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

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

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shelbourne:

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

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

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

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

St Patrick’s Athletic:

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

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

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

Pól O’Hare – 29^th April 2025

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Derry City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterford:

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

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

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

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

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

Round-up:

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

Derry City v. Galway United & Sligo Rovers: Double Preview (April 2025)

 

Derry City v. Galway United & Sligo Rovers: Double Preview (April 2025)

 

Galway United FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 10, Eamonn Deacy Park, Friday 18^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City FC v. Sligo Rovers FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 11, Ryan McBride Brandywell  Stadium, Tuesday 22^nd April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City’s four game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end with defeat at home to league leaders Drogheda United last week. Now, the Candystripes face an Easter Weekend double-header against Connacht opposition. First up is a tough trip to Galway United on Good Friday, before hosting bottom of the table Sligo Rovers in the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Tuesday night as the City faithful seek an immediate response from their side.

Derry City:

I said last week that the game against Cork City was a game of two halves, but Friday’s defeat to Drogheda United took that to the extreme. Coming into the tie rejuvenated after victory at home to Cork City, Derry City had hopes of toppling league leaders Drogheda United and gaining a small victory in revenge for last year’s FAI Cup final defeat. The Candystripes didn’t get off to a bad start, dominating throughout the first 45 and creating the majority of the chances. Danny Mullen was inches away from converting a Michael Duffy cross just two-and-a-half minutes in in City’s best opportunity of the early stages. The aforementioned Duffy was front and centre of action again just past the half-hour mark when he fired Liam Boyce’s lay-off right at Luke Dennison in the Drogheda United goal. Thomas Oluwa’s header which went narrowly wide from a Shane Farrell corner was the visitor’s nearest effort in the first half

City started the second half as they had operated for most of the first period and finally found the breakthrough on the hour mark. Ronan Boyce laid the ball off to Adam O’Reilly and spun round his marker to receive O’Reilly’s chipped ball into the box. City’s number 2 took one touch over the head of the defender before cushioning a cross into the danger zone. Liam Boyce rose highest to tuck the header into the corner and get off the mark in red and white. Boyce-ception for the second time in two weeks as City’s dominance paid off.

Ninety seconds after scoring, the Northern Ireland international striker saw himself dismissed for a foul on centre back Conor Keeley in the centre circle. Stopping a storming run from the big centre half, Boyce pulled Keeley to the ground and immediately showed his regret. A second yellow for the 34 year old and it was a decision which turned the game on its head. The away side, now with a man advantage, went for the jugular. A minute after the dismissal and Keeley found himself on the scoresheet when he volleyed Darragh Markey’s low cross into the bottom corner. The league leaders weren’t satisfied with just a leveller and took the lead four minutes later. It was a second goal for centre back Keeley, and another fine volley past Brian Maher. Disorganised defending at the back from City had cost them dear, as one of the League of Ireland’s standout defenders notched a four minute brace.

Derry struggled to fashion any chances of note in the second period, as Drogheda dominated using their man and goal advantage. With 85 minutes gone, the game was put to bed. A sliced clearance from Maher led to a United throw in. City didn’t deal with the throw to the near post, which was diverted into the centre of the box via a Derry head. Warren Davis continued his impressive start to the campaign by firing past Maher to make it three volleyed goals for the away side. Bedlam in the away end as the Brandywell began to clear out. The league leaders march on, as City now find themselves six points adrift of European spaces and seven off the summit. Deary me.

Just as the Candystripes looked like they were beginning to click against Cork City, last Friday’s defeat was a hard-hitting reality check. The first half was impressive, we held onto the ball well and moved it nicely across the pitch. With Danny Mullen and Michael Duffy both coming close in the first period, there was a moment during the minute and a half of joy between Boyce scoring then being sent off where I thought we’d comfortably hold on to win the game. When a win would have taken us into the top three, it would have been the perfect time to grab another three points and really kick start the season. When you look at the stats and see that Derry City had 73% possession, nine shots and the same amount of shots on target as Drogheda did, a 3-1 loss doesn’t make for a good scoreline. The nature of the goals, all volleys coming from loose balls in the box, will be of huge frustration to Tiernan Lynch, who knows his side must work on their set piece defending before facing Galway United and Sligo Rovers.

Derry’s disciplinary issues from earlier in the season haven’t gone away and those were brought to the fore on Friday night. While it’s easy to blame the referee, and one sets a precedent when dishing out cards early in the game or for seemingly innocuous fouls, 35 yellow cards, three reds and two penalties conceded in the first nine game is concerning. We’ve only gained one point in the three games where we had a player sent off and that came when our opponent, Shamrock Rovers, were also down to ten men. Thanks to the red card and yellows against Drogheda, City are now without both Liam Boyce and Adam O’Reilly going into the Galway tie.

I was surprised to see both Gavin Whyte and Dom Thomas begin from the bench last Friday. The pair won the game for City with their introduction in the second half against Cork City a week prior. Thomas, in particular, would have brought width to the right flank and balanced the forward line. Michael Duffy played wide on the left as he always does, and once again he was key to City’s attacking forays, but there were times in the first half when a wide player on the other wing would have really stretched Drogheda’s back-line. Whyte did come on with fifteen minutes to go, as did Shane Ferguson and later Sean Patton, but it was too little too late for Tiernan Lynch’s side.

The games against Galway United and Sligo Rovers on Friday and Tuesday will be two tough tasks, and when you factor in suspension and injury concerns, getting something out of the Galway game in particular would be a good result. Ben Doherty missed out last week through injury, as did Pat Hoban. Sadou Diallo and Cameron Dummigan both have longer-term lay-offs and with the suspension of O’Reilly, City may find themselves short in the midfield. Sean Patton and Danny Mullen are now Derry’s only strikers going into the Galway game and give Lynch a selection dilemma – to start both of them or take one off the bench? Robbie Benson earned his first start for Derry City against Drogheda and will likely be called upon from the start once again this weekend. With the quality of defenders in both opponent’s sides this weekend, the likes of Dom Thomas, Paul McMullan and Gavin Whyte will hope to see more action and create something for the Candystripes. It’s early days yet, but with a quarter of the season now played, you’d hope that Derry City will click into gear sooner rather than later.

Galway United:

With the first round of fixtures in the Premier Division now behind us, Galway United have shown that their impressive return to the top flight last season wasn’t a mere fluke. With an aim of building upon a fifth placed finish in 2024 and pushing on into the European places, Galway have begun 2025 where they left off last year. Defeated just once in their first nine outings, Galway United sit fourth in the league and are, once again, one of the hardest teams in Ireland to break down. They’ve drawn four and won four of the other eight aside from that loss to Shamrock Rovers, conceding eight and scoring twelve. The twelve scored is the third highest goals for metric in the division, so a European spot is warranted at this stage of the season.

