CityView Vol-40 No-15 - Derry City vs St Patrick's Athletic - Sunday 21st July

DERRY CITY F.C. v ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC SPORTS DIRECT MEN’S F.A.I. CUP SECOND ROUND SUNDAY 21st JULY 2024 | 6.00pm Vol. 40 - No. 15

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Welcome to...

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Ruaidhrí Higgins

Asst Manager:

Paul Hegarty

Coach:

Conor Loughrey

Fitness Coach:

Kevin McCreadie

GK Coach:

Michael Dougherty

Development:

Mark McChrystal

Perfor Analyst:

Seamus McCallion

Opp Analyst:

Gerard Boyle

Physio:

Michael Hegarty

Equipment:

Gerry Sheppard

Kit Man:

Gavin Doherty

Kit Man:

Philip Johnson

Doctor:

Dr. Noel Boyle

CITYVIEW is the Official Match Day Programme of Derry City FC. The views expressed are, however, not necessarily those of the Board Of Directors, or indeed the Programme Committee. Design and Layout by Andrew Cassidy. Photographs courtesy of Maiden City Images, Event Images unless otherwise stated. Cover image

by Ramsey Cardy. Printing by City Print, Springtown Industrial Estate. Please support all of our sponsors. For queries about CityView contact andrew@derrycityfc.net

HONOURS:

League of Ireland Premier Division: 1988–89, 1996–97 FAI Cup: 1988–89, 1994–95, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2022 League of Ireland Cup: 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1999–00, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2018 League of Ireland First Division: 1986–87, 2010 League of Ireland First Division Shield: 1985–86 Irish Football League: 1964–65 IFA Cup: 1948–49, 1953–54, 1963–64

Welcome back to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for the second time in 72 hours!

Tonight we welcome Stephen Kenny back to the Brandywell, along with the officials, players and supporters of St Pat’s who have travelled up for this evening’s FAI Cup First Round game.

It’s a first round game which could easily have been the Cup Final this season, as it has been many seasons before like in 2006, 2012, & 2014!

Derry won in 2006 and 2012, but lost out 2-0 in 2014. And of course, that 2006 win was under the management of Stephen Kenny!

St Pat’s also come here tonight as FAI Cup champions , and to start their defence of that title at the Brandywell.

The two sides have met three times already in the league

this year and Derry City have come away as winners each time. 1 goal from Paul McMullan, 2 from Pat Hoban, and 3 goals from Danny Mullan, including a 92nd minute winner back in March as City came from a goal down to win 2-1.

But as they always say, anything can happen in cup football! So we know it’s going to be a tight game, especially after a game on Thursday night here. But hopefully we can progress and make it to the Aviva again! Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ROBERT HARVEY

Assistant 1: Robert Clarke |Assistant 2: Wayne McDonnell Fourth Official: Paul McLaughlin

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk 028 7137 6888

www.budgetenergy.co.uk 0800 012 177

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Stephen Kenny and the players, staff and supporters of St Patrick’s Athletic to the Brandywell this evening ahead of our opening Sports Direct FAI Cup tie.

Stephen clearly knows this club very well and I’ve never made any secret of the fact that he has been a huge influence in my own career to date.

For the next few hours however I’m only interested in getting through tonight’s game and into the next round, and I’ve no doubt it’s exactly the same for him.

I’m sure our supporters will be drawing similarities with this time last year when the cup draw threw up the same tie and we went out of two competitions on penalties in the space of four days.

fought encounter.

One thing I have been keen to get across to our own fans is just how much your support is appreciated all season, but particularly at this time of the year.

In football terms, that was a horrible time for our group, especially since we had played so well in the European tie in particular.

We took a lot of flak after a poor performance in Gibraltar, and rightly so. Supporters travelled in big numbers to the away leg and then turned out again on Thursday night past for the return.

It was a real low point for sure but again, it has no bearing on tonight’s game and it’s not really something we’ve dwelt on this week. The only thing you can do is use the experience to try to ensure there is no repeat.

I know you’ve had to dig deep again tonight, but I just wanted to assure you that this is something we have discussed many times in our dressing room in recent weeks.

These two clubs do of course have proud cup traditions and given that we’re the last two winners of the competiton, it has the makings of a hard-

It’s why it hits hard when we don’t get it right, but again, it’s also something that motivates the players to repay your faith in them.

