0 win in the Brandywell. The last victory for Cork against Derry in Turner’s Cross came in July of that year when they put five past the Candystripes. Garry Buckley netted twice, whilst former Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney found his first Cork City goal. Current First Division top scorer Ronan Coughlan scored late on, whilst Rochdale midfielder Jimmy Keohane also scored.

 

            With just two games remaining in the 2023 campaign, it’s a disappointment that Derry’s title charge dwindled out just as it was beginning to look possible. Qualification for Europe is paramount for City though. Aside from the fact that it is attractive to prospective new players, the financial impact of going a few rounds into European qualification is significantly more than the prize money for winning the league or cup. With a tricky tie against St. Pat’s in the last game of the season coming up next week, a win against Cork City on Friday is necessary.

 

Pól O’Hare – 25^th October 2023

Derry City v Shelbourne: Match Preview

 

 

Derry City FC v. Shelbourne FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 34, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 20^th October 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City’s dreams of a first league title since 1997 are all but over after a 0-0 draw away to Drogheda last time out. A win would have put Derry within two points of Shamrock Rovers, albeit with Rovers having the comfort of a game in hand, but the gap now sits at four points going into the last three games of the season. Shamrock Rovers can guarantee a fourth league title in a row with wins over Cork City and Drogheda United in their next two fixtures, whilst the Candystripes now look concerningly over their shoulder. St. Pat’s sit just two points behind City and have a game in hand – a rearranged home tie against Sligo Rovers due to their FAI Cup involvement – which will take place three days after a tricky away game against fellow cup finalists Bohemians in Dalymount on Friday.

 

            Friday’s opponents, Shelbourne, found themselves entering the international break in the top four after defeating Dundalk 1-0 in their last fixture. They have played the same number of games as Derry City (33) and sit five points behind the Candystripes. St. Pat’s, who sit in third, have both a three point buffer on Shels as well as a game in hand. Bohemians – after defeating UCD in their game in hand last week – have leapfrogged Shelbourne to retake fourth spot from their cross-city rivals.

 

            With just five points separating second and fifth in the table, Derry City will need to ensure that they don’t slip up in order to consolidate their place in the European spots. St. Pat’s and Bohemians have the comfort of knowing that, if they both finish in the top four, they will both get European qualification for the 2024 season. If a team who finishes in the top three – already guaranteeing European football – also wins the FAI Cup, fourth spot in the league table will be sufficient to gain entry to the UECL qualifiers next year. As Derry City finished second and won the cup in 2022, fourth placed St. Pat’s gained European qualification for the 2023 season – City repaying the favour from the year before.

 

            A win over Shelbourne, and a Bohemians loss against Pat’s, would see City go six points above Bohs in the league table. Therefore, they would need just one point from their final two games, or for Bohs to drop points, to guarantee their spot in UECL qualification in 2024. Whether Derry finish second, third or fourth, they will get European football as long as St. Pat’s and Bohemians make up the other top four spots along with Shamrock Rovers. Conceding just three goals in their last six games - whilst scoring fifteen - City will aim for positive results in their last three games to end the season on a positive note. It’s not as exciting as a title race, but it’s important to come away from the season with European football to look forward to. Summer signing Paul McMullan admitted that European football was definitely a factor in choosing to come to Derry, and it’s a draw that the club needs to have in order to attract the best attainable talent.

 

            Derry City, though, may have a few new niggles to be concerned about going to the tie against Shelbourne. Cameron McJannet went down on the hour mark against Drogheda and was replaced by Sam Todd. The 25 year old knew his game, and possibly his season depending on the severity of the injury, was over – signalling to the bench that a substitution was necessary. Adam O’Reilly seemed to pick up an injury off the ball and stayed down for a short amount of time. He played on until the 77^th minute when he was replaced by Brandon Kavanagh. Patrick McEleney, and the aforementioned Sam Todd, featured for the Candystripes for the first time since the 5-0 win over UCD in early September. Colm Whelan is out for the season, and it’s looking unlikely that Ciaron Harkin will return before November either. Ronan Boyce was an unused substitute on the bench after missing the previous game as a result of his sending off against Sligo Rovers. There are no new suspension worries for Derry though, as each of their last four games have all seen a red card – two of which were distributed to Derry players.

 

            Shelbourne travel to the Brandywell after losing just once since defeat away to St. Pat’s on the 23^rd of June. That loss came away to Shamrock Rovers at the end of September and, since the loss in Inchicore in June, Shelbourne have won six and drawn five league games. Damien Duff’s men also boast the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 23 goals in 33 games – Derry City trail close behind having conceded 24. Scoring goals seems to have been Shelbourne’s main problem this season, having won nine of their thirteen league wins by just one goal. Their goal tally of 37 is the fourth lowest in the division, higher only than the clubs in the bottom three: UCD, Cork City and Sligo Rovers. Jack Moylan is their top goal-scorer in the league with ten goals, whilst Sean Boyd and former Derry winger Matt Smith are tied on second with just four goals each. Both Boyd and Smith have been injured since July and August too. Their tally of fourteen draws is also the highest in the league, whilst only Shamrock Rovers have lost less games this term – highlighting their defensive solidity but lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

 

            Shelbourne haven’t beaten Derry City since April 2022, when their ten men won 2-1 in the Brandywell - their last league victory against the Candystripes before that came in June 2012. Two 1-0 wins for Derry, two 1-1 draws and a 0-0 draw have since followed in league action, showing how close-fought ties between these two usually are. Aside from City’s 4-0 demolition of Shels in the 2022 FAI Cup final – the biggest margin of victory in Irish cup final history – games between City and Shelbourne are rarely high scoring. There hasn’t been a winning scoreline separated by more than one goal in the league since Derry’s 3-1 home win in October 2013. Michael Rafter and Rory Patterson scored the goals for the Candystripes that night. This doesn’t seem to apply for cup action though, with the last three FAI Cup games between Derry City and Shelbourne ending 4-0 to Derry in 2022, 7-3 to Derry in 2018 and 3-0 to Derry in 2012. There has been a red card show in two of the three meetings between the two this year, one apiece for each side. With both teams gunning for European qualification, Friday night’s affair could be a heated one.