United have beaten Bohemians and Sligo Rovers away, as well as Waterford and St. Pat’s at home. Their second goal in that game in Dalymount Park went viral (ish), as Moses Dyer latched on to a long-ball, controlling it on his chest and volleying into the top corner. That was his second of the night and third of the season, enough to see him nominated for the March Player of the Month award. The 28 year old New Zealand international has hit the ground running on the West Coast, opening his Galway account with a goal in the Brandywell six weeks ago.

American midfielder Patrick Hickey is another man who has started 2025 with a bang. The versatile 26 year old can play across the midfield or defence and chipped in with eight goal involvements in the league last year. His brace at home to Pat’s earned all three points for the Tribesmen back in February. That came a week after scoring Galway’s first goal of 2025 away to Cork City but, with it nearly two months since his last goal, the big American will be gunning to be back on the scoresheet soon. He’ll be on the lookout for a repeat of last August’s meeting between Derry and Galway, when his late effort stole the points for United. Defender Killian Brouder has been immense for Galway this term, whilst Bohemians loanee centre back Cian Byrne bagged a brace in last weekend’s derby win over Sligo Rovers – the second of which was a free kick over the wall and into the bottom corner. Goalkeeper Evan Watts, who assisted Moses Dyer away to Bohemians and was called up to Wales’ U21 side recently, has been another astute addition the squad.

Veteran shotstopper Brendan Clarke hasn’t featured for United since early March, whilst Bermuda international Andrew Kempe also joined the Connacht side as a goalkeeping option. Jeannot Esua and former Ireland international Greg Cunningham are two excellent fullbacks at this level and have been key to Galway’s form in 2025. Killian Brouder and once Derry City target Rob Slevin have started all nine of United’s games this campaign – contributing to their defensive solidity. Jimmy Keohane and Conor McCormack are experienced heads in the midfield, while Moses Dyer may be the answer to Galway’s goalscoring woes of last season. Despite a brilliant announcement video, Australian winger Daniel Stynes departed for Finnish side EIF after failing to make an appearance in Ireland following his arrival in January. Galway United, though, will be out to maintain their nine year long unbeaten strike at home to Derry City on Friday night.

Sligo Rovers:

Derry City will face both of Connacht’s representatives in the Premier Division across these two matchdays, ending the Easter double header by hosting Sligo Rovers on Tuesday night. Rovers’ start couldn’t have been much different from Galway’s though. After nine league games, Sligo Rovers are rock bottom of the Premier Division, picking up points in just two of those games and winning just one. That win was against Shamrock Rovers, and the draw away to Cork City. It’s the seven losses and 21 conceded that’ll worry John Russell most. Despite impressive transfer business; namely the signings of Jake Doyle-Hayes from Hibernian, Sam Sargeant from Wateford, Cian Kavanagh from St Pat’s and New Zealand international Oskar van Hattum from Wellington Phoenix, Sligo Rovers have struggled to get going in 2025.

Nineteen year old forward Owen Elding, son of former Derry City forward Anthony Elding, is Rovers’ top scorer this term – bagging four. Cian Kavanagh and Reece Hutchinson have two apiece, whilst John Mahon, Jad Hakiki and Francely Lomboto have all seen their name on the scoresheet this term. In fact, Sligo Rovers’ goal tally of twelve scored is the third highest in the league. With a physical presence up top, fast wingers in Will Fitzgerald, Stephen Mallon and the aforementioned van Hattum alongside a dynamic midfield, Sligo have had no trouble finding the back of the net. It’s keeping it out at the other end that’s been Russell’s side’s downfall.

Goalkeeper Sam Sargeant impressed for Waterford since signing in 2023 and seemed to be a real coup when he swapped the south for the west coast. With big boots to fill in the form of Ed McGinty’s following his move to Shamrock Rovers, Sargeant was dropped after conceding eleven goals in just three league games. Twenty year old Conor Walsh has since been preferred to the Englishman between the sticks, playing all games since early March and enjoying a callup to the Republic of Ireland U21 side. In their recent 4-2 loss to Bohemians, Sligo Rovers had four players out through suspension and two more through injury. Despite going 2-0 down after just five minutes, Rovers pulled it back to 2-2 within the half hour mark. That’s not the first time they’ve come from behind this season and have shown character to do so despite their recent adversity. Russell had to call on seventeen year olds Daire Patton and Gareth McElroy in Dalymount, starting the latter at centre back. With some luck, and a better disciplinary record, Rovers will hope to string a few wins together.

Despite being bottom, Sligo Rovers have only failed to score in two games this term; the 1-0 home defeat to Derry City and the 3-0 loss away to Drogheda United. Their never-say-die attitude will start to get them results at some point, but with the competitive nature of the Premier Division this year, those will need to come soon if Sligo Rovers wanted to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Winless in the Brandywell since 2020, they’ll hope to end such a streak in a similar fashion as Derry did in Sligo back in March – with a win to kickstart their season.

Round-up:

Given the manner of the defeat against Drogheda United last week, both Tiernan Lynch and Derry City’s supporters will demand a response from their side over Easter weekend. City haven’t won in Galway in domestic action since August 2015 and have won just two of the last ten meetings with the Tribesmen; those came last June and in June 2017. With United having lost just once at home since September, Derry City will need a huge team performance to leave Connacht with all three points. The earlier meeting between these two back in March was a 1-1 draw in the Brandywell.

It was only a month ago that Derry City last faced Sligo Rovers and it provided what is probably City’s high point of the season to date. The 1-0 win in the Showgrounds was our first there since 2021 and provided the City faithful with a resilient team performance. Derry’s home form against Sligo Rovers hasn’t been too bad in recent years either, not losing to the Bit’O’Red in the Brandywell since July 2020. Of the eight meetings since, five have been draws and City have claimed victory in the other three. In fact, just one of the last 24 meetings between these two on Foyleside has been a scoreless draw – so goals are almost a given.

Derry City will be hoping to improve on last Easter’s double header, where the Candystripes picked up just one point across the weekend. Two positive results are a necessity to silence some critics and show the league what this team can really be about. Fingers and toes crossed for the weekend ahead, I’d be happy with four points from these two.

Pól O’Hare – 15^th April 2025

Derry City v Drogheda United: Match Preview (11th April 2025)

 

Derry City v Drogheda United: Match Preview (11^th April 2025)

 

Derry City FC. v. Drogheda United FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 9, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 11^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

After winning their second home game of the season in front of the Ryan McBride Brandywell’s new North Stand last week, Derry City now face league leaders and FAI Cup winners Drogheda United on Friday. City would close the gap to the top to one point with victory and hope to get one over the side who denied them cup glory and European football last November.

