Europa Conference League Report: Derry City 1 - 0 HB Torshavn

Derry, with the influential Michael Duffy in tow, can continue with the European adventure for at least two more games following a win on Thursday night.

Sadou Diallo headed home the only goal of the tie in the first half as they carved out a number of opportunities. They held their nerve in the closing stages for an important and moral boosting victory.  

It is the end of the road for their opponents though. After a sprightly first-leg performance, they never really got going tonight in the face of exerted home pressure. They must now concentrate on domestic affairs to get back into Europe next season.  

Ruaidhri Higgins made two changes from the first leg in the Faroe Islands. In more of an attacking lineup, both Will Patching and Jamie McGonigle started in place of Shane McEleney and Danny Mullan. Jakup Joensen named an unchanged side in contrast.

In comparison to last week’s game, Derry were at it right from the beginning which caused problems for the away side.

The likes of Dan I Soylu and Viljormur Davidsen were caught out at the back and forced to give away free kicks in dangerous areas.

One of those almost resulted in the opening goal when Cameron McJannet met a delivery from Michael Duffy.

His looping header appeared to be heading in only for Bjarti Vitalis Mork to tip it over. Ben Doherty was then allowed room to get forward from left back to send in a cross towards the unmarked Paul McMullan. He was only able to head over the bar.

The pressure was telling though and they finally landed the lead in this tie. Duffy was key again as his corner was met by the head of Sadou Diallo at the back post.

His header just evading the desperate lunge of Mork. Doherty then tried his luck from just outside the area to see his effort go over.  

Hanus Sorensen had a chance in a rare attack from the away side that went wide but it was still the home side looking to extend their lead before the break.

Jamie McGonigle shot straight at Mork, Duffy had a free kick just over and McJannet headed wide from a Duffy corner in a flurry of chances.

It was a bit of a scrappy start after the interval but Derry soon found their rhythm again. Duffy had an effort from distance that Mork was relieved to see go over before McGonigle was found with a long ball by Mark Connolly.

He was through one-on-one but Mork was just about able to stick out a leg to deny his low shot into the corner. Doherty then had successive corners headed wide from Connolly and McJannet.

Thorshavn emptied their bench as they tried desperately for the goal to take it to extra time.

They almost found a breakthrough when Adrian Justinussen was found in space inside the penalty area. His effort looked certain to be a goal but Maher managed to palm it away.

That was about as good as it got for them as the home side hung on for the victory. Relief for the home fans as they have seen European wins rare in recent seasons.

They now face KuPS of Finland in the next round. The first leg will take place at The Ryan McBride Brandywell on 27^th of July at 19.45.

They will be in domestic action when they take on Athlone Town in the FAI Cup on Sunday at 17.00.

Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Ben Doherty, Cameron McJannet; Sadou Diallo, Cameron Dummigan, Will Patching (Patrick McEleney 66); Michael Duffy, Jamie McGonigle (Danny Mullen 77), Paul McMullen (Brandon Kavanagh 83).
Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Ciaran Coll, Shane McEleney, Jordan McEneff, Cian Kavanagh.
Booked: None.
Sent off: None.

HB: Bjarti Vitalis Mork; Hordur Askham (Jákup Thomsen 89), Hørður Heðinsson Askham, Viljormur í Heiðunum Davidsen, Hanus Sørensen (Mikkel Dahl 89), Bartal Wardum; Emil Berger (Heðin Hansen 71), Dan Í Soylu (Matthias Præst Nielsen 83), Adrian Justinusson; Mads Borchers, Ari Mohr Jonsson.
Subs not used: Teitur Gestsson, Daniel Johansen, Samuel Johansen Chukwudi, Ári Mohr Jónsson.
Booked: Dan Berg í Soylu (60), Adrian Justinusson (68).
Sent off: None.

Referee: Tomas Klima
Attendance: 
extratime.com Player of the Match: Michael Duffy