 

            It was announced in June of this year that Hull City’s Turkish owner Acun Ilıcalı had purchased a stake in Shelbourne FC to become majority shareholder. It’s expected that Shels will have significantly more financial backing going into the 2024 season, despite Damien Duff denying claims from Stephen Bradley that Shelbourne would have the biggest budget in the league next year. The extra financial might that may come from Ilıcalı’s ownership hasn’t yet been seen, but the loan signings of goalkeeper Harry Fisk, midfielder Harry Wood and forward Will Jarvis – all from Hull City – have hinted at how the relationship between Hull and Shels may look in the future. Fisk has been kept out of the starting eleven by Conor Kearns, but Harry Wood has two goals and five assists in twelve appearances since joining in the summer. Will Jarvis has made nine appearances, with his first goal for Shelbourne turning out to be the winner against Dundalk last time out.

 

            Shelbourne have a real gem on their hands in Jack Moylan though. Up there with the best young players in the League of Ireland, Moylan has netted ten goals and registered three assists in the league this term. The 22 year old is comfortable in playing across the front-line or in attacking midfield. Unfortunately for Shelbourne, it was announced that he will join Lincoln City in League One upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. Moylan is one of three players in the Shelbourne squad who have appeared in all thirty-three league game this season, alongside Conor Kearns and Evan Caffrey. Midfielder JJ Lunney is just one behind, on thirty-two appearances. Left back Tyreke Wilson and winger Shane Farrell have also made thirty appearances. Shelbourne have one of the youngest sides in the division too, with just three players being over the age of 26 in the squad - Paddy Barrett and Luke Byrne, both aged 30, and Shane Griffin, aged 29. With all three being defenders, their experience has played a large part in Shelbourne’s impressive record at the back.

 

            Despite lacking in the goals department, Shelbourne’s defensive stability is their key strength. Derry made chances against Drogheda but failed to put them away - something which has cost them dear in the title race this season. A clinical edge in front of goal will be required if City want to finish 2023 unbeaten against Shelbourne, whilst another draw may prove problematic going into the penultimate games of the campaign – especially considering how close second to fifth are in terms of points. Even though the title race is over, Derry need to record wins from their last three fixtures to end the season on a high.

 

Pól O’Hare – 11^th October 2023

Drogheda United v Derry City: Match Preview

Drogheda United v. Derry City, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 33, Weavers Park, Friday 6^th October 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City bounced back from defeat against Sligo in style, scoring five second-half goals to hit relegated UCD for six in the Brandywell. Six different scorers netted for the Candystripes, with Will Patching’s sweeping effort into the top corner the pick of the bunch – one of two goals for the Englishman which have been nominated for the League of Ireland’s goal of the month award for September. Michael Duffy also scored once and assisted twice to help City to their biggest margin of victory this season.

 

            Despite the dominant nature of the win, Derry still sit five points behind Shamrock Rovers at the summit after a second-half Graham Burke strike saw the Hoops past Dublin rivals Shelbourne. Now with just four games to play before the season’s end, it’s Rovers are firmly in the driving seat. Ruaidhrí Higgins and his men haven’t lost hope though, knowing they’ll need to win all twelve points from their final four fixtures in order to capitalise should the champions lose two of theirs.

 

            Drogheda United lie in wait for Derry City, less than two weeks after beating third place St. Pat’s in Inchicore – all but ending the Saints’ title push. In the Louth Derby four evenings later though, Drogheda fell to a 3-1 defeat against Dundalk despite going 1-0 up in the first half. Sitting twelve points above the stricken Cork City in the relegation play-off spot, and three above Sligo Rovers in 8^th, Drogheda are as good as safe from the drop though. Their goal difference of -7 is also considerably better than Cork’s -26, meaning Drogheda will want to finish the season in a strong fashion and without having to worry about relegation.

 

            Both Derry City and Shamrock Rovers have to face Drogheda United, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City before the season’s out. Derry face Shelbourne in two weeks’ time, whilst Rovers are due to play Sligo Rovers on the final day. Derry’s demolition of UCD, who drew 0-0 with Shamrock Rovers a week prior, has meant that the Candystripes have weakened Rovers’ goal difference advantage on the Candystripes to two. With four games to go, and Rovers going without a fixture until the 20^th of October, Derry must win all of their last four games in order to maintain a slim chance of lifting the title in November. Another issue is the fact that the teams who are more likely to take points from Shamrock Rovers – Drogheda and St. Pat’s – both face Derry. Higgins’ men will need to carry on with their fine goalscoring form.

 

                        Drogheda United, since losing 3-0 in the Brandywell in August, have had mixed form. They went on a three game winning run, beating Kerry FC in the FAI Cup before scoring three times back-to-back against Cork City and UCD. After a 3-1 defeat to Bohemians in the cup quarter-final, the Louth side held Bohs to a scoreless draw in the league before beating St. Pat’s earlier last week. They will be hoping to bounce back from their most recent defeat to Dundalk but have beaten Derry just once in their previous seven league meetings. Three one all draws occurred in those seven games, whilst both sides beat each other 1-0 away. In March 2022, a Jamie McGonigle brace ensured a 2-0 win for the Candystripes. The Dungiven man netted again in August 2023 – a 3-0 win in the most recent tie between the sides.

 

            Derry haven’t scored more than one goal in Weavers Park since May 2021, and have won just once there since. Adam O’Reilly bagged his first goal for the club to capture all three points last time City travelled to Drogheda. It’s not just Derry who struggle in Drogheda too. Shamrock Rovers haven’t won there in the league since August 2021, with their last win in Drogheda coming after-extra-time in the second round of the FAI Cup in 2022. In saying that, Drogheda have won just five of their sixteen home games this season and Derry have lost just two of their last 18 against the Louth side. The City faithful will be glad to hear that Derry have the best away form this season, picking up 28 points on the road.

 

            If Derry captain Patrick McEleney doesn’t feature on Friday night, it will have been a month since his last appearance, when he played 35 minutes in City’s 5-0 win against UCD on September 6^th. Some of his creative spark seemed to be missed against Shamrock Rovers, and definitely against Sligo Rovers as City struggled to create meaningful chances. Against UCD last week however, City’s starting front three were on form. Danny Mullen and Michael Duffy both scored, whilst Paul McMullan registered an assist. Brandon Kavanagh looked lively off the bench and did well to score City’s fourth and assist the sixth. Jamie McGonigle will also have been pleased to have scored his first goal since mid-August, when he last netted against Drogheda United. Ronan Boyce’s suspension was served last Friday meaning he is eligible to play in Weavers Park. Despite being on the bench for the past three games, Sam Todd hasn’t played since that 5-0 win over UCD in early September either.