Derry City:

2025’s first clash of the cities was very much a tale of two halves. As the new North Stand saw action for the first time, it was the visitors who made the most of early opportunities and were the first to have the ball in the net. Within a quarter of an hour, Portuguese left back Benny Couto found space down the left flank after being picked out by Ruairí Keating. His left-footed ball evaded everyone in the City defence and left Brian Maher stranded before being nodded in by Preston North End loanee Kitt Nelson at the back post. It was a deserved opener for the away side, as the Brandywell was silenced after just fourteen minutes. Two excellent saves from Tein Troost denied Sean Patton within the next ten minutes and a Kevin Holt effort when flashing narrowly wide just before the end of the half. Cork City were then denied a stonewall penalty when Adam O’Reilly’s late tackle in the box had heads-in-hands in the new North Stand. The referee waived away penalty claims, letting the home side off right on the stroke of the break.

Benny Couto’s free kick on the hour mark was another close-call for Derry and needed tipped over the bar by Brian Maher. Tiernan Lynch had to do something to turn the tide of the game and, with the introductions of Gavin Whyte and Dom Thomas 62 minutes in, did just that. They gave The Candystripes an immediate edge, troubling the Cork defence. Three minutes after their introductions and the home side had found themselves level. Following some pinball in the box from a Michael Duffy corner, Liam Boyce nodded across the face of the box towards Ronan Boyce at the far post. The right-back expertly flicked it into the top corner with his left foot, sending the Brandywell into raptures. Boyce-ception for City’s equaliser as both Liam and Ronan registered their first goal involvements of the season.

Less than ten minutes later, and the man of the moment Michael Duffy had the ball in the net again to put Derry City ahead. The lively Dom Thomas picked it up just past the halfway line and drove into the Cork City half. His pass to Duffy saw City’s mercurial winger feint it onto his weaker left foot and beat Benny Couto before firing through the legs of Troost. Bedlam in the new stand and the loudest Brandywell roar of the season as Duffy found his fifth league goal of the season – sending him joint top of the goalscoring chart and equalling his league tally of last year. That’s how to celebrate a first Player of the Month nomination since 2019. The end of the game was overshadowed by injuries suffered to Ruairí Keating and Milan Mbeng – both requiring the introduction of the stretcher. Keating was an immediate pain after landing awkwardly and is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles.Mbeng was stretchered down the tunnel after the full-time whistle following a clash of heads with Liam Boyce minutes earlier. The home side, however, held on to clinch their second home win of the campaign and close the gap to the teams at the top.

Tiernan Lynch spoke of the North Stand being Derry City’s Kop End prior to the Cork City match, and it lived up to those expectations. A goal down at half-time and lucky not to have conceded a penalty, the introductions of Gavin Whyte and Dom Thomas past the hour mark turned the game on its head. Whyte’s injection of pace and creativity was key to City’s attacks in the remaining half-hour, whilst Thomas’ willingness to take on his man and stay hugging the touchline troubled Cork’s fullbacks. When Ronan Boyce levelled the game and ignited the City support, you knew there was another goal in the game. Michael Duffy’s fifth of the campaign was an excellent finish and saw City on their way to the three points, as the North Stand did its bit in sucking the ball into the net when goals were needed. With twice as many supporters in there this Friday, the City faithful will be hoping it has the desired effect yet again.

City’s defence had a few shaky moments in the first half but clung on and denied all that Cork hit it with in the second half, despite the absence of captain Mark Connolly. With Pat Hoban injured and Danny Mullen suspended, Lynch gave Sean Patton his first start up front, partnered with Liam Boyce. The youngster came close twice in the first half before being swapped out for Gavin Whyte in the second period. Whyte and Thomas may be two of the first names on the team-sheet after last week’s performance. Michael Duffy was key to City’s successes once again, whilst Adam O’Reilly was another standout in the centre of the park. He didn’t stop running all game, epitomising the box-to-box role. Towards the end of the game, the Cork-man played a couple of inch perfect balls forward, splitting the defence of the visitors.  Partnered alongside the calm head of Carl Winchester, O’Reilly has been allowed to break the lines into attack and cement himself as one of Ireland’s top midfielders.

The last half-hour of the game against Cork City was the best I’ve seen Derry City play this season. The ball was played forward, out to the wings or through Gavin Whyte in the middle and the interplay was neat. It was confident football and we looked like creating a good opportunity with every venture forward. Thomas, Whyte, Duffy and Ronan Boyce got fans off their seats in the second half and attacked Cork, even after finding the second goal. The three points put City up to 6^th, just four points off top and seven clear of bottom spot. It also means that we haven’t lost in over a month, winning two, drawing two and conceding just twice in the four games since that last defeat. It feels like this side is finally clicking, and with a big tie against FAI Cup holders and current league leaders Drogheda United on Friday, now’s the perfect time to pick up some huge results. With the attendance likely to surpass the 5000 mark on Friday, it has a real big game feel about it and could propel City to within touching distance of the summit. The feel-good Candystripes are back.

Drogheda United:

I’m experiencing the football equivalent of PTSD writing this. After winning just their second FAI Cup when they beat Derry City 2-0 in the Aviva last November, Drogheda United won the play-offs to maintain their Premier Division status. With the promise of European football in the summer, United turned towards a full-time setup; the final team in the Premier Division to do so. Earning a reputation as a well-drilled, hard-to-beat team, Kevin Doherty has done wonders in Louth. Entering their fifth consecutive season in the top flight, Drogheda have gone from relegation threatened year-on-year to winning an FAI Cup in front of 35,000 spectators and getting European qualification. If you’re a fan of Drogheda United, you’ve been living the dream the past few months.

Despite last season's success, many still pipped United to struggle in 2025. They’ve done the opposite. The Louth side find themselves top of the league going into matchday nine, winning four and drawing three of their first eight. Drogs have lost just once this year, that came at home to Shamrock Rovers in mid-March. When you compare it to this stage last season, you can see how far they’ve come. United had won just one of their opening eight fixtures, before going on to win just once more in the next thirteen in the league. It looked like they were destined for the drop, but now sitting top in April, Drogheda’s mindset and start to 2025 must be admired.

Despite the cup victory, United lost key players in the off-season. Veteran midfielder Gary Deegan retired at the end of the season after making the guts of 500 career appearances. Former Finn Harps striker Adam Foley left for Carrick Rangers before himself retiring just weeks later to become U20 manager back at Drogheda United. Defender Jack Keaney was snapped up by Cliftonville, whilst Emre Topcu, James Byrne, Aaron McNally, Manny Milongo and Killian Cailloce all departed for pastures new. Most glaringly in Drogheda’s outgoing list though was Haitian forward Frantz Pierrot. He netted fourteen last season and formed a deadly partnership with Douglas James-Taylor following the latter’s arrival from Walsall. Pierrot travelled east, signing for Bosnian side Velez Mostar and recently bagged a hat-trick against Siroki Brijeg in the Bosnian Premier League.

