CityView Vol-41 No-15 - Derry City vs Drogheda United - Saturday 16th August

DERRY CITY F.C. v DROGHEDA UNITED F.C. SPORTS DIRECT MEN’S FAI CUP - ROUND 3 SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2025 | 8.00pm Vol. 41 - No. 15

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Welcome to...

DROGHEDA UNITED F.C.

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Tiernan Lynch

Asst Manager:

Seamus Lynch

Coach:

Andy Mitchell

Co-Ordinator:

Patrick McEleney

GK Coach:

Anthony Fennelly

Development:

Mark McChrystal

Head Analyst:

Rory Scott

S&D Coach

Danny Doherty

Physio:

Leah McCreadie

Kit Man:

Georgie Harkin

Kit Man:

Gerry Sheppard

Doctor:

Dr. Noel Boyle

Podiatrist:

Patrick McGill

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 Event Images and Maiden City 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

Hello, and welcome back to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for tonight’s game against Drogheda United.

Welcome also to Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty, his staff, players and the officials and supporters from Drogheda who have had to travel here tonight instead of going to Croke Park to see Oasis! Our tickets were easier to get though!

The build up to the game has been all about the ‘replay of the Cup Final’ from last year, but we can’t Look Back In Anger, Some Might Say that we’re two very different teams this time around.

We have a new manager and a new team. Only 7 players from the 15 used for the Cup Final last year are still with the club.

We’ve faced off 3 times this

season so far, one 3-1 win for Drogehda, and one 3-0 win for Derry City, both here at the Brandywell. There was also one 1-1 draw back in May in Drogheda.

Let’s hope Tiernan doesn’t just Roll With It and instead has a Masterplan so that all the Talk Tonight will be on how Supersonic Derry City were. And safe travels to those who have Sunday Morning Call to head to Croke Park tomorrow!

Enjoy tonight and tomorrow!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ROBERT HARVEY

Assistant 1: Robert Clarke |Assistant 2: Wayne McDonnell Fourth Official: Daniel Murphy

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

It’s a bit of a change for everyone this weekend with a home FAI Cup tie and a Saturday night kickoff at Brandywell.

And as always I’d like to welcome Kevin Doherty, his players, staff and supporters of Drogheda United to the city for tonight’s game.

I know from my time here, and indeed even before that, what this competition means to the club, the supporters and the city as a whole.

Taking more than 20,000 to a final in Dublin twice in the space of three years is something most clubs could only dream of and I know what it would mean to the players to put a cup run together this season.

Of course the irony is lost on no-one that it was Drogheda who spoiled the party last year and while the make-up of our team and staff have changed, that won’t matter to our supporters.

We know they’re a very

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good team and they’ll be very reluctant to let go of the trophy, but it’s every bit as important to us.

We’ve spoken about it this week that it’s a chance for the players who were involved in last year’s final to use that motivation and to share it with the rest of the team and try to make amends.

We know what it would mean to supporters to stay in the competition right to the end, and at our very successful open training session this week you could feel how much it means to people here.

We were very disappointed with our draw at home to Cork last week and we’ve made no secret about the fact that we have to be up for this from the start.

I trust we can count on you getting behind us tonight.

Your continued support, even after a disappointing night will drive us on.

Tiernan Lynch, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS CHELSEA 1992 Chelsea were not the powerhouse they are today when they arrived at the Brandywell on Tuesday 21st July 1992 for a pre-season friendly. Nonetheless their squad contained a number of household names – Dave Beasant, Graeme Le Saux, Vinnie Jones, Tony Cascarino, Dennis Wise and Andy Townsend. The previous season they had finished 14th in what was to be the last of the old First Division in England.

The Londoners had drawn two apiece against Sligo Rovers at the weekend. Anthony Gorman, later to become assistant manager to Pat Fenlon at City, was on trial with Chelsea having played against them for Sligo.

On the night Chelsea were a disappointment, being limited in certain areas around the pitch and in a game where

By Francie McCauley the home side’s defence was never really threatened the Candystripes were unfortunate not to win.

Derry went in front after half an hour. A superb move started when Paul Hegarty carried the ball from defence before sending Gregory Kearney away down the left wing.

He hit an accurate crossfield pass to new striker Mark Ennis who ghosted in behind the Chelsea defence, brought the ball under control with his first touch and waited for visiting keeper Dave Beasant to commit himself before despatching an inch-perfect shot to the net.

Ten minutes from time a long-range throw-in from Jones on the right was flicked on by Stuart and in an attempt to clear the danger Paul Curran sliced the ball into his own net past a stranded Dermot O’Neill to present Chelsea with the draw their play didn’t deserve.