 

            Drogheda United centre back Conor Keeley, who was the subject of a bid from Notts County during the summer, missed the Louth derby through injury. He has made thirty league appearances since joining from Ballymena United in January and will be a miss in the Drogheda defence. He was replaced in the starting eleven by Jamie Egan, who has made just three appearances since joining on loan from Bristol Rovers in the summer. 17 year old goalkeeper Andrew Wogan has started every league game since taking Colin McCabe’s spot in June and seems a promising netminder. He has kept just three clean sheets – against Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and UCD – but hasn’t shied away from Premier Division football.

 

Dayle Rooney started against Dundalk after scoring a goal of the season contender to beat St. Pat’s. That goal was his fourth of the season. Along with nine assists this campaign, the former Shelbourne winger is in good form. Darragh Markey has also racked up seven assists this campaign, whilst former Finn Harps frontman Adam Foley has six goals and five assists in twenty five league appearances. Manager Kevin Doherty has tended to set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 but beat Derry City with a 3-5-2 back in April.

 

            It looks unlikely that the Candystripes will lift the league title this year, but it’s not over just yet. A few blips along the road for Shamrock Rovers could open the door for City should Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men keep winning. Finishing the season strongly and winning their last four games would give the players confidence going into the new campaign next year – but there is still work to be done this term yet.

 

Pól O’Hare – 4^th October 2023

Derry City v UCD: Match Preview

  

Derry City FC v. UCD AFC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 32, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 29^th September 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City’s title push has been dealt a significant blow after losing 1-0 to Sligo Rovers last Friday. A late Stefan Radoslavjević goal punished the ten men of City, who struggled to get a foothold in the game. The Candystripe faithful felt hard done by, with referee Rob Harvey denying Derry a seemingly clear penalty when the game was at 0-0.  Shamrock Rovers’ goalless draw with UCD rubbed salt into the Derry wounds, as a win for Derry would have cut the gap to the top to two points.

           

            Shamrock Rovers now sit five points clear of Derry City at the top of the Premier Division table and will need to lose at least two of their last five games in order to give the Candystripes a chance at catching them. It's definitely not impossible, but it'll be some task. Ruaidhrí Higgins men suddenly found themselves looking over their shoulder too, as a win on Monday night for St. Pat’s over Drogheda, in their game in hand, would have seen the Inchicore side go into second place. Drogheda's Dayle Rooney's goal of the season contender ensured the win for the team from Louth however, keeping Derry in second.

 

            Despite a draw against the champions, made more impressive by the fact they had just 20% of the ball and faced 23 shots, UCD’s relegation to the First Division was confirmed on Friday. This came just a day after it was announced that manager Andy Myler would leave his role at the end of the season. It was also confirmed on Friday that UCD would be replaced in the Premier Division by Galway United. The Tribesmen’s 4-0 away win over Kerry FC ensured their return to Ireland’s top domestic league after a six year absence. Galway currently have a massive goal difference of +66 and their 4-0 FAI Cup win over Dundalk shows that they ought to be respected in 2024.

 

            Friday’s meeting between Derry City and UCD will be the second between the teams in September alone. Derry swept the Students aside earlier in the month, beating them 5-0 in the UCD Bowl. The Candystripes will hope for a similar outcome this time round, but UCD’s resilience against Shamrock Rovers shows that Derry will have to be clinical.

           

            Since that win against UCD earlier in the month, City have drawn with Shamrock Rovers and lost to Sligo Rovers – two results which have dented their title push.

 

            Derry City were without Patrick McEleney against Sligo on Friday – the 31 year old also missed out on Derry’s game against Shamrock Rovers and hasn’t featured for the Candystripes since that 5-0 win over UCD. Shane McEleney has served his one game ban after a straight red card against Rovers, but City will be without Ronan Boyce for the tie against UCD after his red card in Sligo. Jamie McGonigle hasn’t played for Derry since their 3-1 away win to Dundalk at the start of the month, but has been an unused substitute in the three games since – he’ll be hoping to get a run out against UCD after scoring a hat-trick against the Students last season. Sam Todd will also want to play against his former club, but has played just twice for Derry since signing during the summer.

 

            UCD have nothing but pride to play for after the confirmation of their relegation. They were without defender Adam Wells against Shamrock Rovers after suspension, but he is eligible for the game against Derry. The Students haven’t scored in the league since a 1-1 draw with Cork City on the 11^th of August, conceding eleven goals and picking up just one point since that draw in Turner’s Cross. UCD’s main threat comes from 21 year old striker Danu Kinsella-Bishop, who is their top scorer with five goals. Ciaran Behan has also scored twice and made three assists from midfield in the 2023 campaign. 18 year old Jake Doyle has netted thrice and recorded one assist. Donegal native Jack Keaney is the UCD captain and has made 30 appearances this term. Winger Daniel Norris has made 28, whilst former Derry midfielder Brendan Barr, Adam Wells and Kinsella-Bishop have made 26. Departing manager Andy Myler is no stranger to switching up his tactics. He has set up in a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, 5-3-2 and 5-4-1 this term.

 

            There seems to have been a lot of “what if’s” this season, but this match could have been massively beneficial to Derry’s title challenge if they won last week in Sligo. Despite last week's loss, a win for Derry on Friday would close the gap to Rovers back to two points if the champions lose to Shelbourne. The Candystripes certainly aren’t down and out yet, but they will want to finish the season in a strong fashion should they be the ones lifting the trophy in November or not. They need to get a run of wins together in order to make the most of any slip-ups from Shamrock Rovers - if they are to occur again.

 

Pól O’Hare – 27 September 2023

 

 

 

           

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Sligo Rovers FC v Derry City FC, 2023 League of Ireland Premier Division Round 31, Friday 22^nd September 2023, The Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            It’s as you were in terms of the Premier Division title race after Derry City and Shamrock Rovers played out a 1-1 draw in the Brandywell last Friday. A late Graham Burke penalty cancelled out Cameron McJannet’s opener to see the spoils shared, but the Dublin side will be happier with the result.

