Derry C 4 Galway U 0:DERRY City put last week's defeat by Shamrock Rovers behind them with a convincing victory over basement side Galway at the Brandywell last night. And while the eventual scoreline does not adequately reflect Derry's dominance, the result sees the Candystripes take another step towards Europa League football next season.
Now four points clear of St Patrick’s Athletic, who they face next Friday night at Inchicore, Stephen Kenny’s side bossed the ball and kept Galway on the back foot throughout.
And they really could have doubled that scoreline but for wayward shooting and the alertness of Galway goalkeeper Conor Winn.
Derry broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Patrick McEleney took full advantage of hesitancy in the Galway defence before guiding the ball into an unguarded net.
But Winn kept his side in the game blocking goalbound efforts from Eamon Zayed (twice), McEleney and Kevin Deery while David McDaid was particularly unlucky to see his chip strike the upright.
Derry did eventually double their lead in the 33rd minute when, following a Stephen McLaughlin corner, Danny Lafferty headed the ball firmly home.
Zayed claimed his 22nd league goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 79th minute after Steven Walsh had handled.
But the biggest cheer of the night was heard in the 90th minute when Derry substitute Mark Farren netted with a cheeky flick from close range.
Farren, who has returned to action following brain surgery last December, celebrated his strike which moves him to within four goals of Liam Coyle’s all time Derry City record of 112 strikes.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; Harkin, Greacen, McEleney (McBride, h-t), Lafferty; McEleney (Farren, 84) Molloy, Deery (Henry 80), McLaughlin; McDaid, Zayed.
GALWAY UNITED: Winn; Kelly (Gartlan, 80), Sinnott, Browne, Walsh; Silvera (Gilmour, 66), Ryan, Murphy, Kelly, Sibanda; Caldwell (Dougan, 80).
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).
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