Headline: Derry City Advances to FAI Cup Quarter-Finals with 2-1 Win Over UCD
Derry City secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup following a 2-1 victory against UCD at the UCD Bowl. Michael Duffy opened the scoring for Derry City just seven minutes into the match, curling a free-kick into the top left-hand corner of the net.
UCD responded strongly, leveling the match in the 17th minute when Louis Dignam capitalized on a counter-attack and scored past keeper Brian Maher. The hosts gained confidence and continued to apply pressure on the Derry defense, with Dignam striking the crossbar before halftime.
After the break, UCD maintained their momentum, as Ciaran Behan saw his shot blocked and Luca Callioce missed a close-range opportunity by firing over the bar. However, Derry City regained control in the 64th minute when Tyler Smith scored his first goal in red and white, evading his marker and putting Derry ahead once again.
Despite their efforts, UCD struggled to find the back of the net in the closing stages. They hit the woodwork for a third time when Charles Akinrintayo’s shot struck the inside of the left post. Ultimately, Derry City held on for the win, continuing their unbeaten streak under interim manager Mark Connolly.
This victory came amid challenges for Derry City, notably with James McClean absent from the squad, as the club dismissed speculation regarding attempts to settle terms for his departure.
Irish FAI Cup
UCD 1 – 2 Derry City FT
Derry City booked their spot in the FAI Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over UCD at the UCD Bowl.
Michael Duffy gave the Candystripes an early lead before UCD responded well and levelled through Louis Dignam in the 17th minute.
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Tyler Smith then scored his first goal in red and white in the second half to book the Premier Division side’s space in the last eight and continue interim manager Mark Connolly’s unbeaten run.
The positive result follows another challenging week for the Candystripes with James McClean not in the squad once again after the club dismissed reports that they are attempting to find a settlement that will end his time at the club.
Derry remain unbeaten under interim boss Connolly
The away side made a bright start to the game and opened the scoring after just seven minutes when Duffy curled a free-kick into the top left-hand corner.
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Smith then had a good chance to double their lead, but his shot from near the bye-line was blocked by keeper Noah Douglas.
However, it would be UCD who netted next when Dignam fired past Brian Maher on the counter-attack.
The goal increased the hosts’ confidence and Dingham continued to ask questions of the Derry defence with his effort crashing off the crossbar, before being denied once again by the woodwork just before the half-time whistle.
After the restart, Ciaran Behan’s shot was blocked before Luca Callioce fired over the crossbar from close range.
Brian Maher and Patrick McClean then both made crucial interventions to stop Goodness Ogbonna after he had been gifted too much space.
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The hosts were made to pay for not taking advantage of their dominance on 64 minutes when Smith held off his marker and found the back of the net.
As the full-time whistle edged closer, UCD struck the woodwork for a third time when Charles Akinrintayo’s shot pinged off the inside of the left post but, despite a valiant performance, could not find another equaliser.
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