That exodus left Kevin Doherty with a job on his hands. The goals of Pierrot needed replaced, so Thomas Oluwa was brought in from Wexford and Josh Thomas on-loan from Swansea City. Both have netted this season already. Bridel Bosakani is another young forward with a bright future at the club. Goalkeeper Jack Brady was brought in from Galway United to challenge American Luke Dennison whilst former fan-favourite Conor Keeley returned after a year at St. Pat’s. Paul Doyle joined from rivals Dundalk whilst Californian Owen Lambe signed after spending time in the youth ranks of LA Galaxy and at Orange County SC in America. George Cooper joined on-loan from Mansfield Town, adding further depth in defence. Key to Drogheda’s 2025 recruitment is the fact that both Elicha Ahui and Douglas James-Taylor went recalled to their parent club Walsall after impressive seasons in Ireland.

Ten goals scored and four conceded in the first eight games is good going. Their five clean sheets have given them a core to build on and speak volumes about their defensive structure. Conor Kane, Andrew Quinn, Luke Heeney and Conor Keeley are all experienced in the league and have been joined by new talent from England and the USA. Speaking of the US of A, goalie Luke Dennison also earned plaudits after signing from Bohemians last summer and has been immense between the sticks. Flying wingback Elicha Ahui won Man of the Match in the FAI Cup final, but hasn’t featured this year through injury. The same can be said for striker Douglas James-Taylor, who was on fire before picking up an injury in preseason. With those two in the team later on in the season, Drogheda will concern any team in the league going forward. In all of my Drogheda United previews, I have to stick in how underrated attacking-midfielder Darragh Markey is. The 27 year old recently pipped Michael Duffy to March's Player of the Month award. Shane Farrell and Ryan Brennan have established themselves as a solid duo in the centre of the park behind Markey, whilst Warren Davis is Drogs’ top scorer this season with three. He tends to play alongside Thomas Oluwa up front.

Drogheda United’s form and quality throughout the team emphasise just how far the league has come in the past couple of years. There are no easy wins anymore and, by beating Shelbourne, Bohemians and Sligo Rovers so far, Drogheda United aren’t laying down for anybody. Expect a well-oiled team, rapid on the counter and brimming in confidence on Friday.

Round-up:

Despite 5-1 and 2-1 losses against Derry City in 2024, Drogheda United eventually got the better of Derry City as the year progressed. Their 2-1 win over Derry at the end of September really exposed City’s defensive issues and dealt a huge blow in our title hopes. After failing to secure said title and dropping to fourth, Drogheda then played us off the park in the Aviva Stadium on their way to a 2-0 win if the FAI Cup final. That result denied City European football and triggered a rebuild of playing and coaching staff. With Drogs now full-time and top of the table, they look the real deal and will be out to continue their good form over City.

The Candystripes, on the other hand, will want to enact revenge for last season's failings against Drogheda United. With a winning feeling back at the Brandywell, and the North Stand offering an extra dimension to the stadium and support, Friday’s game could be huge in defining the early stages of City’s season. A win could throw City back into the European race and earn some respect lost at the start of the season, whilst defeat would open the gap to the top three even further. There’ll be a bumper crowd at this one, City haven’t lost to United at home in two years and the sun *should* still be out. Fingers crossed…

Pól O’Hare – 8^th April 2025

Derry City v Cork City: Match Preview (4th April 2025)

 

Derry City v Cork City: Match Preview (4th April 2025)

Derry City FC v. Cork City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 8, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 4^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

It’s a battle of the Cities for the first time in 2025 as Cork City brave the long journey north to face Derry City on Friday. Both sides will be gunning for victory to maintain space between them and the relegation zone, whilst looking to extend unbeaten records. Derry are coming off the back of a hard-fought draw away to Shamrock Rovers, whilst Cork City have lost just one game all season.

Derry City:

I have to start this preview by apologising. At the end of last week’s preview ahead of the Shamrock Rovers match, I went on record saying that “There are always goals in this tie and… I suspect Friday night will be no different”. What we got was the first 0-0 between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers in almost three years – whoops. In honesty though, with City winning just once in Tallaght in the league since 2017, a point away to Rovers isn’t a bad result at all.

The first glimmer of an opportunity for either side came seven minutes in when Michael Duffy whipped a ball towards the back post. An easy enough ball for Ed McGinty in the Rovers goal, but the flight of the ball caught the former Sligo Rovers keeper out. He spilled it and was lucky that Danny Mullen wasn’t more alert to prod home. The first of two flashpoints in the game came 23 minutes in when Paul McMullan fed an inch-perfect pass into the path of Danny Mullen. McGinty mistimed his approach to gather the ball and was stuck between a rock and a hard place – either handle the ball outside of the box or take down Danny Mullen. The keeper went for the earlier option, a choice which saw him receive a straight red card, leaving his side with ten men for the remaining seventy minutes or so.

Derry’s man advantage didn’t last for long, only seventeen minutes or so. Scottish striker Danny Mullen, booked earlier in the half, was adjudged by referee Paul McLaughlin to have clipped a Rovers midfielder and stopped a counter attack. Contact was minimal if any at all and the City forward clearly tried to back out of the challenge. McLaughlin flashed another yellow at the 30 year old before pulling the red card out of his back-pocket. A dubious decision to say the least, which saw Rovers and City level with ten men each on the field going into the second half.

Tiernan Lynch rolled the dice at half time, introducing Liam Boyce and Sean Patton in an attempt to clinch a goal in the second period. Michael Duffy’s looping free kick from range proved to be City’s best opportunity of the game and forced a good save from substitute keeper Leon Pöhls. Ronan Boyce came closest for City ten minutes later when he sliced a volley marginally wide from inside the box - the right back looked promising when adding an extra body to the City attack.

Roberto Lopes had the home side’s best opportunity of the evening on the 72^nd minute when Dan Cleary’s knock-down from a Jack Byrne corner fell kindly for the Cape Verde international at the back post. Brian Maher found himself positioned well to smother the ball despite Lopes’ proximity within the six yard box. Even though Stephen Bradley introduced Rory Gaffney and starlets Michael Noonan and Victor Ozhianvuna late on in the half, they failed to threaten Brian Maher’s goal as the sides settled to share the spoils come the final whistle on the 95^th minute.

Aside from the controversy surrounding Danny Mullen’s sending off, which may leave City light on centre forward options on Friday given the exclusion of Pat Hoban against Shamrock Rovers, more positives came out of Tallaght than negatives for Derry City. The scoreless draw meant that City have now kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since August 2024, after getting their first against Sligo Rovers in the game prior. City’s away records against both the Rovers in the past few years have been poor. The recent win in Sligo was our first there since 2021 and we’ve won once in eight years in Tallaght. Looking at it from the bigger picture then, four points and two clean sheets from those two ties are a good return. We’re still seventh but are just five points off the top of the table given the competitive nature of the early stages of the 2025 season.