The London club, in the following first season of the Premier League, were to finish in 11th spot.

The match programme of 20 pages was a bit smaller than usual. It cost 70p and had six pages of adverts.

The match was the first

in a series of four friendly games organised by the football club as its contribution the IMPACT ’92 programme and so there was ‘A Message From The Mayor’ Alderman William Hay. Roy Cyle had also penned ‘A Message From The Manager.’

As well as a team photo and player pen pics there were two pages of ‘History, Facts and Figures’ about the Stamford Bridge club. A page was dedicated to each of Derry’s new signings, Mark Ennis and Martin Mc Ginley. An article which was headed by a quote from Jack Charlton, “Probably the Best Midfielder in Europe”, was a profile of Chelsea’s midfielder Andy Townsend.

City’s fixtures for the new season were included and team lineups took up the back page.

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FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Stepping into the Fanzone tonight is Derry City fan for forty years, Martin Dunleavy.

Keen runner Marty is a constant at the Brandywell where he helps brother Brian with the half time draw. Marty has some interesting thoughts on supporting the mighty Candystripes and, in particular, his team selection should bring back some memories to people and maybe evn start off some discussion! Thanks for taking part Martin.

He was just an incredibly talented really skilful player.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Ronaldinho when he played in that friendly game in the Brandywell Why? He was just an absolutely world class player.

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

Has to be the Aviva Stadium What goal sticks out in your mind?

Liam Coyle’s away goal against Athlone.

Name: Martin Dunleavy

Why? It was an absolute screamer of a goal. Even though we lost the league that night, that goal still sticks in my memory.

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs Dermot O’Neill, Pascal Vaudequin, Sean Hargan, Stuart Gauld, Alan Harrison, Kevin Mahon, Felix Healy, Paul Doolin, Paddy McCourt, Liam Coyle, Johnny Speake Subs: Mark Farren, Ryan McBride, Gregory Kearney Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Stephen Kenny Favourite half time snack?

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

A better sound system. People on the Southend Stand side of the ground can hear nothing but buzzing at the minute..

How long have you been supporting Derry City?

Since they joined the League of Ireland in 1985 so that’s 40 years.

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

In the Mark Farren Stand Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Liam Coyle without a doubt!

Why?

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TO TAKE PART IN FANZONE, CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2025 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shamrock Rvrs

27

53

Bohemians

27

43

DERRY CITY

27

42

Drogheda Utd

27

42

Shelbourne

27

39

St. Pat’s Athletic

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38

Waterford

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34

Galway United

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30

Sligo Rovers

27

26

Cork City

27

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Last Round’s Results:

FRIDAY 8th AUGUST Drogheda Utd 0-0 Waterford DERRY CITY 0-0 Cork City SATURDAY 9th AUGUST Shelbourne 2-2 Bohemians SUNDAY 10th AUGUST Galway Utd 0-0 Shamrock Rvrs St Pats Athletic 3-0 Sligo Rovers

Third Round Fixtures: Salthill Devon v Galway United Bohemians v Sligo Rovers DERRY CITY v Drogheda Utd Cork City v Waterford Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers Kerry FC v Cobh Ramblers St Pat’s Athletic v Shelbourne Shamrock Rvrs v Longford Town

NEXT GAME: Derry City vs St Patrick’s Athletic

Friday 29th August, 7.45pm

DERRY CITY LOTTO

Prize Pot: £1,500

Play online now at clubs.clubforce.com 11

LANDMARKS: 40 YEARS IN THE FAI CUP Incredibly, this is our 41st campaign in the FAI cup.

Since joining the League of Ireland in 1985, we have played a total of 162 games in the FAI cup. We have won 95 games, drawn 36 and lost 31. We have scored 296 cup goals and conceded 119, keeping 84 clean sheets and failing to score on 33 occasions. Our win ratio is 58.64%.

We have won the FAI cup on six occasions and also been beaten finalists six times.

Our first game in the FAI cup came on 2nd Feb 1986 when we entertained the Garda, running out comfortable 5-0 winners. Kevin Mahon scored our first cup goal, while Stuart Gauld, Owen Da Gama, Brendan Bradley and Kevin O’Neill were also on the score sheet. For the record the side that represented Derry City in our first cup

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By Brian Dunleavy

game was Eamonn Quigley, Liam McDermott (cpt), Ray McGuinness, Nelson Da Silva, Declan McDowell, Noel King, Kevin O’Neill, Owen Da Gama, Barry McCreadie, Stuart Gauld and Kevin Mahon, with subs Brendan Bradley (McCreadie) and Jose Mokendi (McDermott).