 

            The 1-1 draw meant that Shamrock Rovers maintain their four point buffer to second placed Derry, now with just six games remaining in the League of Ireland season. The Candystripes need to win all six of those fixtures, whilst relying on Rovers to slip up twice, if they are to realise their dream of winning a first league title this side of the millennium.

 

            That’s considerably easier said than done. Both Derry and Shamrock Rovers have to face Drogheda United, Shelbourne and St. Pat’s before the season’s out, as well as Derry travelling to Sligo this Friday. There are opportunities for points to be dropped before November, but with both City and Rovers facing the same six teams in the run in, the eventual winner will need to maintain supreme focus.

 

            Sligo Rovers, who have failed to muster a consistent run of form throughout the season, currently sit in 8^th place in the Premier Division table. A 2-0 win away to UCD at the weekend ensured they stay six points clear of Cork City in 9^th despite losing 3-0 to The Rebels a fortnight prior. The Bit O’Red will not look comfortably at their next six fixtures though, having to face Derry, Bohemians, St. Pat’s, Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers before the season’s over. They’ll be fighting tooth and nail as every point is precious at this stage of the campaign.

 

            Despite battling at opposite ends of the table, Sligo may fancy their chances against the Candystripes on Friday. Derry haven’t won away to Sligo Rovers since August 2021, when Ronan Boyce scored four minutes from time to ensure the points went north. It was an even later goal, this time for current Finn Harps man Seamas Keogh, which captured all three points for Rovers in the 2022 season. He scored in the 94^th minute in the Showgrounds in May 2022 to break City hearts and earn a 2-1 win for his side. The other game in the Showgrounds that year ended 0-0, whilst former Derry winger Will Fitzgerald scored after just three minutes in May 2023 as Sligo held out for a 1-0 win against Derry in this season’s previous fixture in the Showgrounds. This doesn’t make for great reading for the City faithful, especially when considering that Derry have won just two of the last seven meetings between the two sides.

 

Derry fans won’t forget Will Patching’s 95^th minute penalty which ensured a 2-1 win for the Candystripes in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium this July. Derry native Danny Lafferty equalised for Sligo Rovers in that game, just ten minutes after Jamie McGonigle opened the scoring. The theme of late goals in this fixture continued on St. Patrick’s Day in the other Brandywell tie this year. Ciaran Coll scored on the 81^st minute to equalise after Max Mata’s opener. That game could’ve, and probably should’ve, finished as a Derry victory. Ollie O’Neill was caught after threading the ball through to Jamie McGonigle in the first half. Just as McGonigle had wound up an effort on goal, which would beat Luke McNicholas and nestle into the bottom corner, the referee blew his whistle to stop the play. Despite allowing the game to play on, Derry were without a goal which should have stood, made worse by the fact that the ball was given back to City to take a free kick for the foul on O’Neill. Hopefully Friday’s game isn’t decided by such a blunder.

 

Both teams go into Friday desperate for three points to keep their respective title and survival hopes alive. Shamrock Rovers face UCD, a tie which they will likely win, meaning Derry will leave themselves with a real mountain to climb should they not come away victorious from the Showgrounds. Cork City, who have a game in hand on Sligo, sit six points behind the Bit O’Red and face bottom side UCD before the season is out. The pressure is on Rovers to keep that lead to six points and steer clear of a relegation play-off.

 Sligo Rovers have recorded just one win in their last six league ties - a 2-0 victory at home to UCD last weekend. They were well beaten by Cork City in early September, and fell to defeats against Shelbourne, Dundalk and St. Pat’s in August. A week after losing to Drogheda United in the first round of the FAI Cup in July, Sligo threw away a 2-0 lead to eventually draw 2-2 against the Louth side in the league. 

Derry City, on the other hand, have lost just once in their last fifteen games. That loss came away to Tobol Kostanay in August, and they haven’t tasted league defeat since a 1-0 loss to Shamrock Rovers in late June. City have won four of their last seven league ties since that defeat to Rovers, including 5-0 and 3-1 wins in their previous two away fixtures and the aforementioned 2-1 win over Sligo in July. The Candystripes won’t be without confidence heading into Friday’s game, knowing that wins are vital in keeping close to Shamrock Rovers.

 

Sligo Rovers had significant squad changes in the summer transfer window – something which has affected results. Highly rated former Ireland U21 goalkeeper Luke McNicholas was lost on loan to Wrexham, whilst top scorer Max Mata was sold to Shrewsbury Town. Estonian international Bogdan Vaštšuk departed and joined Vozdovac in Serbia, whilst 19 year old centre back Éanna Clancy joined UCD. There were some interesting transfers into the club, however. Former Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Robbie Burton, who was on loan at Sligo in 2022, joined on a short term deal. Left back Reece Hutchinson made his loan from Cheltenham Town permanent, whilst pacey winger Fabrice Hartmann’s loan from RB Leipzig was extended. Pedro Martelo, a former Portugal U20 striker, joined from Belenenses in Portugal’s second tier.

 

Luke McNicholas made 26 appearances before departing for Wales in the summer, meaning that 18 year old Conor Walsh would be made to deputise in goal. After making three appearances and conceding five goals, he was replaced by veteran Richard Brush for the UCD game. The 38 year old kept a clean sheet against the Students and may be in line for a start against Derry, owing to his experience. Across the back-line, Reece Hutchinson, Johan Brannefalk, John Mahon and New Zealand international Nando Pijnaker have all made over 20 league appearances, showing that John Russell has a preferred defensive core in his 4-2-3-1 formation. Sligo played a defensive 5-4-1 once this term, losing 3-0 to Cork City.

 

In the middle of the park, Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger, Kailin Barlow, Stefan Radosavljevic and Lukas Browning-Lagerfeldt have completed over twenty appearances too. Radosavljevic signed for Sligo Rovers from HB Torshávn, whom Derry defeated in UECL qualification this summer. Max Mata bsgged eleven goals in twenty six appearances this season before leaving and has left a hole in the attack since his departure - Sligo have scored just two league goals since the New Zealand man left the club. Frank Liivak and Will Fitzgerald both have six goal involvements in the front line, whilst Fabrice Hartmann has five. Right back Johan Brannefalk has six assists, whilst Kailin Barlow has five assists and two goals to his name. The lively Hartmann is one to watch with pace to burn and a bag of tricks. 

