Derry City Advances to FAI Cup Quarter-Finals with 2-1 Win Over UCD
Derry City secured their place in the FAI Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 victory against UCD at the UCD Bowl.
Michael Duffy set the tone for the match, putting the Candystripes ahead with a stunning free-kick just seven minutes into the game. UCD responded positively, leveling the score through Louis Dignam in the 17th minute.
In the second half, Tyler Smith marked his first goal for Derry, sealing the win for the Premier Division side. This triumph extends interim manager Mark Connolly’s unbeaten streak, propelling the team into the last eight of the competition.
This positive outcome comes amid a challenging period for Derry City, especially with James McClean absent from the squad. The club has dismissed reports regarding potential settlements affecting McClean’s future with the team.
The match began brightly for Derry, with Duffy’s early strike igniting their attacking momentum. Although Smith had a chance to increase their lead, his shot from near the bye-line faced a strong block from UCD’s goalkeeper, Noah Douglas.
UCD responded quickly, as Dignam capitalized on a counter-attack to find the net. His performance not only boosted his team’s morale but also saw him nearly score again, hitting the crossbar shortly before half-time.
In the second half, UCD maintained pressure with several near misses, including Ciaran Behan’s blocked shot and Luca Callioce’s effort sailing over the goal. Derry’s Brian Maher and Patrick McClean made key saves to thwart Goodness Ogbonna after he found space in the attacking third.
However, UCD’s inability to convert their chances proved costly on 64 minutes when Smith managed to push through his marker and score.
As the match drew to a close, UCD came close to equalizing once more, with Charles Akinrintayo’s shot hitting the inside of the left post. Despite their efforts, they were unable to score again, leaving Derry City to celebrate their hard-fought victory.
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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