League Cup holders Derry City opened the defence of their title with a late, late winner against Galway at the Brandywell.
It was hard work for a Candystripes side which featured seven changes from that the side which started against the same opposition in the league last Friday night.
Derry broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Gareth McGlynn charged down a defensive clearance to drive the ball into the corner of the net from close range.
But Galway certainly had their chances with Colin James spurning a superb opportunity and, in the 42nd minute Stephen O’Flynn’s low effort was superbly parried wide of the post by Derry keeper Ola Tidman.
After the break, the home side went close to doubling their lead but Karl Bermingham’s shot was superbly parried wide by the home keeper.
However, the visitors restored parity in the 65th minute following a break from midfield. O’Flynn’s pass sent Derek O’Brien scampering clear on the left and he guided the ball past the advancing Tidman.
But Derry secured their place in the quarter-finals when, following a pass from Paddy McCourt, substitute Kevin McHugh drove a low shot beyond the reach of Rogers from the edge of the penalty area.
Derry City: Tidman; McCallion, Kelly, Oman, Hargan; McGlynn, O’Halloran, McCafferty, McCourt; Bermingham (McHugh, 67 mins.), Hynes (Farren, 78 mins.).
Galway United: Rogers; Charles, Nootimer, McKenna (Moran, 30 mins.) , Reilly; Russell (Cooke, 64 mins.), Lester, Foley, James, O’Brien; O’Flynn (Glynn, 91 mins.)
Referee: Mr P Tuite (Dublin).