 

The Showgrounds has never been the happiest of hunting grounds for Derry City, but with Sligo’s poor form since the summer break, the Candystripes will hope to claim the win on Friday. Both teams could really do with the points to strengthen their fights at either end of the Premier Division table. Late goals seem to be a theme in ties between Derry and Sligo Rovers in recent times too, so expect action right until the end. Every game is a must win at this stage. 

 

Pól O’Hare – 20^th August 2023

 

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers: Match Preview

 

Derry City FC v. Shamrock Rovers FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 30, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 15^TH September 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City can narrow the gap to Shamrock Rovers at the summit of the Premier Division table to just one point should they defeat the Tallaght side on Friday night. Rovers, who are chasing their fourth league title in a row, can go seven points clear should they claim victory in the Brandywell. With just six games remaining in the 2023 League of Ireland campaign, this clash between first and second has all the makings of a classic.

 

            Will Patching shone as City put five past UCD last week in their game in hand, whilst Brandon Kavanagh also netted a brace for himself. Danny Mullen scored his second goal in three games after just two minutes to set the Candystripes on the right track. The victory meant that Derry now sit four points behind Shamrock Rovers going into Friday night’s game, and all but confirmed UCD’s relegation as they lie seventeen points behind ninth placed Cork City.

 

            There is no two ways about, this clash against Rovers is the biggest game of the Premier Division season so far. City haven’t lost in the league since falling to a 1-0 defeat against the Champions in Tallaght in late June. In fact, since losing to Rovers in the Brandywell in May, Derry have won nine and drawn three of their last twelve home games. Rovers, too, haven’t tasted league defeat in over two months either. Their 2-0 away defeat against Dundalk, four days after beating Derry in June, was the last time Shamrock Rovers came away empty handed from a league game.

 

            Shamrock Rovers have beaten Derry twice in the league this season - a 2-0 win in the Brandywell in May and a 1-0 victory in Tallaght in June. City, however, defeated Rovers 2-0 in the President's Cup back in February, before beating them 2-1 in Dublin three weeks later. Rovers have won all but one of their last ten league visits to the Brandywell and won't back down from a fight on Friday.

            Both sides are full of confidence approaching the tie. Rovers have won three and drawn two of their last five league games, with their most recent victory coming in the form of a 3-0 Dublin Derby win over bitter rivals Bohemians. Derry City on the other hand, can boast four wins and a draw from their last five league fixtures. The Candystripes have been in fine goalscoring form in that time too, netting fifteen goals and conceding just four in league action. They’ll need to keep that prowess in front of goal up if they are to pip Friday’s opposition to the title. Rovers’ goal difference is currently +30, whereas City’s is +24. If City manage to win on Friday, that gulf in goal difference will decrease, but it will be a tall ask to overcome the highest scoring team in the division come November.

 

            The manner of Derry’s win against UCD meant that key players could be rested or brought off early. Michael Duffy and Jamie McGonigle were named on the bench but didn’t feature, whilst Patrick McEleney got the best part of thirty five minutes in the second half in order to increase his match fitness. Shane McEleney and Brandon Kavanagh started, whilst Sam Todd, Jordan McEneff and Cian Kavanagh saw over half an hour of action. A first team debut was also handed to 17 year old Callum McCay, who replaced Sadou Diallo on the 71^st minute.

 

            Worryingly, defensive trio Ronan Boyce, Cameron Dummigan and Mark Connolly were not included in the squad against UCD, meaning it is doubtful that they will be fit in time for Rovers’ visit on Friday. It’s coming up to a year since Ciaron Harkin devastatingly re-ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, but there is no sign of an imminent return unfortunately. The knee injury which kept Colm Whelan out of action for a year was reagitated in Shamrock Rovers’ last visit to the Brandywell in May, prematurely ending his season after a prosperous start to life in Derry. Hopefully it won’t be too far into 2024 before we see the striker in a red and white shirt again. Evan McLaughlin, who has been out of action for over five months, recently underwent surgery and will begin rehabilitation.

 

            Shamrock Rovers’ primary concern is the knee injury of star man Jack Byrne, who saw a specialist in London in August. He hasn’t featured since injuring his medial knee ligaments in Rovers’ Champions League qualifying defeat to Icelandic side Breidablik in mid-July, but is expected to return before the end of the season. Neil Farrugia, one of the league’s best full backs, returned from injury to score against Bohemians two weeks ago. Prior to that game, he hadn’t played since Rovers’ 1-0 win over Derry in late June. He played just ten minutes against Bohs, so may not start on Friday despite his impressive goal in the Dublin derby. Aaron Greene hasn’t been included in a Rovers’ squad since they drew with Shelbourne on August 11^th, whilst Sean Gannon hasn’t played since starting against Ferencváros a week previous.

 

            Stephen Bradley tends to set his Rovers team up with three centre backs and two, more attacking, wingbacks. Therefore, Shamrock Rovers most often play either a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 formation. With Dan Cleary, Roberto Lopes and Lee Grace all appearing in more than twenty league games this season – and Sean Hoare in eighteen – Bradley has a solid defensive core. The profiles of Trevor Clarke and Sean Kavanagh in left-back, and Neil Farrugia in particular at right back, shows that Bradley has a specific mould of forward-thinking full-back in mind when setting up his teams. Clarke has seven goal involvements, Farrugia five, and Kavanagh six this term, whilst Ronan Finn – who can play right back or in the midfield – has three. That means 21 of Rovers’ 54 league goals (38.9%) have been made by, or scored by, wide defenders. This is definitely something which Ruaidhrí Higgins will be aware of.

 

            In the midfield, Rovers have quality too. Markus Poom, on loan from Levadia Tallinn, has come into his own since the injury to Jack Byrne and has contributed to seven goals this term. Richie Towell, who scored in the Brandywell earlier this season, has six goal involvements. Gary O’Neill is a tough defensive midfielder, and Graham Burke has chipped in with thirteen goals or assists this term from the left flank. Jack Byrne will be a miss in the Rovers midfield if Friday is too soon for his return, as he scored in the Brandywell in April and has made eight assists this season. Liam Burt was excellent for Bohemians last year, but has scored just once since crossing the Dublin divide in the off-season. Galway native Rory Gaffney was named both the PFAI Players’ Player of the Year and the SSE Airtricity Player of the Year for the 2022 Premier Division season. The striker has chipped in with eight goals and five assists this term and offers a physical presence in the Rovers frontline. Ireland U21 forward Johnny Kenny, on-loan from Celtic, has seven goal involvements in 27 games, whilst Aaron Greene has five in thirteen.

