In a stunning display of individual skill, Michael Duffy led Derry City to victory with a score of 2-0 against Bohemians in the FAI Cup semi-final held at Dalymount Park. This win propels Derry City into the final showdown on November 10th at Aviva Stadium. Despite a season of fluctuating form, notably in away games, Ruaidhri Higgins’ squad now has the chance to secure a cup and league double for only the second instance in their history, emulating their treble win of 1989.
The Bohemians faithful were vocally discontent, aggrieved perhaps for having their celebratory drinks wasted on jubilant Derry players. The first half saw few chances to express either joy or frustration, with the pressure of the occasion palpable in the air. With Bohemians’ league form slipping, the threat of the season collapsing into irrelevance was ominously present, albeit minus the horrific prospect of demotion.
There remains a glimmer of hope for Bohemians to avoid the drop. A taste of redemption through winning the cup final against Derry and the victorious side of Drogheda United and Wexford’s clash, would assure them a spot in Europe’s football stage in 2025. This would, in turn, offer a potential reprieve from the shadows of 13 league losses.
Until the crucial 40th minute of the game, optimism pervaded the surroundings at Phibsboro. This changed when Duffy procured a soft free off substitute right-back Paddy Kirk, who had stepped in for the injured Liam Smith.
As the crowd held its collective breath, Duffy went on to solidify his reputation by delivering an awe-inspiring strike from an acute angle, beating Bohs goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka. The goal celebration was met with a mixture of jubilation and disgruntlement from the stands
Meanwhile, Paul McMullan was slapped with a yellow card for provoking the already agitated home supporters. The announcer criticised the Derry players for fuelling the tension, a claim that may be considered either intuitive or petty depending upon one’s viewpoint. The home crowd had already been nursing grievances over unfavourable decisions.
Patrick McEleney may have faced a booking due to his tumble in the Bohs box, which occurred after barely perceptible contact with Ross Tierney. This was shortly before Andre Wisdom gave Alexander Grieve a robust challenge that made him breathless. Wisdom, previously the captain for the England Under-21 team, managed to get his foot to ball prior to heavily impacting the New Zealander.
In both situations, the referee Paul McLaughlin dismissed any foul play.
Bohs displayed some opportunities with the masterful playing skills of their midfielders Dawson Devoy, Dayle Rooney, and Tierney. All exhibited impressive control, yet without any concluding delivery. This inefficiency has been a recurring theme of the Bohs season.
However, Pat Hoban, Adam O’Reilly and Duffy highlighted their superiority with a series of shots, leading to Duffy breaking the standoff.
Derry missed a golden opportunity early in the second half, when a well-executed corner pass from Hoban opened up a chance for McMullan against Chorazka. McMullan’s slight delay enabled the Polish goalkeeper to narrow the gap, resulting in a misfired shot.
In the 72nd minute, Duffy resolved the match. He weaved between Devoy and Tierney from the left flank and scored with a low shot that bounced past Chorazka into the net.
Derry were joined in their jubilation by the RTÉ television team, including ex-Derry player Gareth McGlynn.
An event of significance that almost slipped through the radar was Derry’s near drop from the Premier Division’s second place last night. This was due to Galway United beating Dundalk at Eamonn Deacy Park until a last minute equaliser from Eoin Kenny balanced the scales. This could enable St Patrick’s Athletic, managed by Eoin’s father Stephen Kenny, to secure a European place when the final scores are calculated.
Higgins’ team will now face a challenge to recuperate before their Monday night match with Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell, which offers an opportunity to reduce Shelbourne’s lead to a single point.
Bohemians team comprised of: Chorazka; Smith (substituted for Kirk on 37 minute), Mills (substituted for Clarke on 60 minute), Byrne, Flores; McDonnell (replaced by Piszczek on 75 minute), Devoy, Rooney (replaced by Meekison on 75 minute); Tierney, Grieve (substituted for Miller on 60 minute), Grant.
The match at Derry City involved players such as Maher, Boyce, Wisdom, Connolly, and Doherty. Other players included McMullan, who was later substituted for Whelan at 95 minutes, O’Reilly, Diallo who was swapped out for S McEleney at 94 minutes, and P McEleney who was replaced by Davenport at 78 minutes. Additionally, Hoban participated but was switched with Mullen at 85 minutes. The game was officiated by referee, Paul McLaughlin.