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It’s probably not the draw that either team wanted this early if we’re honest, but the onus is on us as the home team to try to go and win the game.

The season will be heading into the home straight in the coming weeks and it’s vital that we’re bang in the hunt for trophies for as long as possible.

I hope we can count on your backing tonight as we look to go through to the next round.

Enjoy the game!

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS ST PATS ATHLETIC 1987 Nowadays St Patrick’s Athletic are regular visitors to the Brandywell but their first ever visit here was relatively recently, on Sunday 12th April 1987 for an end of season friendly. According to Derry manager Noel King in his programme notes the game had been arranged at short notice which may account for the disappointing attendance of less than 3,000 which was the lowest turn out since the club’s return to Senior football.

Unfortunately for the supporters, who did turn up, the game was a dull, dreary affair. There was a distinct lack of fast, flowing football.

City had hoped to include some local Irish League players but the IFA invoked a rule forbidding players under their jurisdiction from playing on a Sunday.

Stuart Roberts, in goal for Derry, pulled off two early

By Francie McCauley saves but there was little to cheer for either team in the first half. After the break Cleary rattled the crossbar for the visitors before a left-wing cross from Morrison was swept home

by Dillon to give them the lead just after the hour mark.

City hit back immediately with an equaliser when a Kevin O’Neill shot from twenty-five yards which took a deflection past Grace in the St Pat’s goal.

The visitors almost snatched a late winner but Roberts was on hand to block a certain goal from Dillon so a game which won’t live long in the memory ended all square.

The twenty-page match programme (smaller than the usual club production) cost fifty pence. It began with a welcome to the ‘Visitors’ and then in his notes Noel King saw the game as a test for the Candystripes against the quality of opposition they would soon be meeting following the club’s recent promotion from the First Division.

Brian Hegarty profiled ‘Steelstown’ who had won the Northern Ireland Primary Schools’ Cup. The centre spread carried all the competitive stats from the season just completed. There were a couple of pages of photos of ‘City In Action’.

Foyleman had his usual ‘Bits

& Pieces’ while the ‘Spotlight On The Supporter’ fell on Karen Havord of the Creggan Community Club.

The Teams were tucked away on page eight. The ‘Junior Page’ featured Bernard Gilmour of the Telstar Supporters Club and there was an item on the ‘Ballboys’ who came from Glendermott Primary School.

Of the four advert pages one was for the ‘Club Draw’ which was being confined to 1,000 entrants. Tickets were steep at £100 but the prizes were tempting - £20,000 as a first prize followed by a Ford Fiesta car and then fourteen days in Florida plus £1,000 spending money. There were another twenty prizes which included Mediterranean holidays, weekends in London, another car at £4,000, television sets and individual prizes of £500 cash.

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THE CURIOUS CASE OF EMILIO NSUE Equatorial Guinea topped Group A in the Africa Cup Of Nations earlier this season, finishing ahead of teams including Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Most of these wins came thanks to the competition’s top scorer Emilio Nsue.

But FIFA has now banned Nsue and claimed that he was ineligible to play for Equatorial Guinea for his entire 11-year international career with them, despite also being their all time record goal-scorer!

So, what did he do? Nsue was found to have made a 1 minute substitute appearance for Spain’s U21 side in an official competition back in 2011!

A new investigation was launched into Nsue’s eligibility in March 2023, with the forward given a six-day deadline to respond. Fifa said: “No position was received from the respondent.”

FIFA then announced that Equatorial Guinea would be

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By Andrew Cassidy

stripped of their World Cup 2026 qualification victories against Namibia and Liberia, with their opponents awarded a three-goal victory. Both games ended 1-0 thanks to Nsue goals.

So now Nsue has had his whole international career voided, and has been banned from international football for six months, with the Equatoguinean federation fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£131,000).

FIFA told their FA that the player “apparently only acquired the Equatoguinean nationality after having played in his first international match in an official competition”.

Nsue had at that point played 25 matches for Spain’s U16 & U18s sides, but you can only be declared ‘cap-tied’ after making an appearance from U21 upwards, and that 1 minute cameo in the European

Under-21 Championship in 2011 is the one that has done the damage to the African nation.

Equatorial Guinea’s defence is that they did request Nsue’s release directly from the Spanish FA, and were granted it, but FIFA claim that the request did not go through them.