    Friday's game is the biggest fixture of the season and is likely where the league will be won or lost. If Derry win and cut the gap to a point, they will fancy their chances in finishing the season strongly and only need Rovers to drop points once to overtake them should City keep winning. Shamrock Rovers, with a win, will go seven points clear and will need a serious drop-off in form to not win the league for the fourth year in a row. European games aside, this is City's biggest game since the FAI Cup final last year. The Candystripe faithful will need to replicate an atmosphere akin to that against KuPS in the Brandywell during the summer if Derry are to topple the champions. It's a big one. 

 

Pól O'Hare - 13 August 2023

           

 

           

UCD v Derry City: Match Preview

 UCD AFC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 26, Belfield Bowl, Wednesday 6^TH September 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City are back up to second place in the Premier Division table after an impressive 3-1 away win over Dundalk on Friday. A Will Patching brace, either side of a goal from Ben Doherty, saw the Candystripes overcome their Louth opposition despite having just 27.8% possession. Particular mention must be given to Brian Maher in the City goal, who made a string of phenomenal saves to keep his side firmly within the title race.

 

            Derry City capitalised on St Pat’s’ defeat to rivals Shelbourne to leapfrog the Inchicore side and heat up the race for the league title. Leaders Shamrock Rovers’ 3-0 win over Bohemians in the other Dublin Derby of the evening has seen them extend their lead at the top to 7 points, but Derry still have to face Rovers and have a game in hand. Shelbourne’s win saw them move into fifth place and above Dundalk, whilst the loss for Bohemians has given Derry a 3 point buffer over Bohs in fifth.

 

            Ruaidhrí Higgins made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 against Bohemians in Dalymount, handing a second Derry City debut to Sam Todd, who signed from UCD earlier in the summer. That was Todd’s first appearance this season following injury, and his first Derry City appearance since 2017 when he lined out against FC Midtjylland in a Europa League Qualifier. Shane McEleney partnered Todd in central defence, replacing Mark Connolly who came off injured against Bohs. Cameron McJannet started in left back and allowed Ben Doherty, who was preferred to Michael Duffy, license to play further forward. Patrick McEleney began in the midfield for the first time since early August, replacing Sadou Diallo.

 Due to the injury-hit City defence, no defenders were named on the bench. Ronan Boyce, Cameron Dummigan and Mark Connolly were not included in the team and it’ll be unlikely to see any of the three feature against UCD, unless it’s off the bench to gain a bit of match sharpness ahead of the game against Shamrock Rovers on the 15^th. Against UCD, I’d expect Ruaidhrí Higgins to rotate his squad in order to keep his preferred starting eleven sharp for the game against Rovers next week. Brandon Kavanagh, Jordan McEneff and Jamie McGonigle came off the bench against Dundalk, and will likely feature against UCD. Cian Kavanagh will also be hoping to play against The Students, as he hasn’t appeared for Derry since the game against Tobol Kostanay in Tallaght three weeks ago.

 

            UCD are rock-bottom of the League of Ireland Premier Division and are playing for little more than pride before their relegation is confirmed. They have won just two games this season; against Sligo Rovers in June and at home to Cork City in May. They have, however, drawn against Shelbourne, Dundalk and Bohemians this season already, meaning Derry will have to be clinical if they are to win comfortably. With eight games to go, UCD are seventeen points behind Cork City in ninth place. Their FAI Cup hopes finished with a 5-1 home defeat to First Division leaders Galway United too. They lost 3-0 to Drogheda United on Friday, they haven’t won in five, and they haven’t kept a clean sheet in twenty games either – it’s not looking good for The Students.

 Derry, on the other hand, are in good form and need a win against UCD to be just four points behind Shamrock Rovers in first. It’s easier said than done but should City beat UCD and Rovers, they will be just one point behind top spot. Derry haven’t dropped points against UCD since July 2019, when the sides played out a 0-0 draw in the Brandywell. UCD have beaten Derry 16 times in 68 league outings, but Derry have won nine and drawn one since that last defeat in October 2014. This season, Derry have scored eight goals and conceded just once in their two games against UCD so far. Jamie McGonigle won’t forget playing UCD in 2022 – he scored a hat-trick in a 7-1 win in the Brandywell – and will be hoping to get in on the goals on Wednesday too. City play UCD at home on the 29^th of September and will hope to be even closer to the summit by then.
The Students’ main threat comes from 21 year old striker Danu Kinsella-Bishop, who is their top scorer with five this term. Ciaran Behan is also one to keep an eye on in attacking midfield; he’s scored twice and made three assists in 2023. Donegal native, and UCD captain, Jack Keaney has made 27 appearances this season. Winger Daniel Norris has made 26 appearances, whilst seven other players have made over twenty appearances. One such player will be familiar to Derry City fans – midfielder Brendan Barr left Derry City to join UCD prior to the start of the 2023 season after loan deals in the Irish League with Ballymena United and Dungannon Swifts. The 22 year old plays deeper for The Students than he did at Derry, usually featuring in defensive midfield. Manager Andrew Myler is open to changing his system but has played a 4-2-3-1 in UCD’s previous three games. They have also lined out in a 4-4-2 this term, along with playing 5 in the defensive at times.
The Derry City players will need to be clinical in front of goal if they are to win all three points against UCD on Wednesday. This match is Derry’s game in hand over the other title hopefuls, meaning that a win would be crucial in continuing their title push. UCD have shown that they can hold stronger teams to draws this season, something which Ruaidhrí Higgins will have warned his players of. City haven’t lost in Belfield since 2005 and have won their last eleven games away to UCD, conceding just thrice. Derry will hope to extend this record on Wednesday and come back up the road happy, knowing they have nine days to prepare for the crunch tie against Shamrock Rovers.

 

Pól O’Hare – 4th September 2023

Dundalk v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Dundalk FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division, Round 29, Oriel Park, Friday 1^st September 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City and Bohemians played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Dalymount last Friday, but it was a result which wasn’t ideal for either team. Still level on points, Derry and Bohs remain firmly within the title race, but Shamrock Rovers’ win over Dundalk sees them four points clear at the top. That win also means that Rovers' gap to City and Bohemians has been extended to seven points.