On the topic of clean sheets, City’s defence was the biggest concern six weeks ago when the season began. We conceded seven in our first four games but have conceded just once in the three following. It’s clear that defensive structure is a key focus of Lynch and co’s training sessions, with three centre halves fielded in each of those last three games. It’s obvious, therefore, that the extra man in defence has been key to our newfound solidity. Hayden Cann was the standout against Shamrock Rovers on Friday. Arriving from a relegated Dundalk last term, the Englishman looked assured and played a key role in those successive clean sheets. He’s not afraid to put his body on the lin or go flying into tackles or headers. With the experience of Kevin Holt and Mark Connolly in the back-line, alongside the balance that Sam Todd provides, it seems City’s defensive woes may a thing of the past.

Adding an extra man into defence does mean taking one away from the midfield or forward line. Finding that sweet-spot will clearly be of upmost importance for Tiernan Lynch and his management staff in the coming days. Michael Duffy was once again key to everything good that City did going forward on Friday night. He’s been phenomenal for us this year and has been given real attacking freedom by the manager. The wait for a goal from open play will now go on a week further though. City haven’t scored from open play since the opening day of the season – February 14^th. With the investment in attacking areas in the off-season, it’ll be a worry for the City faithful that some of our forwards have yet to get going. Gavin Whyte has been an unused sub in the last two, whilst Pat Hoban has started just twice this year. Danny Mullen was given his first start of the season in Tallaght but will have to wait another week for his next after being sent off 40 minutes into the game against Rovers. You can tell Liam Boyce has real class on the ball and is a very technical player, but he is yet to score after his arrival from Hearts. Dom Thomas, another arrival from Scotland, has contributed to just one goal all season and was also unused against Rovers. Sean Patton, who scored five in preseason, looked lively playing alongside Boyce up front in the second half on Friday. Once those players click, and I’ve said this already this year, I can see us blow a team away and really get going. For the City faithful, we’ll be hoping that we see some goals in front of the new North Stand on Friday. With the new stand opening at 50% capacity against Cork City, there’s a bumper attendance in store at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. 

Cork City:

Two years on from their last stint in the topflight of Irish football, Cork City are back in the big-time after winning last year’s First Division by a twenty-two point margin. The second tier in 2024 was something of a walk in the park for the Rebel Army, who began the campaign with a 17 game unbeaten streak before wrapping up the title in early September. Irish champions as recently as 2017, last season marked the club’s second promotion to the Premier Division in three years. Relegated in 2020, Cork City won the First Division in 2022. The following season, however, saw the Munster side struggle back in the topflight, finishing second bottom; albeit 20 points above bottom side UCD. The play-offs brought heartache for City, who lost to rivals Waterford in extra-time, sealing their fate. With last year’s dominance bringing a confidence and swagger to Tim Clancy’s side, their return to the Premier Division has gotten off to a decent start.

After six games, Cork City have lost just one, drawing four and beating Bohemians in the highlight of their year to date. They’re unbeaten at home and have drawn with champions Shelbourne and FAI Cup victors Drogheda United. 2025’s only loss for the Rebels came against rivals Waterford; a late goal again claiming Munster glory for the Blues. With eight scored and eight conceded, Cork’s likely aim this year will be to maintain their Premier Division status - they haven’t began poorly by any means.

The coups of two former fan favourites in the summer of 2024 showed that City were serious about their ambitions. With the First Division title all but wrapped up, eleven time Ireland international Sean Maguire was signed from Carlisle United – warding off interest from Premier Division clubs. He scored 38 goals in 50 games for Cork between 2016 and 2017 before leaving for Preston North End after making himself a key cog in City’s title winning side. Ruairí Keating, nominated for the PFAI Player of the Year after bagging thirteen for Cork City in 2023, returned to the club just eight months after leaving for St. Pat’s. He has scored seven eight his return, as has Maguire – two strikers of real calibre in the Cork front-line. The latter, however has been out since early March with a hamstring injury.

City’s business wasn’t bad going into 2025 either. The most impressive signing came in the form of winger Alex Nolan from St. Pat’s. The 22 year old chose Cork over Bohemians and scored in the 2023 FAI Cup final. Former Oldham Athletic wing back Benny Couto signed from Ashton United and has become a fan favourite. He’s been joined at the club by goalkeepers Conor Brann and Tein Troost, on-loan from Swindon Town and NAC Breda respectively. Also joining the Turner’s Cross side on loan are Rio Shipston from Sheffield Wednesday, Freddie Anderson from Stoke City and Kitt Nelson from Preston North End. French defender Milan Mbeng put pen-to-paper from Zébra Élites, too.

Strength in depth seems to be the way forward for Tim Clancy. He has a big squad but managed to retain a number of his key players – despite an exodus of five to neighbours Cobh Ramblers. Included in said exodus to their Munster rivals were captain Cian Coleman and midfielders Barry Coffey and Jack Doherty, who scored sixteen between them last year. Former Derry City midfielder Evan McLaughlin signed for Cork City ahead of the 2024 campaign and was deployed at left-back, ultimately earning himself a place in the First Division Team of the Year after racking up twelve goal involvements in the league. He hasn’t featured in 2025 following a pre-season injury, however. Veteran midfielder Greg Bolger is still key to the midfield at 36 years of age, whilst 20 year old Englishman Rio Shipston has impressed by making two assists so far. Malik Dijksteel is a tricky winger and exciting to watch, whilst Cathal O’Sullivan was the star of the show for City last year. He came off injured on the opening day this year and only returned to the squad last week. The seventeen year old scored seven goals in the league last season. Left-footed and with the technique of a player a decade his senior, the winger isn’t short on confidence and has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s elite. His highlight reel already makes for some viewing.

Cork City haven’t won in the Brandywell since 2018 but will be energetic and determined given the nature of their young squad. Their quality in attacking areas and ability to grind out a result would make any team in the league wary. With three draws from their last three, Tim Clancy will be hoping that his side enact revenge on Derry City after defeat in the FAI Cup meeting between the two last year.

Round-up:

It’s a first league meeting between these two in almost eighteen months as both Derry City and Cork City look to climb the Premier Division table with three points on Friday. The visitors have drawn each of their last three games, whilst Derry are desperate for only a second home win of the season. The Candystripes dumped Cork out of the FAI Cup via a Sam Todd header on their way to the final in 2024 and will look to extend a twelve game unbeaten streak against the Rebel Army, dating back to October 2018. Cork City have scored just once against Derry in the last six meetings between the sides, but have bagged three more than their hosts this season and have lost only one game all year. With the opening of the new North Stand adding an extra factor to Friday night’s game, the home side will be gunning for three points and extension to their clean sheet record. It’s City against City for the first time in 2025…

Pól O'Hare - 31st March 2025

Shamrock Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (28th March 2025)

 

Shamrock Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Shamrock Rovers FC v. Derry City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 7, Tallaght Stadium, Friday 28^th March 2025, kick-off 8pm

Tiernan Lynch’s Derry City went into the international break a rejuvenated side following their 1-0 away win over Sligo Rovers two weeks ago, their first in the Sligo Showgrounds since August 2021. The three points lifted the Candystripes off the foot of the table and into 7^th, condemning their hosts to tenth place in doing so. Next up for City is a trip to Shamrock Rovers, a side who put four past Lynch’s Larne side on his last visit to Tallaght in UEFA Conference League action.