The 34-year-old striker has played more than 40 games and scored 23 goals for the country, including five in this season’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nsue, who has played for Mallorca, Middlesbrough and Birmingham among others, helped his team top Group A before a last-16 defeat to Guinea.

Nsue, who plays for the thirdtier Spanish team Intercity, can appeal against the judgment via FIFA, and later via the court of arbitration for sport (Cas) if unsuccessful.

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE FAI Cup Fixtures:

FRIDAY 19th JULY Bohemian v Shamrock Rovers Drogheda United v Dundalk Galway United v Longford Town Waterford v Cockhill Celtic Cobh Ramblers v Kerry FC Treaty Utd v Kilbarrack Utd Athlone Tn v Ringmahon Rangr Wilton Utd v Carrigaline Utd

2024 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shelbourne

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47

DERRY CITY

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44

Waterford

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37

Shamrock Rvrs

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34

Galway United

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34

Sligo Rovers

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34

St. Pat’s Athletic

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Bohemians

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Dundalk

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22

Drogheda Utd

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SATURDAY 20th JULY Pike Rovers v Midleton Cork City v Finn Harps

Last Round’s Results: FRIDAY 12th JULY Galway Utd 1-0 Waterford Dundalk 4-2 Drogheda Utd Bohemian 0-2 Sligo Rovers

NEXT HOME GAME:

SUNDAY 21th JULY Sligo Rovers v Cobh Wanderers DERRY CITY v St Pat’s Athletic Wayside Celtic v Wexford Bray Wanderers v Shelbourne Ballyfermot Utd v Leeds AFC Gorey Rangers v UCD

Derry City vs Dundalk Friday 9th August, 7.45pm

LANDMARKS: 100TH START FOR PATCHING In recent games, we have seen a few milestones for both the club and some players.

Firstly, in the home win over Galway United, Will Patching made his 100th start and marked the occasion by opening the scoring in a 2-0 win.

Will becomes the 46th player to start 100 games for the club.

The first to do so was Stuart Gauld against Finn Harps in the Ulster Tyre Cup in August 1989, followed

by Felix Healy in Nov 1989 against Athlone Town at Brandywell, while Paul Curran was the third player to start 100 games for Derry City in Dec 1989 against Shamrock Rovers. The most recent players to reach this milestone were Ronan Boyce and Brian Maher, earlier this

season.

For the record this was the 150th time we have recorded a 2-0 victory.

Meanwhile in the 2-1 away victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park, Ben Doherty made his 100th league appearance, becoming the 42nd player to record a century of league games for the club in League of Ireland.

Jonathan Speak in Oct 1990, became the first player to reach 100 league games for the club, followed two weeks later by Paul Curran, and the following month

by Felix Healy. The most recent player to reach this landmark were Ronan Boyce Michael Duffy who played their 100th league game for the club earlier this season.

In the same game Adam O’Reilly

made his 50th league appearance, becoming the 102nd player to make 50 league appearances for the club in League of Ireland football.

The first player to play 50 league games for the club was Kevin Mahon in December 1987, as we beat Galway United 3-0 at Terryland Park with goals from Jonathon Speak (2) and Owen Da Gama.

Owen DaGama in a home game against Shelbourne in March 1988, was the second player to reach 50 league games, followed by Stuart Gauld against Athlone Town at St Mel’s Park in Oct 1988.

Earlier this season, Cameron Dummigan and Sadou Diallo became the most recent players to reach this milestone for the club.

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RESERVES, U19s, U17s & WOMAN’S UPDATES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE JUNGLE VIEW thejungleview.wordpress.com/

UEFA U19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Three Derry City Academy players featured for Northern Ireland in their opening UEFA U19 European Championship match with Ukraine at Inver Park on Monday. Daithí McCallion, Conor Barr, and Jack Doherty played crucial roles as Gareth McAuley’s team kicked off the tournament with a promising performance.

However, it was goalkeeper Pierce Charles who was the standout player. The Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper delivered a series of outstanding saves to frustrate the Ukrainian attack, which registered sixteen attempts on goal throughout the ninety minutes.

Conor Barr impressed during Northern Ireland’s score-

less draw with Ukraine in the UEFA U19 European Championship Finals.

