In the Irish League, it ended in a draw between Derry City and Bohemians, with each side scoring a goal. Derry City couldn’t keep up the fight against Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, while Bohemians secured a safe position against relegation as the season approaches its finale. Currently, Derry trails behind Shelbourne by three points but still have a game to play at home versus Sligo Rovers come Monday.
From the start, the Bohemians made sure Derry understood they’d face a stronger opposition compared to their 2-0 defeat in the FAI Cup. The opposing side’s Brian Maher, the goalkeeper, fought off an early threat from Dayle Rooney, deflecting the ball over the crossbar.
As the game hit the tenth minute, the home team responded with a brilliant free-kick, which Kacper Chorazka managed to save brilliantly, reducing Michael Duffy’s attempt to repeat his notable strik at Dalymount. Fifteen minutes in, Jordan Flores demonstrated a well-organised defence, successfully blocking a shot from Paul McMullan.
It was the 20th minute when the visiting team scored, taking the 3,123-strong audience at Foyleside by surprise. A beautifully coordinated move down the field, ending with Archie Meekison scoring his inaugural goal for his team.
Derry’s Will Patching, shocked by the opponent’s opener, attempted to equal the score following an assist from Paul McMullan, but Chorazka held firm. As half-time approached, Derry strived to gain ground, with Ben Doherty’s forceful shot secured by the visiting team’s keeper. Bohemians’ opening half effort was commended by coach Alan Reynolds.
Despite maintaining their grit after half-time, Bohemians conceded an equalising goal on the 60th minute mark. Duffy’s corner kick found Pat Hoban, who headed the ball into the goal, reigniting the game for Derry City.
On the 77th minute of the match, an eruption of cheers filled Brandywell when their substitute, Danny Mullen streaked down the right-wing. Unluckily, his superb cross hit the post from McMullan’s volley, causing Bohs to heave a sigh of relief.
Possessing the ball for much of the latter part of the match, Derry’s substitute Sean Robertson pushed forward into the danger zone but was unfortunately stifled at the crucial instant.
The upcoming match against Sligo at Brandywell is now crucial for Derry. A victory for the visiting team would bring them to a tie with the Candystripers in terms of points.
The Derry City team included Maher, Boyce, Connolly, Wisdom, and Doherty until he was replaced by Mullen 57 minutes into the game. Diallo, Patching who was substituted by Coll on 62 minutes, Mcmullan who left on 88 minutes for Robertson, O’Reilly, Duffy, and Hoban made up the rest of the team.
For Bohemians, the team was made up of Chorazka, Kirk, Mills, Byrne, and Flores, who was replaced by Carroll 75 minutes in. Devoy was also there, playing with McDonnell until he got switched with McMannus 85 minutes into the game. Clarke who got changed for Piszczek on 75 minutes, Meekison who was traded for Grant 70 minutes in, Rooney, and Tierney.
The game was managed by N Doyle from Dublin.