Derry City:

Heading down to Sligo rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division table, and without the suspended Carl Winchester and injured Kevin Holt, Derry City needed a victory to escape the relegation zone. Knowing that defeat would leave them bottom going into the two week international break, Tiernan Lynch’s side were desperate to get one over the team who effectively put an end to Derry’s title charge in each of the last two seasons. When the team sheet came out and City had no central defenders on the bench, there were fears that the league’s top scorers could continue their three-and-a-half year unbeaten streak over the Candystripes at home.

It was the hosts who started the game the brighter, despite a coming together between Cian Kavanagh and Dom Thomas straight from kick-off igniting a fracas and slowing the first minutes. The first meaningful attempt of the evening came just after the quarter hour mark, when an inch-perfected lobbed ball from Reece Hutchinson on the halfway line dropped for Jad Hakiki, who lobbed over Brian Maher. With multiple heads-in-hands in the away end, Sam Todd cleared off the line to keep the scores at nil-nil. Heroic defending from the centre back, but it wasn’t the first time that a ball over the top undid the City rearguard.

Five minutes later though, and the away side had a breakthrough. As City’s free-kick supremo Michael Duffy stood over the dead ball on the twenty minute mark, you had a feeling we’d get something out of it. His inswinger was a troubling one for the Sligo defence, evading everyone in the box and bouncing before nestling in the top corner. Despite Rovers’ protestations (the linesman flagged for offside before the referee said it didn’t touch anyone and awarded the goal), the travelling support went into raptures as the Candystripes went a goal to the good.

On a difficult pitch, the match got scrappy and neither team could get the ball down to play much football, leading to a fairly uneventful remainder to the first half. With Ciaron Harkin replacing Sadou Diallo following injury and Shane Ferguson coming on at half-time for Dom Thomas, it seemed like Derry were prepared to sit in and fight for the victory. Danny Mullen’s introduction on the 69^th minute give City energy in the front line, as he pressed the Rovers defence and made himself a nuisance. A sliced effort from him just minutes after coming on proved to be Derry’s last decent opportunity of the game.

Hearts were in mouths across the Showgrounds as the lively Jad Hakiki broke on the counter-attack after nipping the ball from Adam O’Reilly. He drove into the box and played one-two with Cian Kavanagh before sliding in Stephen Mallon. The former City winger had a golden opportunity to level his side on the 86^th minute but took one touch too many and fired straight at the onrushing Brian Maher. A great save from City’s number one to clinch the point for the travelling side; their first in the Showgrounds since 2021. A huge three points for Tiernan Lynch’s men, who enjoyed the victory as much as the travelling support in the corner. City off the foot of the table and hopefully out of the relegation zone for good.

The game against Sligo Rovers wasn’t one for the football purist. The pitch made it difficult for both teams, who resorted to lumping it long to get the ball up the park. Michael Duffy’s goal was his fourth of the campaign and City’s fifth. It was Duffy’s third goal from a dead-ball situation; two penalties and a freekick. Only one of City’s goals in 2025 have come from open play, that was Duffy’s equaliser against Shelbourne on the opening day, meaning it’ll be six weeks when City next play since their last open-play goal. That’s a worry for Tiernan Lynch, who’ll be hoping to create more down the middle and get Liam Boyce in dangerous positions more often. The former Hearts man showed his close-control and technical prowess in the Showgrounds but doesn’t find himself poaching in the box often.

The long-ball nature of the game in Sligo often bypassed the midfield, leaving City’s two in the middle to fight for second balls and break up possession. In a way, that suited Adam O’Reilly and the later introduced Ciaron Harkin – two players who aren’t afraid to get stuck in. City’s centre backs were solid too, beating Cian Kavanagh to every ball in the air and refusing to be bullied by the former City and Pat’s forward. Sam Todd, being left-footed, and Hayden Cann provided balance either side of captain Mark Connolly in the middle, who looked back to his assured best. Sadou Diallo was withdrawn through injury, although Carl Winchester will be back against Rovers following suspension. Tallaght’s large pitch could suit the Candystripes, who have been impressive at times this season when playing with the ball on the ground.

With a two week break and positive away win under the belt, Tiernan Lynch will have his side well-drilled going to Tallaght on Friday. These games are always entertaining, with this one likely to provide more fireworks. City have taken all three points away to Rovers just once since 2017, back in March 2023. After breaking the curse of a winless streak in Sligo though, City will be gunning for the same again this week.

Shamrock Rovers:

The achievement of five league titles in a row was one step too far for Shamrock Rovers in 2024, albeit four in a row isn’t bad going. After a slow start, winless in the first four, Rovers strung a bit of form together but had a stop-start summer period as they juggled European qualification with a title challenge. Their FAI Cup journey ended at the first hurdle last year, with defeat to Bohemians in Round Two. With all focus on European qualification, getting to the second round of Champions League qualifying before making their way to the Europa League play-offs, Rovers entered the UEFA Conference League league phase (mouthful) via defeat to PAOK of Greece in the aforementioned Europa League play-off round.

Despite their inconsistency, the Hoops finished second in the Premier Division, just two points behind winners Shelbourne. In fact, they were top on the final day until Harry Wood’s late goal in the Brandywell clinched the title for the Tolka side. Thinking of it, Rovers should thank us for completely collapsing and giving them a hit at another title. A decent finish in the end for Stephen Bradley’s men, but it was on the European stage were his side shone brightest. An injury-time header rescued a point at home to APOEL Nicosia, before Rovers made light work of Tiernan Lynch’s Larne side – despatching their northern counterparts 4-1 in Windsor Park. Victory over TNS of Wales, Bosnia’s Borac Banja Luka and an impressive draw away to Rapid Vienna saw Rovers unbeaten and already qualified for the knockout play-off round going into their last game, becoming the first Irish side to progress through the group stages of continental competition. Chelsea but five past Rovers in Stamford Bridge in the final game, with Marc Guiu netting a hat-trick. After beating Molde away in the knockout round first leg, Rovers had their hearts broken when they lost to the Norwegian side on penalties in the second leg. Molde have since been eliminated by Legia Warsaw. No matter where your allegiances lie, Rovers’ European run was some feat, and did wonders for the coefficient. Fair played to them.