For City, wing-back Conor Barr was particularly impressive. His athleticism and support play caught the eye, undoubtedly leaving a positive impression on the watching scouts. Barr played the full ninety minutes, while Daithí delivered a solid display at centre-back before being substituted at half-time. Jack, currently at Fleetwood Town, is one of the youngest members of the squad. He entered the match on 64 minutes and performed well. His energy and astute positional play helped to stabilise the midfield in the closing stages.

Overall, the three lads can be proud of their contributions in the opening game and

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will now turn their attention to a tough challenge against reigning champions Italy on Thursday.

PATTON ON TRIAL WITH PORTSMOUTH Meanwhile, City striker Sean Patton has been over on loan with EFL Championship side Portsmouth. Patton, who signed a new deal to extend his contract with the Candystripes recently before going on loan to Finn Harps, has impressed for both Derry City and Finn Harps, scoring on his debut for the Ballybofey club. The 17yo started the game and played the first half in a friendly as a trialist on Tuesday night as Portsmouth defeated non-League Gosport FC 3-1 at Privett Park.

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complaining about being cold?

Sian Harris! she’s always freezing no matter what temperature it is!

SHANNON DUNNE

D IS FOR DESERT ISLAND...

Which team mate would be the most use to you on a desert island?

I’m going to say Cate Toland because she’s quite sensible.

She’d think up a plan!

E IS FOR EXCESS A IS FOR ANGRY...

Which team mate has anger issues on the pitch?

Kaci Deery loves a red card! So it’s got to be her!

B IS FOR BOX...

What is your favourite TV show? Either at the minute or of all time.

I enjoy a few, but I’d say it’d be between either Power or Kin. If I’m allowed two!

BAGGAGE...

Which team mate takes more stuff than they need to on an away trip or overnight?

Probably myself!! I turned up with a full suitcase for a two day trip with the team!

F IS FOR FUTURE MANAGER...

Which team mate is the most likely to become a future football manager?

I’m not sure to be honest.

They’re all so young. But I’d like to maybe be in the hat for it.

match?

I would have to say Caiorse Doherty! She doesn’t like straglers!

I IS FOR INFLUENCE...

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

That’s a tough one! I’ve been fortunate to work under some really great managers and players over the years, but if it wasn’t for Paul Roddy and Adrain Quigley pushing me to play for derry at aged 12 I’m not sure I’d of ever joined a team.

J IS FOR JOB...

If football hadn’t worked out, what other career might you have followed?

There’s a few to be fair, but I’ll say maybe Sian Harris because she’s always got the one liners sitting ready for you!

K IS FOR KIT MAN...

Which team mate has the most annoying or specific requests for the kit man?

I’d probably say Ellie Redden because her top can’t be wrinkley!

G IS FOR GOALKEEPER... L IS FOR LIFE AFTER Which outfield player would you choose to go in nets if the goalkeeper is sent off and all subs have been used?

It was to be Kaci Deery! She like a cat in nets for only being 2ft nothing!!

H IS FOR HAIR...

C IS FOR COLD...

Which team mate is always

Which team mate is the most likely to get annoyed if their hair fell out of place during a

PLAYING...

Do you see yourself staying in football when your playing career is over?

I didn’t really think about it before, but as I’ve got older I definitely see myself sticking around in some role at the club. not sure what yet though.

M IS FOR MUSIC...

Which team mate has the

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worst taste in music?

That has to be Sian Harris for sure! She’ll be fuming I said this because she’d probly say me!

But I like to sing along to actual songs rather than listen to ‘unce unce’!!

N IS FOR NUMBER...

What was your first ever squad number, and do you have a preferred squad number?

My first squad number at Derry was number 7 from when I joined when I was younger, and I still wear it to this day.

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

Which opposition in the world would you love to play against that you’ve never had the chance?

It might be a bit of a far fetched dream, but maybe Man United women. Just because I support United and their women’s side si doing better than the men at the minute!

S IS FOR SIGNING...

Do you remember the story of you signing for Derry City came about?

Yeah, I was 12 and went to a training session in the Northland Road where Derry were training one night and Paul and Adrain had asked me to come along again and then I suppose I’ve been here ever since. Minus a short transfer away to win some silverware! But I’m back to stay now!

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?

The best player I’ve played with would probably have to be Joley Andrews from Glentoran Women. She’s easily one of the best in our league and she’s just moved to Hearts WFC.

P IS FOR PHONE...

Which team mate is never off their phone or tablet?

I’d have to say Ellie Redding, because I’m with her the most and it’s never out of her hand!