 

            Derry do have a game in hand, an away fixture at UCD in early September, as well as a vital tie against the league leaders on the 15^th. In theory at least, a win over UCD and Rovers would cut the gap to the top to one point should Derry hit a patch of good form, and other results go their way. Therefore, Derry’s title hopes are far from over, but they can’t afford to drop points at this stage of the season.

 

            The Candystripes are away to Dundalk on Friday, hoping to win in Oriel Park for just the second time since 2013. This is definitely a surprising stat, but it makes some sense when considering how good that Dundalk team was for large parts of the 2010s. They won five league titles out of a possible six between 2014 and 2019 and qualified for the Europa League group stages. Current Derry stars Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney were central to large parts of their success, whilst manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was part of the Lilywhite’s title-winning team of 2014.

 

            Derry’s last win in Oriel Park was definitely one for the history books. It was the last game of the season in 2021 and Derry, revitalised under new manager Ruaidhrí Higgins, needed a win to clinch European football (with a bit of help from St. Pat’s in the form of an FAI Cup final win that year). After going 1-0 down in the first half, a Ciaron Harkin rocket on the stroke of half-time brought the Candystripes level. Just seven minutes into the second half, Jamie McGonigle slid it past Peter Cherrie to score what would turn out to be the decider.

 

            This season Derry are unbeaten against Dundalk. Back in March, the sides drew 0-0 in the Brandywell. Five weeks later, Dundalk scored twice in two minutes to go ahead in Oriel Park before a Cian Kavanagh header equalised in a game that would finish 2-2. When the sides met in the Brandywell in May, City were dominant. Goals from Jordan McEneff, Brandon Kavanagh and Michael Duffy ensured a comfortable 3-0 win.

 

            This Friday’s tie holds more weight though. Dundalk are currently sitting in sixth, four points behind Derry in the last European spot. The Candystripes are three points behind St. Pat’s in second and have a goal difference of +17, compared to the Inchicore side’s +18. Pat’s face a tricky tie away to Shelbourne, who themselves sit level on points with Dundalk and are in the race for Europe. If other ties go Derry’s way (Shels beat Pat’s and Bohs beat Rovers), they could find themselves in second place with a win over Dundalk.

 

            Neither Ronan Boyce nor Cameron Dummigan featured against Bohemians last Friday, whilst former Dundalk defender Mark Connolly was replaced by Shane McEleney after just seventeen minutes. Connolly seemed in some discomfort after going down early on but continued to play on prior to his early departure. These are three key players who Ruaidhrí Higgins will not want to be without going into the latter stages of the league campaign. Patrick McEleney hasn’t started since coming off injured in Derry’s 3-3 draw against KuPS on August 3^rd, but has frequently featured from the bench since. The captain is another man who Higgins will want to keep as fit as possible for the remainder of the season. Aside from these concerns, and the long-term injuries to Colm Whelan and Ciaron Harkin, the Derry manager seems to have no other injury worries. Danny Mullen was impressive on Friday and will hope to kick-on after scoring his first goal for City too. Summer signing Sam Todd is yet to feature but was named on the bench against Bohemians. He may be involved soon due to City’s injury hit back-line.

 

            Dundalk are on a decent run as of late, winning two, drawing two and losing one in their last five games in all competitions. That loss came against league leaders Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght last Friday. Similarly to Derry, Dundalk progressed from the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League after beating Bruno’s Magpies of Gibraltar 3-1 on aggregate. They slipped to a disappointing 5-3 aggregate defeat in the second round against KA Akureyri, who currently sit 7^th in the Icelandic top division. That loss threatened to derail their season, but wins over Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers in the FAI Cup sees them in an intriguing quarter-final tie against Galway United. The Lilywhites will hope to go far into the cup this season, with European qualifiers awaiting the winner.

 

            Stephen O’Donnell tends to play a 4-2-3-1, but played a back five against Shelbourne earlier this month. He has also set his team up in a 4-4-2 and a 4-3-3 this term. Dundalk’s Welsh goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the League of Ireland. He has started all 28 of the Lilywhites’ league games this season, keeping 7 clean sheets. English right back Archie Davies has been impressive for Dundalk too, starting 26 games and making three assists. Across the rest of the Dundalk backline, Hayden Muller has made 25 appearances whilst left-back Darragh Leahy has 22. Scottish centre back Darren Brownlie has been brought it from Partick Thistle to add stability in the defence.

 

            The Dundalk midfield consists of former Derry players Greg Sloggett and Keith Ward, who have made 20 and 19 appearances respectively. Alfie Lewis has made 21 league appearances whilst former Rochdale man Conor Malley has made 24 starts. 20 year old winger Ryan O’Kane is a prospect on the wing, chipping in with five goal involvements this season. Daniel Kelly also has five goal involvements from the wing this term, as does striker John Martin. Club record goalscorer Pat Hoban has netted ten goals this year and is always a physical threat in the frontline. The return of former fans-favourite Daryl Horgan, who has made 17 appearances for the Irish national team since leaving Dundalk in 2017, is a real statement signing by the Lilywhites. He left Dundalk for Preston North End six years ago, and has since lined out for Hibernian, Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage. Horgan scored a late winner in the FAI Cup second round against Bray Wanderers.

 

            Each point is precious when it comes to this stage of the season. With nine games left for Derry, and one less for Dundalk, both sides will likely go all out in search of a win. With a Dublin Derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians the highlight of the round on Friday, Derry’s title hopes could be skewered should results not pan out as they hope. A Rovers win would put them ten points ahead of Derry if the Candystripes lose to Dundalk. The old cliché that the last run of games are all cup finals is more evident than ever now.

 

Pól O’Hare – 30 August 2023

 

 

Bohemians v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Bohemian FC v Derry City FC, Dalymount Park, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 28, Friday 25^Th August 2023, kick-off 7.45pm

 

            Derry City will be eager to put a disappointing week behind them and focus on their title charge when they face Bohemians on Friday. Two penalty shootout defeats in the space of four days saw the Candystripes eliminated from both the Europa Conference League and the FAI Cup. Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men now fight on just one front, for the League of Ireland Premier Division title, and have only ten games remaining to overturn a five point deficit to the top.

 

            Despite keeping clean sheets against both Tobol Kostanay in the third qualifying round of the UECL, and St. Pat’s in the second round of the FAI Cup, Derry City find themselves out of both competitions following two cruel penalty shootout defeats. After playing 240 minutes of football in their last two fixtures, Higgins’ men travel to north Dublin on Friday to face a Bohemians side who sit level on points with City, behind only on goal difference.