270 players have represented the club in the FAI cup since 1985, making a total of 2124 appearances.

Peter Hutton with 63 games has made more cup appearances than any other player. Paul Curran is in 2nd place with 53, while Liam Coyle and Eddie McCallion have both played 48 cup games.

Our 296 cup goals have been shared between 105 different goal scorers. Rory

Patterson is our top cup goal scorer with 16 cup goals.

Liam Coyle and Mark Farren have both scored 15 times in the FAI cup, with Jonathan Speak having notched 11.

We have faced 38 different opponents in our 38 seasons to date, with our most frequent opponent being Shelbourne, who we have faced on 19 occasions, followed by Cork City (15), and Bohemians (14 games).

In 27 of the 40 FAI cup campaigns, we have reached at least the quarter final stage, being knocked out before the quarter final on ten occasions.

We have won the cup 6 times, been beaten finalists 6 times, knocked out in the semi final 6 times and the quarter final on 8 occasions.

Hopefully this will be the start of another successful campaign.

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C IS FOR CHIPPY...

It’s takeaway night, where do you go and what’s your choice?

MARK CONNOLLY

If I was going chippy I’d say Fish and chips from Donaghys!

D IS FOR DIRTY...

Which team mate is the messiest in the dressing room?

Danny Mullen! I drive in with him and he’s always leaving rubbish in the car!

E IS FOR EUROPE OR CUP...

A IS FOR ADVICE...

What’s the best piece of advice to give to young footballers?

It may be an old cliché but work as hard as you can on all aspects of your game, there will be ups and downs but hard work will take you far in football.

B IS FOR BOOTS...

What made you choose the boots that you wear?

I used to wear Nike, then when I was 17 I got a boot deal with Adidas so I’ve stayed wearing that brand my whole career.

Would you rather get through to the later rounds in Europe or win the Cup Final at the Aviva if you could only do one?

I would to love to make the group stages of Europe. The club have experienced cup wins, but European group stages at the brandywell would be special.

F IS FOR FACEBOOK...

Do you ever have a look at or read reviews or comments online after a game?

No, I used to when I was younger but realised there was no gain from doing it, and to be honest theres only a certain few people’s opinions I would listen too! People

have sent me on certain posts in the past but nothing ever good comes from negative comments.

G IS FOR GYM...

Which team mate spends the longest in the gym?

Sam Todd. He’s a top pro

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

Do you prefer a sightseeing city break or a lay by the pool holiday?

I prefer a lay by the pool kind of break!

I IS FOR IRREPLACEABLE...

What is the one thing that you couldn’t go a day without?

Speaking with my kids. Even if we’re away for the day I’d always facetime for a chat.

J IS FOR JOB...

Have you ever had a job outside of football?

No never, I’ve been lucky enough to play football my whole life.

K IS FOR KITCHEN...

What is your speciality dish to cook if you wanted to impress in the kitchen?

Nothing unfortunately! Rosa would do all the cooking in our house!

L IS FOR LOVE ISLAND...

Which team mate would be the most likely to apply for Love Island?

Big Arlo I’d say!

M IS FOR MATES...

If you were to get into an argument on the pitch, which team

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mate would you be glad to see arriving to back you up?

Big Sam Todd maybe. He’s a big lad!

N IS FOR NOISE...

If the squad had to be quiet for as long as possible, which team mate would break and speak first?

Carl Winchester would probably tell a joke! He’s a funny man!

O IS FOR OLYMPICS...

What Olympic sport do you think you’d make the best attempt at?

Golf maybe. I think that’s in the Olympics now.

P IS FOR PENALTIES...

Would you put yourself forward to take one if a big cup final went to penalties?

Yes. I might miss it, but I’d put myself forward no problem!

Q IS FOR QUIET...

Do you prefer quietness or company?

A bit of both. In training I like company but at home I like peace and quiet!

R IS FOR RULES...

If you could change one football rule or law, what would you

change?

I’m not sure. It depends what decisions are given against me!

S IS FOR SCHOOL...

What was your best subject at school?

I’d say maths was probably my best subject.

T IS FOR TEXT...

What is or was your favourite video game?

As a young boy I enjoyed Crash Bandicoot.

W IS FOR WORLDIE...

What goal sticks out to you as the best you’ve ever seen? Either on TV or in person.

Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick against City comes to mind

Which team mate would be the most likely to take a week to reply to a text?

The boys are normally alright.

Danny Mullen can take a bit of time!

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

U IS FOR USED...

Y IS FOR YOUNG...

What is the most used app on your phone?