Q IS FOR QUICK...

Who’s the fastest player in the squad?

Caiorse Doherty is rapid! So I’ll say her.

R IS FOR RADIO/READ...

Which team mate hates to do interviews? And who always jumps at the chance?

We have a very young squad so everyone hates doing interviews! It’s always left to me or the vice captain Cate Toland!

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straight on the karaoke! Ellie Carlin, Ellie Reddin, Sian Harris...

W IS FOR WISDOM...

Who is the most intelligent player in the squad?

I’ll say Tara O’ Connor! Just because she’s a teacher!

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

If you could change places with someone in another sport for a day, who would it be?

That’s a tough one! Maybe Katie Taylor because she’s an Irish legend and it’s great to see an irish women being best in the world!

Y IS FOR YOUNG...

U IS FOR UNRIVALLED...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

How many answers can I give?!

I’ll say Marissa Callahan. She’s a baller!

V IS FOR VOICE...

Which team mate is the worst singer? And who might have a chance on X Factor?

I don’t think anybody can actually sing on the team! If they can their hiding it well! Although there’s a few that would be

What is your earliest memory of going to a football match?

Just playing with Derry in the inshowen league aged 12.

When the jerseys were nearly bigger than me, and my shorts went past my knees! Thank God for fitted kits these days!!

Z IS FOR ZONE...

Do you have any pre-match superstitions or rituals to get you in the zone?

Yeah I’m a bit of a freak! I have to have a hot bath and a cold shower on match days! I don’t know why, but I’ve been doing it that long now that it has to be done on match day!

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

ST PAT’S ATHLETIC

1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - CIARÁN COLL 4 - CIARON HARKIN 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - WILL PATCHING 9 - PATRICK HOBAN 10 - PATRICK MCELENEY 11 - COLM WHELAN 12 - PAUL MCMULLAN 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - SHANE MCELENEY 19 - JACOB DAVENPORT 21 - DANNY MULLEN 22 - JORDAN MCENEFF 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 26 - TADHG RYAN 27 - DANIEL KELLY 28 - ADAM O’REILLY 30 - EVAN OVENDALE 31 - TIERNAN MCGINTY 39 - CONOR BARR 40 - CALUM MCCAY 41 - LUKE O’DONNELL

1 - DANNY ROGERS 3 - ANTHONY BRESLIN 4 - JOE REDMOND 5 - TOM GRIVOSTI 6 - JAMIE LENNON 7 - RUAIRÍ KEATING 8 - CHRIS FORRESTER 9 - MASON MELIA 10 - KIAN LEAVY 11 - JASON MCCLELLAND 12 - CIAN KAVANAGH 14 - BRANDON KAVANAGH 15 - ARRAN PETTIFER 16 - AARON BOLGER 17 - ROMAL PALMER 19 - ALEX NOLAN 20 - JAKE MULRANEY 21 - AXEL SJÖBERG 22 - CONOR KEELEY 23 - RYAN MCLAUGHLIN 24 - LUKE TURNER 28 - RHYS BARTLEY 29 - MATT BOYLAN 30 - AL-AMIN KAZEEM 31 - MICHAEL NOONAN 36 - LUKE KEHIR 94 - JOSEPH ANANG

Manager: RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS

Manager: STEPHEN KENNY

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk | 028 7137 6888

www.budgetenergy.co.uk | 0800 012 177

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FIRST FOR SPORT IN THE NORTH-WEST bbc.co.uk/radiofoyle 22

CITY CUBS CORNER Send us in your photos and drawings to citycubs@derrycityfc.net and we’ll get them printed on the City Cubs page in the programme!!

SHIRT NUMBER MATHS CHALLENGE

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Can you do the maths with the shirt numbers to find out the name of the hidden Derry City player?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot the FIVE differences between the two photos?

ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Patrick McEleney (10) + Sadou Diallo (15) - Ciaron Harkin (4) = Danny Mullan (21) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Defender on the left’s leg has disappeared; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Sun on sponsor board has disappeared; 4) Post in the background has disappeared; 5) Shane McEleney’s socks have changed to white

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Home & Away Live Match Commentary From our Match Night Live team on 105.3fm and online at www.drive105.co.uk

Drive105mnl 28

FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Not many of us can claim that we were involved in Derry City’s first match in the League of Ireland back in 1985, but tonight’s entrant into the Fanzone can indeed claim that distinction.