 

            Bohs are unbeaten in seven games, since a 3-1 defeat against Sligo Rovers in late June, and find themselves in the fight for the league title. Manager Declan Devine, former Derry City manager and player, joined the club prior to the end of the 2022 season and was tasked with a rebuild after a sixth placed finish last term. The Dublin side began the 2023 campaign positively too, winning seven of their first ten games, leaving them top of the table until round fourteen in early May.

 

               When Derry face Bohs, there is often little to separate the sides. In the last ten meetings between the teams, there have been five draws, four Derry wins and just one win for Bohemians. That sole win for the Dubliners came earlier this season, when a second-half Dean Williams penalty in the Brandywell took the three points back down to Phibsborough. In fact, the Candystripes haven’t lost in Dalymount since September 2020, when Keith Ward and Andre Wright both scored in second half stoppage time to ensure a 2-1 Bohs win. Friday’s meeting will be the last of the four in the 2023 season. Last time out, a 0-0 draw was contested in Derry, whilst a Ryan Graydon goal separated the sides in Dalymount four weeks prior. Both teams have won three of their last five league games and, with five points separating first and fourth, a win is vital to both side’s title push.

 

            There have been some memorable encounters between the two in recent times. Derry played some of their best football this season in the first half in Dalymount in May, dominating a ten-man Bohs side before defending some resilient pressure from the home side in the second half. Derry’s 3-2 win in Dublin in July 2022, which included a Dawson Devoy wondergoal for the hosts, sticks out as another noteworthy encounter. Earlier that season, James Akintunde scored a 93^rd minute winner for City to sink his current employer. The English forward started Bohemians’ most recent game, a 6-0 win over Rockmount in the FAI Cup.

 

            A 3-3 draw late in the 2021 season was a classic Bohs-Derry fixture. Liam Burt opened the scoring after just 7 minutes for the home side. Just after the hour mark, Jamie McGonigle levelled the tie with a wonderful curling strike into the top corner. Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, a former fans favourite at the Brandywell and previous Bohemians player, put City ahead on the 76^th minute. Georgie Kelly, who came through the youth ranks at Derry, levelled the tie once again five minutes later. Derry thought they’d won it after James Akintunde scored a late goal in the 91^st minute, but a 96^th minute Ciaran Kelly equaliser ensured the points were shared. City finished fourth that season, just two points above Bohemians, and qualified for European football after Bohs lost in the 2021 FAI Cup final.

 

            Ruaidhrí Higgins will have to rejuvenate his side after such a tough week both physically and mentally. Two penalty defeats and 240 minutes played across two fixtures will take its toll on the players, but the close and competitive nature of the current title race will serve as motivation to finish the season strongly for players and staff alike. After coming off injured against Tobol in Tallaght, Will Patching was replaced again in extra-time against St. Pat’s. Cameron Dummigan was in immediate discomfort after awkwardly twisting his hip in a tackle in normal time and was replaced by Danny Mullen. Shane McEleney, who was carrying a niggle following the game against Drogheda, was replaced by Mark Connolly on the hour mark. These knocks will hopefully not be serious, as Ruaidhrí Higgins needs as deep a squad as possible coming into the final stages of the season.

 

            Bohemians seem to have as strong a squad as possible coming into the tie against Derry. They’ll be hoping to continue their excellent form and take third place from the Candystripes. St. Pat’s, who sit one point clear in second place, will likely defeat UCD at the weekend and will expect to hold onto their current standing no matter the result in Dalymount. Declan Devine hasn’t deviated from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation this season and tends to have favourites when it comes to his main starting eleven. Just thirteen players have made over twenty or more league appearances this season for Bohemians (one of which being Grant Horton who has returned to Cheltenham following the expiration of his loan).

 

Bohs’ goalkeeper James Talbot has started all 27 of their league games this season, keeping an impressive ten clean sheets but conceding an average of more than a goal per game. Polish defender Kacper Radkowski, on loan from Slask Wroclaw, is the only other player in the Bohemian squad to start every league game. The midfield trio of captain Adam McDonnell, eighteen year old James McManus, and James Clarke, has been the go-to  recently. Bohs are strong in this position on the bench too, with the experienced heads of Jordan Flores and Keith Buckley both making over twenty appearances this term. McManus was the subject of bids believed to be around €250k from unnamed English clubs during the summer after impressing for the Dublin side, despite juggling League of Ireland football with completing his Leaving Cert.

 

Jonathan Afolabi, formerly of Celtic, is in superb form lately. He has netted in eight of his last seven league appearances and has scored in both of his sides’ FAI Cup games this season. The 23 year old will have been highlighted as one of Bohs’ main threats. Declan McDaid and Kris Twardek have made more substitute appearances than starts this season but offer quality in the wide areas when featuring. They have seven assists between them this term. The return of former star player Danny Grant from Huddersfield Town, who was close to a move to St. Pat’s, has further boosted the Bohemians front-line. He has made two assists in just three appearances since returning to Dalymount. Alistair Coote has ten goal involvements in 21 games, whilst former City striker James Akintunde has one goal and one assist in fourteen since leaving the Brandywell.

 

Whether it’s high scoring or not, Derry’s trips to Dalymount are entertaining affairs. The Derry faithful often travel in numbers to Bohemians away, and with over 3100 making the journey to Tallaght last week, many will make their way down to Dublin again on Friday. The home support in Dalymount is one of the best in Ireland in terms of creating an atmosphere and throwing the title race into the mix will add that little extra fire to the tie. Derry have kept three clean sheets in their last three – in playing time that is – but with Afolabi’s tendency to find the net recently, Brian Maher and his defence will be made to work if they’re too make it four in a row. Champions Shamrock Rovers also face Dundalk on Friday, looking to extend their lead at the top. A Dundalk win would do Derry, Pats, and Bohemians a favour in terms of keeping Rovers close. It would, however, put Dundalk on 46 points which is Derry and Bohs’ current tally. A win for both City and Dundalk on Friday would see the Candystripes come within two points of Rovers in top spot, with a game in hand against in UCD coming in September. Derry could really do with that win to keep the title dream alive.

 

Pól O’Hare – 23^rd August 2023