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Michael Duffy's Dalymount double sends Derry City to Aviva

Updated / Friday, 4 Oct 2024 22:06
Michael Duffy (centre) celebrates his second goal
Michael Duffy (centre) celebrates his second goal

Derry City's hopes of a league and cup double are still alive after they swatted Bohemians aside in an FAI Cup semi final that failed to live up to its occasion at Dalymount Park.

Michael Duffy’s stunning first-half free kick put the Candystripes ahead before he struck a second twenty minutes from time as they bid for a second cup success in three years.

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 were outclassed and any hopes of turning a dismal season into a great one are dashed with the threat of a relegation playoff still looming.

A dull first half was desperately in need of a spark and Duffy provided it five minutes from the break with a sumptuous free kick, but the concession of it left Alan Reynolds fuming on the touchline.

First-half substitute Paddy Kirk looked to have won the ball fairly from Duffy but referee Paul McLaughlin thought otherwise.

Duffy profited, curling with his right foot into the far corner from left of the area.

If the Jodi Stand were seething over the soft nature of the free kick then they were left aghast when McLaughlin waved away a strong penalty claim with Mark Connolly clearly holding on to Alex Greive as he attempted to turn and shoot.

A chorus of boos rang out at the half-time whistle and Jordan Flores was seen remonstrating with McLaughlin on the way to the changing room about some inconsistency in his decision-making.

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.

Duffy was the goal-scoring hero for Derry

The Candystripes started well in the second half and the Derry City fans packed into the Mono Stand should have been booking coaches to the Aviva in November when Paul McMullan was put through on goal by a fabulous first time pass from Patrick McEleney in the 50th minute.

McEleney split the defence and as McMullan bore down on goal he finished like a man with just three goals in 43 Derry appearances.

Bohemians rallied and albeit it was more huff and puff than easy on the eye, Jordan Flores did at least fire a shot in anger wide of the post..

Duffy secured Derry’s spot in the November showpiece with twenty minutes to go. He danced around three Bohs players, cut in on his right and let fly with the ball bouncing up and over the despairing dive of Chorazka who will be disappointed.

Ruaidhri Higgins’ side were more than comfortable in the closing stages and Duffy was denied a stunning hat trick by Chorazka.

Boos rang around Dalymount again before the 90th minute with many dashing for an early exit.

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Cian Byrne, Dawson Devoy, Jordan Flores, Jevon Mills (Miller 60), Liam Smith (Kirk 37); Daniel Grant, Adam McDonnell (Meekison 75), Dayle Rooney (Piszczek 75), Ross Tierney; Alex Grieve (James Clarke 60).

Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Ben Doherty, Andre Wisdom; Sadou Diallo (Whelan 90), Michael Duffy, Patrick McEleney (Davenport 78), Paul McMullan (McEleney 90), Adam O'Reilly; Patrick Hoban (Mullen 85).

Watch the FAI Cup semi-final, Drogheda United v Wexford on Sunday from 2.45pm. Both game on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app

Watch Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne in the League of Ireland on Sunday from 5.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app

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