Tonight’s guest in the Fanzone page is Jamie Mahon, who was a ball boy back in 1985 in that famous first home game.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Always loved watching Joey N’do!

Why? Pure silk!

What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

It would have to be the Aviva, although I enjoyed Fir Park more!

What goal sticks out in your mind?

Mark Farren’s equaliser in the 2006 Cup Final

Name: Jamie Mahon How long have you been supporting Derry City?

I was a ball boy against Home Farm in 1985 and have been hooked ever since!

Why? McCourts ‘no look’ pass to feet which took out six Pats players, absolute genius, and a superb finish!

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One

to Eleven with Three subs: GK - David Forde DEF - Kevin Brady DEF - Staurt Gauld DEF - Peter Hutton MID - Felix Healy, MID - James McClean MID - Patrick McEleney MID - Paddy McCourt FW - Liam Coyle FW - Gary Beckett FW - Owen Da Gama Subs, Mark Farren, Paul Doolin, Jonathan Speak Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Jim McLaughlin Favourite half time snack?

Chips and cheese!

What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

A sing-along with Felix as a half time show! lol

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

In the Mark Farren Stand. Just behind the Derry bench.

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

David Ginola of course!... On a serious note, hard to split Liam Coyle and Paddy McCourt. McCourt just edges it, I think.

Why? That feeling you got when he received the ball. Haven’t had it before or since.

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WORLD CUP ESPAÑA ‘82

By Andrew Cassidy

Forty-two years ago, last month, Northern Ireland sent shockwaves through the 1982 World Cup, beating hosts Spain and coming within one game of making the semi-final.

It was one of the great storylines of what was an epic tournament.

It was their first World Cup since appearing in the 1958 tournament in Sweden. They reached the quarter-finals and included Derry’s Fay Coyle in their squad. In the 1982 tournament, they were in a group with Honduras, Yugoslavia and the hosts, Spain.

Few gave them much chance of doing anything of note.

Draws against Honduras and Yugoslavia in their first two games seemed to confirm that impression and left the team needing a result against Spain in Valencia on the night of 25th June.

“We knew that we could do something against Spain even though most people thought we had no chance, we believed,” says Gerry Armstrong.

He says captain Martin O’Neill gathered the team together and told them that Spain was under pressure.

“He said: ‘We’ll get two or

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three chances in the game and we can stick one of them away and beat this team.’”

Billy Hamilton sent in a low cross that was parried by Spanish keeper Luis Arconada, then drilled into the net

by Armstrong.

Sammy McIlroy says the Spanish tried to intimidate the men in green and white.

“Spain went about it trying to bully us and they came unstuck because we had so many experienced lads in the team who could stand up for themselves. They were doing every trick under the sun pulling shirts, spitting at you, kicking you.”

“There was a silence after it, it might have been for a second but it seemed longer, and I can still see Norman Whiteside’s hands go up celebrating and Sammy Mac’s hands go up to celebrate,” Armstrong says.

When the referee showed his cards, they were given to Northern Ireland for reacting, including a red for defender Mal Donaghy with 30 minutes left. Despite being down to 10 men, they held on for a famous win.

“I thought: ‘This referee’s been so bad is he going to disallow it?’ and I panicked and then I saw him pointing to the centre circle and the celebrations began.”

Armstrong remembers that back at their hotel broadcaster Jimmy Hill was waiting at the front door with champagne. “We went in and started partying and we partied

After a scoreless first half, the chance came for Armstrong just after half-time.

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WORLD CUP ESPAÑA ‘82 continued... until the sun came up and had a ball.”

Telegrams congratulating the team were sent to the hotel. “One of them was from the Irish prime minister and another one was from Ian Paisley - they were from people all over the world,” says Gerry Armstrong.

Following their win, Northern Ireland went into a group with Austria and a star-studded French team, with a semi-final place beckoning for the winner.

They drew 2-2 with Austria in a game they should have won, then lost 4-1 to France, although what should have been the opening goal for Martin O’Neill was ruled out

for offside.

Northern Ireland included four Irish League players in the 1982 squad in Spain. Jim Cleary and Johnny Jameson of Glentoran, Linfield goalkeeper George Dunlop and Felix Healy then of Coleraine. Their standout player Manchester United forward,

Norman Whiteside, who was aged 17 years and 41 days old when he took part in the tournament.