A cool seven million quid in the bank off the back of their European escapades, but the draw of knockout football and an assumedly healthy bonus couldn’t persuade some of Rovers star men to stay. Markus Poom’s loan from Levadia Tallinn came to an end, as did Johnny Kenny’s from Celtic. Rovers failed in a late swoop to bring Kenny back after an appearance for Celtic meant he couldn’t register for anyone other than the Glasgow side or Rovers this year. Wing-back Neil Farrugia made the move to Barnsley, whilst winger Darragh Burns saw his loan from MK Dons expire before being snapped up by Grimsby Town.

Long-time centre back Seán Hoare switched to St. Pat’s, whilst Carl Lennox and Gideon Tetteh moved to UCD and Athlone Town respectively. 18 year old striker Cian Dillon joined Queen’s Park Rangers, whilst Coonan Noonan joined Waterford on-loan and has been one of the Blue’s best players this year. Striker Marc McNulty also departed, leaving Rovers light up front. Moves for Johnny Kenny and former Bohemians striker Jonathan Afolabi didn’t materialise. Derry’s Pat Hoban was also rumoured to be a target. Rovers, then, turned their attention to Michael Noonan of St. Pat’s. They handed the 16 year old his debut in the Conference League against Molde, where he became the youngest ever goal-scorer in European competition proper when he bagged in the second half. The re-signing of Rory Gaffney then took the pressure of the youngster’s shoulders to lead the line, as he and Aaron Greene provide experienced heads up top.

Danny Grant, a man with a tattoo of Dalymount Park, crossed the divide to sign from Bohemians – much to the delight of the Bohs fans as you can imagine. Ed McGinty, who impressed on-loan at Sligo Rovers, signed from Oxford United, whilst former Cork City midfielder Matty Healy joined from Belgian outfit Royal Francs Borains. Adam Matthews, the former Celtic fullback who started in that famous win over Barcelona in Parkhead in 2013, was another statement signing to strengthen the defence. Lastly, right-back Sean Robertson, who spent the second half of last season at Derry City, joined for the Hoops after seeing his contract mutually terminated at the Brandywell.  Decent business all-round from the Tallaght side.

The departure of Johnny Kenny left a gap in the forward line in the shape of a man who bagged 13 goals in the league and five in the UEFA Conference League. A brilliant young striker, it’s yet to be seen if Bradley’s side can replace those goals this year. Michael Noonan is yet to get off the mark in the league, with Graham Burke being their top scorer in the league with two. Aaron Greene, Danny Grant and Aaron McEneff have also all converted in 2025. We know all too well Shamrock Rovers’ main threats. A midfield consisting of last season’s PFAI Player of the Year Dylan Watts, Jack Byrne, Aaron McEneff, Gary O’Neill and Danny Mandriou has seen the addition of Ireland U21 international Matty Healy.

Fullback Josh Honohan was recently called up to the Ireland senior provisional squad, the only LOI player included, whilst Cape Verde international Roberto Lopes forms an experienced back-line alongside Dan Cleary and Lee Grace. Adam Matthews has been injured this season whilst Dan Cleary came off with a knock last time out, but former Candystripe Sean Robertson will be out with a point to prove. I think he looked lively at City, aside from the miss against Sligo Rovers which would’ve put us top of the league. Ed McGinty and Leon Pohls aren’t bad options between the sticks either. When you factor in young talents such as Victor Ozhianvuna, who debuted in the Aviva on the opening day, you wouldn’t be mad putting money on Rovers to regain the title in 2025.

Round-up:

Sitting in sixth with a game in hand, registering two wins, a draw and two losses from their first five in the league, Rovers will be looking to extend their two game winning streak from before the international break. That streak included coming from behind away to league leaders Drogheda United and victory over title hopefuls St. Pat’s. Bolstering the second best defence in the league, the Hoops will be out to limit City’s attacking talent and exploit their pace as they have done against Derry in the recent past.

The Candystripes sit level on points with Shamrock Rovers and will hope to use the Tallaght pitch to get the ball down and play good football. With victory in Sligo breaking a near-four year hex in the Showgrounds, City will be aiming to go one further and get only their second win away against Shamrock Rovers in eight years. Avoiding a repeat of a defeat akin to that seen in Tiernan Lynch’s last game against the Hoops will be key. He’s out for revenge. There are always goals in this tie, and with both sides tasting victory last time out, I suspect Friday night will be no different.

 

Pól O'Hare – 24^TH March 2025

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (15th March 2025)

 

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (15^th March 2025) 

Sligo Rovers FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 6, Sligo Showgrounds, Saturday 15^th March 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Tiernan Lynch’s start to life as a League of Ireland manager hasn’t gone quite to plan, with his Derry City side sitting bottom of the Premier Division table after five games. It’s early days though, and with a promising showing in a 1-1 draw with Galway United last week, he’ll hope that his side earn a win over bogey-side Sligo Rovers on Saturday.

Derry City:

Coming into last Friday's tie with Galway United, a side unbeaten in their first four and with the second best defence in the league last year, Derry City would have needed a much improved performance to avenge back-to-back defeats in their previous two. With key midfielder Carl Winchester suspended, Tiernan Lynch gave a debut to Hayden Cann and set out with a back five in defence. City started the brighter too, holding most of the ball in the early stages. Dom Thomas came painfully close with a snapshot which flashed just wide of the post within three minutes, before Liam Boyce nodded a cross from the Scotsman narrowly wide fifteen minutes later. Derry’s peppering of the Galway goal continued as Michael Duffy, Kevin Holt and the aforementioned Thomas each worked Brendan Clarke within the first 40 minutes.

In typical fashion, and despite dominating the first half, City found themselves a goal down going into the break. A long throw from Ed McCarthy found its way to New Zealand international Moses Dyer at the back post, who poked in to give the away side an advantage just minutes before half-time. City’s fortunes turned six minutes into the second half though. When a bouncing ball was caught on the volley by Sadou Diallo, it deflected off the upper-arm of Pat Hickey and went wide. Referee Neil Doyle duly pointed to the spot and flashed a yellow card at the American. It looked dubious from the replay, you can see why the travelling support found themselves hard done by. Michael Duffy made no mistake from the spot however, as he rifled one into the roof of the net to level the scores.

Despite the finding the equaliser, Derry failed to truly threaten Brendan Clarke’s goal in the remainder of the second period. Deep into injury time at the end of the half, a misjudged bounce from Kevin Holt saw Jimmy Keohane nip in to go one on one with Brian Maher. The veteran midfielder tried to clip the ball over the Derry stopper, but was denied by a strong right hand from the 24 year old. A major heart-in-mouth moment for City, who picked up a fourth point of the season.

Friday night didn’t yield the win that the City faithful are so desperate for, but the first half in particular showed that when this team click’s the attacking football can be impressive. Dom Thomas, Liam Boyce and Michael Duffy caused The Tribesmen’s defence all sorts of issues before the visitor’s scored.  The Candystripes sit bottom of the table, but there isn’t a panic-stations factor that you might expect from a team in that position. I’m convinced that this team will click and give someone a hammering, but there are no easy games in this division anymore. With just one win, one draw and three losses from the opening five, City will hope to come out firing with a huge performance to beat John Russell’s Sligo Rovers on Saturday and pick up a first win in three weeks.

