- Rónán MacNamara
- Fri, Oct 04 2024
Rónán MacNamara reports from Dalymount Park
A brace from Michael Duffy saw Derry City ease by Bohemians without getting out of second gear in this FAI Cup semi final.
Duffy’s fabulous free kick five minutes from the break gave the visitors the lead and they were afforded a very comfortable last 20 minutes when the winger added a second.
Derry were in cruise control for most of the game with Bohs ending a desperate night without a shot on target as boos rang around Dalymount Park long before the final whistle.
Ruadhri Higgins’ side remain on course for a second FAI Cup title in three seasons while their hopes of a league and cup double are very much alive.
For Bohemians, they will be looking to ensure a very poor season doesn’t become disastrous and secure their Premier Division status and avoid a relegation playoff.
Duffy provided the first half with a much needed spark with a sensational free kick but the Candystripes should count themselves very fortunate to have been on the right side of a debatable decision.
Paddy Kirk looked to have won the ball fairly from the tricky winger but referee Paul McLaughlin unexpectedly signalled for a foul.
The Jodi stand was incensed by the decision and their anger was doubled when Duffy curled a superb effort into the top corner.
Alan Reynolds’s side felt they didn’t get the rub of the green with some decisions and they were left aghast when McLaughlin waved away a penalty claim from Alex Greive who was clearly held when trying to shoot by Mark Connolly.
Jordan Flores was seen remonstrating with McLaughlin at the break and pointing to both ends.
In a sport where you can’t get consistency, all we ask for is consistency.
Otherwise there was little else in the way of goalmouth action. Duffy had blazed over the bar after galloping through the heart of the Bohemians midfield while Adam O’Reilly saw an effort go over before Kacper Chorazka did well to hold on to a curling Paul McMullan effort.
Paul McMullan should have doubled Derry’s lead and put the game to bed five minutes after the interval. A superb first time pass from Patrick McEleney split the Bohs defence and as McMullan went towards Chorazka he dribbled his shot wide of the target.
Bohemians huffed and puffed for large parts of the second half but failed to create anything clear cut while Derry looked like scoring the few times they ventured forward.
In truth, the hosts lacked any sense of direction or confidence in their play and their lack of aggression was punished
The game was over as a contest 20 minutes from time when Duffy cut inside, got by a couple of passive Bohs defenders and let fly at goal.
Chorazka will be disappointed with himself as Duffy’s shot bounced up and over his desparing dive but Derry won’t care.
Duffy took the acclaim of the Derry support at full time but he was denied a fabulous hat trick just before the end thanks to a smart save from Chorazka.
The subplot from tonight is that fourth place in the Premier Division is still very much alive for those chasing Europe next season although it will require Derry to beat either Drogheda or Wexford in the final.
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Cian Byrne, Dawson Devoy, Jordan Flores, Jevon Mills (Martin Miller 60), Liam Smith (Patrick Kirk 37); Daniel Grant, Adam McDonnell (Archie Meekison 75), Dayle Rooney (Filip Piszczek 75), Ross Tierney; Alex Grieve (James Clarke 60).
Subs not used: James Talbot, Jake Carroll, James McManus, Declan McDaid, Oluwaseun Akintunde.
Booked: None.
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Ben Doherty, Andre Wisdom; Sadou Diallo (Colm Whelan 90), Michael Duffy, Patrick McEleney (Jacob Davenport 78), Paul McMullan (Shane McEleney 90), Adam O'Reilly; Patrick Hoban (Daniel Mullen 85).
Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Duncan Idehen, Conor Barr, Sean Robertson.
Booked: Paul McMullan (41), Andrew Wisdom (83), Mark Connolly (87).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
Attendance: 4,000 (estimate)
extratime.com Player of the Match: Michael Duffy (Derry City)