What was remarkable too was that the tournament was made up of 16 teams, making their achievements all the more impressive.

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DERRY VS ST PAT’S ATHLETIC: AN FAI CUP THROWBACK

By Pól O’Hare

1 - Derry City 0 - St. Patrick’s Athletic 2018 FAI Cup Second Round: Prior to St. Pat’s penalty win over Derry in the FAI Cup in 2023, which saw the Inchicore side on their way to lifting the Cup in November, the two sides hadn’t faced each other in cup action since the second round in 2018. Derry City came away 1-0 victors after a late Aidy Delap winner that night, but City keeper Gerard Doherty stole the spotlight after saving an Ian Turner penalty which turned out to be the last kick of the game to lift the roof in the Brandywell. The Candystripes beat Blarney United 12-2 in the first round but later fell to a quarter final defeat against Bohemians.

2 - St. Patrick’s Athletic 0 - Derry City 2014 FAI Cup Final: The 2014 FAI Cup final saw City and Pat’s pitted against each other for the second cup final in as many years, with the Dublin club coming out on top. Christy Fagan, unsatisfied with just one goal in the 2012 final, scored a brace as the Saints won their first FAI Cup since 1961. Current City players Patrick McEleney and Michael Duffy both started in 2014, whilst Shane McEleney was an unused substitute.

Chris Forrester played 92 minutes and is the only member of both the 2012 and 2014 cup final squads to still play for the Inchicore outfit.

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3 - Derry City 2 - St. Patrick’s Athletic (AET) 2012 FAI Cup Final: Derry City and St. Patrick’s Athletic met each other in the FAI Cup final once again in 2012.

Sean O’Connor opened the scoring with a left footed free kick into Gerard Doherty’s top corner, but Derry were level within three minutes thanks to a Stewart Greacen header. Rory Patterson put City ahead, but extra-time was needed after Christy Fagan equalised at the death. Patterson bagged his second when he slotted past Brendan Clarke to clinch the cup for Derry fifteen minutes into the additional thirty. Current Derry manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was brought on the 81st minute, whilst Shane and Patrick McEleney both featured in the final that year. Chris Forrester played the whole 120 minutes for St. Pat’s in 2012 too.

4 - Derry City 3 - St. Patrick’s Athletic (AET)

2006 FAI Cup Final: The 2006 final was the last football match to be held at the old Lansdowne Road before its redevelopment and, despite going behind three times and the game going to extra-time, Derry City triumphed 4-3 to lift their fourth FAI Cup. After beginning his managerial career with St. Patrick Athletic’s under 21 side, the 2006 final was Stephen Kenny’s last game in his first spell as Derry manager.

Kenny, who recently returned to St. Pat’s after a stint managing the Irish national team, remarked on how both teams were fantastic in contributing to a classic cup final. Mark Farren, Clive Delaney, and Peter Hutton scored for the Candystripes that day, with the winning goal cruelly coming from Stephen Brennan who put the ball into his own net. Dave Mulcahy, Trevor Molloy and Sean O’Connor, who also scored in the 2012 final, netted for the Saints.

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This week... Derry City fan... DAVID MCCALLION 1. Which club won the German Cup Final last season?

4.

2. When was the last time Derry City played St Pats in the FAI Cup? 3. What was the final score in last season’s FAI Cup Final between St Pats and Bohs?

4. Which country award the trophy pictured on the right to their Cup winners?

5. Which club knocked Derry City out of the FAI Cup

5. at the round of 16 in 2021?

6. Which club did Derry City face in the first round of the FAI Cup last season here at the Brandywell?

7. Which club are the current holders of the Spanish Copa del Rey? 8. Who is the most successful player in FA Cup history in terms of winners medals?

DAVID’S ANSWERS: 1) I don’t actually know! I’ll say Bayern Munich; 2) Didn’t we play them last year?; 3) 2-1 Pats; 4) France; 5) I’ve tried to forget that but I still remember! Harps; 6) Oliver Bond Celtic?; 7) Real Madrid; 8) Ashley Cole

DAVID’S SCORE: 4 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) Bayer Leverkusen; 2) Last year’s second round (20th August 2023); 3) Pats 3-1Bohs; 4) France (Coupe De France); 5) Finn Harps; 6) Athlone Town; 7) Athletic Bilbao; 8) Ashley Cole (7 wins)

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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