WhatsApp I’d imagine

V IS FOR VIDEO GAMES...

Which one game would you go back and change the result of if you could?

The FAI Cup Final last year.

Which two young footballers do you think will go on to be the next Messi or Ronaldo debate as the best players in the world?

I’d think Lamine Yamal for Barcelona and Jude Bellingham for Madrid. I don’t think they’ll get to Messi or Ronaldo level though.

Z IS FOR ZOOM...

If you could have a 10min Zoom call with anyone in the world, who do you choose?

Tiger Woods, im a big golf man and would love to pick his brains!

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07.03.25

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03.03.25

21.04.25

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28.02.25

18.04.25

H

21.02.25

L

L

L

L

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L

L

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C

L

L

L

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L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

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L

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L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

SHELS

CORK

ROVERS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

DROGHEDA

SHELS

BOHS

PATS

GALWAY

DROGHEDA

CORK

ROVERS

BOHS

TREATY

SLIGO

WATERFORD

DROGHEDA

PATS

SHELS

GALWAY

BOHS

ROVERS

DROGHEDA

CORK

PATS

SHELS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

GALWAY

DROGHEDA

CORK

ROVERS

SLIGO

GALWAY

PATS

WATERFORD

BOHS

0--0

0--2

1--1

5--1

0--2

7--2

3--0

1--0

1--0

1--1

0--1

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1--1

2--1

1--0

2--0

1--2

3--0

3--2

1--3

2--1

0--0

1--0

1--1

0--2

1--2

1--0

1--3

A

H

14.02.25

SCORE

DATE

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY WHYTE

AKINYEMI

DIALLO

DIALLO CANN

CANN

DOHERTY

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

CANN

CANN

WHYTE

WHYTE

DIALLO1

DIALLO

DIALLO

DIALLO

WHYTE

DIALLO

DIALLO CANN

FLEMING

FLEMING

HOLT

DIALLO

BANNON

BANNON

TODD

WINCHESTER BANNON

WINCHESTER SCOTT

WINCHESTER TODD FLEMING

TODD

TODD 1

TODD

TODD

HOLT1

HOLT

TODD

TODD

TODD

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER HOLT

CANN

HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

L BOYCE

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT 1 BENSON

TODD

HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN 2

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

11

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

BANNON 1

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 3

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 1

L BOYCE

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 1

MULLEN 1

L BOYCE 1

TODD

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE 1

PATTON

HOLT

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

THOMAS

THOMAS

DIALLO

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN 1

CANN

10

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER MULLEN

AKINYEMI WHYTE

DIALLO

CANN

CANN

CANN

CANN

CANN

9 WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

THOMAS

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

BENSON

BENSON

BENSON1

BENSON

CANN

8 THOMAS

MCMULLAN DOHERTY CANN

DOHERTY

DOHERTY

AKINYEMI 1 DIALLO

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY1 DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE 1 CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

