Galway United 0-1 Derry City
Sunday, 26 October 2008 18:20Mark Farren's sharp finish guided Derry City past Galway United in a tight Terryland Park FAI Ford Cup semi-final.
There was plenty to admire in the enthusiastic manner a considerably under-strength Galway commenced the contest.
With John Lester supplying the midfield industry, Galway made a bright start and went close three minutes in.
Lester's 40-yard free-kick, backed by a furious wind, was gathered by Gerard Doherty as Galway battled with commendable spirit.
Performing with passion and purpose Galway fashioned a few more first half chances as Jesper Jorgensen drilled a venomous volley wide on 18, while Jay O'Shea had an effort deflected out for a corner seven minutes before the break.
After the interval chances started to arrive with greater frequency and Galway defender Alan Keane had to be alert to head a wicked Niall McGinn corner off the line on 51.
O'Shea was demonstrating neat touches as Galway had little pockets of supremacy, but the first goal was bagged by the Candystripes.
Gareth McGlynn hooked the ball into Farren's path and the striker rolled an expert finish past Gary Rogers' despairing lunge as Derry assumed a 63th-minute lead.
Inevitably, the game opened up thereafter and Galway came within a whisker of forcing an equaliser on 77, but Vinny Faherty just could not direct a Lester cross over the line.
In the dying embers, Derry might have added to their advantage as substitute Thomas Stewart, Niall McGinn, and McGlynn all went close, but sufficient damage had been inflicted.
Galway United: Rogers; Synott, Kenna, A Keane, Conneely; J Keane, Foley (Glynn, 73), Lester, Jorgensen; O'Shea; Faherty.
Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Delaney, McChrystal, Gray; McGlynn, Deery, Molloy, McGinn; Morrow (Stewart, 66), Farren.
Referee: A Kelly (Cork).