Michael Duffy’s penalty was his fourth goal of the season, but City’s wait for a goal from open play will extend past the one month mark when they kick-off in Sligo. Duffy’s header from a Dom Thomas cross on the opening day of the season is City’s only goal from open play this year; there has been a free kick and two penalties since then. With the attacking quality in this team, City will surely begin to climb the table when the likes of Liam Boyce, Pat Hoban and Danny Mullen manage to find goals from central areas.

Going into Saturday’s game, City are without the suspended Carl Winchester, who serves the final of his two game punishment. Cameron Dummigan is City’s only long-term injury concern, whilst new signings Gavin Whyte and Shane Ferguson made the bench last week. Paul McMullan spent the full 90 on the bench, that’s the first game of his Derry City career in which he hasn’t been involved. Hayden Cann showed that he’ll provide good cover in centre back, whilst Ben Doherty and Ronan Boyce looked promising as wingbacks should Lynch continue to employ the back-five system. Brian Maher will also be on the hunt for just his second clean sheet of the season, after conceding eight in the first five. With a two week break, then an away game with Shamrock Rovers after this one, Tiernan Lynch will be hoping that City can clinch a first competitive win in Sligo since August 2021.

Sligo Rovers:

After a 6^th placed finish in 2024, Sligo Rovers’ 2025 campaign hasn’t got off to the start they wanted. After five games, Sligo find themselves in the relegation zone. They’ve conceded twelve in those fives, but launched set out on launching comebacks against both Waterford and St. Patrick’s Athletic which resulted in tense finishes. A first victory of the season at home to Shamrock Rovers, followed by a point away to Cork City, showed that Rovers’ season may be on the turn.

That opening game against Waterford in the Showgrounds saw the home side go 2-0 down within 33 minutes, before scoring five minutes into the second half and missing a penalty which would’ve had them level on the 57^th minute.  Waterford eventually ran out 3-2 winners, but Rovers showed fight to come close to their visitors and pressed hard late on to find an equaliser. It was a similar story two weeks later in Inchicore, when they conceded twice in as many minutes, before pulling one back through an own goal to go into half-time 2-1 down. It was 3-1 on the 52^nd minute, but a Cian Kavanagh double saw Sligo level in the 78^th minute. By the 80^th though, Pat’s were ahead again and held on for a 4-3 win. A 3-0 loss away to FAI Cup winners Drogheda United means that they’ve conceded 10 in their last two against the Louth side.

John Russell, after becoming Sligo Rovers manager in July 2022, quickly proved that he could do a job on a low budget. His first experience in management, aside from a gig at Westport United, Russell has Sligo Rovers playing direct football and grinding results over the line. Their ten draws was the third lowest in the Premier Division last season, whilst they won thirteen and lost thirteen of the other 26. Russell would have been happy enough with a 6^th placed finish, despite winning just one of their last six. Their 51 goals conceded was the second worst in the division, although seven of those came in one match away to Drogheda United in September. Being tighter at the back will have been a big aim for Sligo in 2025.

The summer losses of Max Mata, to Auckland FC, and Fabrice Hartmann, whose loan from RB Leipzig expired, saw Sligo Rovers lose two players who contributed to 15 goals in the first half of the season. Midfielder Ellis Chapman stepped up, scoring nine and assisting three to become the Bit’O’Red’s talisman from the centre of the park. The Englishman swapped the west coast for North Dublin in the off-season though, signing for Shelbourne and representing a big loss for Russell’s men. Wilson Waweru, signed last season from Galway United, scored seven in the league, whilst Simon Power and Conor Malley both notched four.

Sligo Rovers had a tough preseason in terms of departures, losing some of their key players. Ed McGinty’s loan from Oxford United came to an end before he signed for Shamrock Rovers. Winger Simon Power and captain Niall Morahan left for St. Pat’s and Bohemians respectively, whilst JR Wilson and Kailin Barlow joined promotion hopefuls Athlone Town. Highly rated 16 year old Aidan Gabbidon left for pastures new too, signing for Malmo in Sweden, who will have to pay compensation for the youngster.

Losing a number of his best players, it would always be a tough window for Sligo Rovers. The marquee signing is ex-Ireland U21 midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes, who made 50 appearances for Scottish side Hibernian after signing from St Mirren in 2021. If they can keep him fit, they have a player with Scottish Premiership quality entering the prime of his career. Winger Francely Lomboto, who made more than 90 appearances for Galway United, signed to provide width, as did New Zealand international Oskar van Hattum. The 22 year old spent his entire career to date with Wellington Phoenix and featured in all of his nation’s matches at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Ronan Manning also made the switch from Galway United, joined in the midfield by Matthew Wolfe, Jad Hakiki and 18 year old Brazilian by Guilherme Rego Priosti from Esbjerg, Dundalk and Longford Town respectively.

Former Derry City striker Cian Kavanagh joined from St. Pat’s and has scored twice this season – unfortunately already missing two penalties. Defender Harvey Lintott joined on loan from Northampton Town after making 16 appearances in League One last season, whilst the shrewd acquisition of Sam Sargeant from Waterford is a good replacement for Ed McGinty between the sticks.

With a necessary rebuild in key positions, Sligo Rovers have brought in talent, but their start to the season shows that it hasn’t quite gelled just yet. Similar struggles for Derry City and Sligo Rovers in the early stages of 2025. Level on points with the Candystripes at the bottom, scoring four more but also conceding four more, this game looks like it will be entertaining though. The Bit’O’Red still look quite light in defence, although could have scraped draws against Waterford and St. Pat’s if Cian Kavanagh converted his spot-kicks. They’re always a bogey team for Derry City and are on the hunt for a second home win of the season, opening a further buffer on the Candystripes at the bottom of the table.

Round-up:

As the two-teams occupying the bottom two spots of the Premier Division table meet on St. Patrick’s weekend, fans of both Derry City and Sligo Rovers will be hoping for sunshine, blue skies and entertaining football on Saturday. Both sides desperate for a win after picking up just four points from the first five games, Sligo Rovers have the worst defensive record but are the highest scorers, while only Shamrock Rovers have scored less goals than Derry - they’ll both be looking to go all-out at each other in the Showgrounds. Derry City will be hoping that their preseason win over Sligo Rovers will spur them on to a first competitive victory there in three and a half years, while Sligo Rovers look to extend said record until the next meeting in Connaught between the two in July. We’re bottom of the league, haven’t won here since 2021 and Rovers are encouraging fans to dress as leprechauns for a world record attempt. What could possibly go wrong?

Pól O’Hare – 11^th March 2025