In the second leg of the Europa Conference League’s first qualifying round, Derry City did not advance following a thrilling encounter at the Brandywell. Despite goals from Mark Connelly and Pat Hoban, one in each half, Derry failed to secure the crucial third goal that would have enabled them to overcome part-time opponents, Bruno’s Magpies from Gibraltar. The advancing team was determined in the second half of extra time, owing to Ruben Diaz’s spectacular effort.
Though Derry demonstrated much effort and determination on the attack front, they were unable to secure the much-needed third goal, leading to a significantly disappointing end to their potential European journey. The inability to recover from a 2-0 defeat in the first leg marked their downfall.
The Candystripes’ enthusiasm was insufficient to break down the sturdy defence of the well-structured Magpies side. Derry were largely in control but found the visitors’ defence quite formidable.
The Gibraltarians capitalised on counterattacks, prompting a reflex save from Derry keeper David Maher in the 35th minute to keep out a strike from Jack Storer. Hoban found the net for Derry in the 29th minute, but the referee disallowed it due to a preceding foul on a defender. Hoban was subsequently booked.
Although Derry grabbed control of the game with Connelly’s 37th-minute header from a Paul McMullan cross, a refereeing decision sparked fury among the Derry support, resulting in a second booking for Adam O’Reilly for simulation right before half time. Despite being a man down, Derry continued to control proceedings post the interval.
McMullan’s initial attack in Derry’s opener was thwarted by the goalie, Coleing, redirecting the ball onto the goalpost much to the relief of the opposing side. Michael Kelly, in the 52nd minute, made a low drive down the right side which was intercepted by Hoban, though the Magpies’ goalie managed to deflect the ball resulting in a corner.
Shortly after, Kelly made another attempt with a cross to Hoban, but the Galway-born player wasn’t able to head the ball successfully, causing a lost opportunity. Nonetheless, McMullan’s next shot was blocked by the goalie and with the subsequent corner, Hoban managed to force the ball into the packed penalty area, putting the home side ahead by 2-0.
With an aggregate tie, the Magpies retaliated with 12 minutes to go. A square pass to their replacement player, Edu Salles, led him to a one-on-one encounter with Maher, but he blasted the ball over the goal bar. McMullan, on the opposite side, missed the opportunity to score a third goal for Derry when he missed the target.
Unable to score against the worn-out Magpies goalie and hitting the post later on, Derry now has to gear up for an important Cup tie against St Patrick’s Athletic slated for Sunday.
Teams: DERRY CITY comprised of Maher, Dummigan (replaced by Diallo at 78th min), Connelly (replaced by McEleney at 95th min), Coll, Doherty (substituted by Whelan at 105th min), O’Reilly, Patching, Kelly (substituted by Todd at 95th min), McMullan, and Duffy (replaced by Mullan at the 80th min) with Hoban as the striker.
MAGPIES’ team was made up of Coleing, Ashton, Diaz, Zuniga (substituted by Coombes at 58th min), Carrascal, Arguez, Garcia, Storer (replaced by De Haro at half-time), Forjan (changed for Salles at 60th min), Ronco, and Bayode.
The referee of the match was AP Chiaramonti from Andorra.