WHYTE

WHYTE 1

WHYTE 1

O’REILLY

WHYTE

DIALLO

HOBAN

7

MCMULLAN WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

6

MCMULLAN DOHERTY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

HOBAN

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

HARKIN

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

R BOYCE 1 DUFFY 1

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

5

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

4

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

3

FERGUSON HARKIN

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

2

13

BENSON

MULLEN

BENSON

BENSON

TODD

WHYTE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

BENSON

O’REILLY

MULLEN

L BOYCE

BANNON

PATTON

FRIZZELL MULLEN

MULLEN 1

MULLEN

DOHERTY THOMAS

DOHERTY MULLEN

FRIZZELL MULLEN

FRIZZELL MULLEN 1 L BOYCE 3

MULLEN

L BOYCE

DOHERTY MULLEN 1

MULLEN

TODD

TODD

AKINYEMI DOHERTY MULLEN

WHYTE

BENSON

CANN

BENSON

BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

PATTON

PATTON

16

L BOYCE 1 PATTON

L BOYCE

TODD

PATTON

PATTON

McMULLAN BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

THOMAS

BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

FERGUSON O’REILLY

O’REILLY

THOMAS

MULLEN

O’REILLY

McMULLAN THOMAS

FERGUSON O’REILLY

HOBAN

PATTON

PATTON

THOMAS

L BOYCE

MULLEN

TODD

McMULLAN MULLEN

BENSON

McMULLAN DIALLO

R BOYCE

HOBAN

HOBAN

HARKIN

WHYTE

MCMULLAN BENSON

DOHERTY

PATTON

15

DOHERTY TODD

McMULLAN CANN

FERGUSON HARKIN

O’REILLY

MCMULLAN CANN

FERGUSON WHYTE

WHYTE

BENSON

DIALLO

14

McMULLAN BENSON

FERGUSON HARKIN

HOBAN

HARKIN

HOBAN 1

HOBAN

McMULLAN WHYTE

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2025 STARTING XI TEAM GRID

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

DROGHEDA UNITED

1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - SHANE FERGUSON 4 - CIARON HARKIN 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - ADAM O’REILLY 10 - DIPO AKINYEMI 11 - GAVIN WHYTE 13 - ROBBIE BENSON 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - HAYDEN CANN 17 - ADAM FRIZZELL 19 - BRANDON FLEMING 20 - CARL WINCHESTER 21 - DANNY MULLEN 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 25 - ALEX BANNON 26 - ARLO DOHERTY 27 - LIAM BOYCE 32 - SEAN PATTON

2 - ELICHA AHUI 3 - CONOR KANE 4 - ANDREW QUINN 5 - AARON HARPER-BAILEY 6 - PAUL DOYLE 7 - DARRAGH MARKEY 8 - JOHN O’SULLIVAN 9 - JOSH THOMAS 11 - THOMAS OLUWA 15 - GEORGE COOPER 16 - ZISHIM BAWA 17 - SHANE FARRELL 18 - JAMES BOLGER 19 - RYAN BRENNAN 21 - LUKE HEENEY 22 - CONOR KEELEY 23 - OWEN LAMBE 24 - WARREN DAVIS 25 - BRIDEL BOSAKANI 27 - JACK BRADY 28 - SCOTT BRADY 29 - SEÁN MCCARTHY 31 - KIERAN CRUISE 33 - CONALL CRONIN 34 - DARE KAREEM 45 - LUKE DENNISON

Manager: TIERNAN LYNCH

Manager: KEVIN DOHERTY

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk | 028 7137 6888

www.budgetenergy.co.uk | 0800 012 177

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More Powerful Together 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: Dipo Akinyemi (10) + Sadou DIallo (15) - Mark Connolly (6) = Brandon Fleming (19) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Name & number has disappeared from Adam O’Reilly’s shirt; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Goal post has appeared; 4) An extra window has appeared on the left of the house; 5) Lamp post has disappeared

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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

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CUP UPSETS Cup football is back tonight and it’s great to have the opportunity to get revenge for last November’s loss to our opponents tonight. Any outcome of a game can be unpredictable but when it comes to the knock out nature of the Cup it adds a certain allure to the game where favourites can be toppled like ten pin bowls. Down the years both here and in English Cup ties the underdog on occasions has come out on top. The Candystripes were on the receiving end in March 1991 when non league side Ashtown Villa came to town following their earlier victory over Dundalk at Oriel Park in the previous round. It looked like a home banker for City as a top four league team. However Villa proved their earlier success was no fluke and despite Jonathan Speak putting City ahead the Dubliners equalised when Tom Dillon set up John Murphy who hit the equaliser.

Substitute Eric Hannigan with a fine header got the winner.

Another upset this time in the 2009 Cup Final saw Sporting Fingal defeat Sligo Rovers 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium before an attendance of just 8100.

Having overcome Shamrock Rovers after a replay in the quarter final the newcomers to the League beat Bray Wanderers 4-2 in the semi final with 2 goals from Eamon Zayed ( played for Derry in 2011). Sligo went ahead in the 57th minute when midfielder

By Sean McGillan

Eoin Doyle scored from close range only to see the Dublin team equalise from a penalty

by Colin James after the keeper had brought down Zayed.

However the Dublin side got the winner in the final minute when O’Neill headed home at the far post from a cross by Robert Bayly. Rewinding to Wembley in 1988 a remarkable underdog achievement by the “ Crazy Gang”, Wimbledon saw them take on & beat the class team that was Liverpool who had just won the Division 1 title and were favourites to do the double. Just before half time Laurie Sanchez with a looping header rewrote the script and in the second half they managed to hold off the Reds and see their own keeper Dave Beasant deny John Aldridge from the spot and write his name in the history books as the first man to save a penalty in a Final. Fast forward to earlier this year when Liverpool made Cup headlines

again when they travelled down to the South Coast to take on Division 1 side, Plymouth Argyle. This time they fell foul to a penalty awarded for a hand ball by Harvey Elliott with Caoimhin Kelleher being sent the wrong way by Ryan Hardie. The Merseyside’s rested some of their big names like Mo Salah, Virgil Van Dijk , Alisson Becker & Alexis McAllister. Finally back in London in January 2015 Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea faced Bradford City in a fourth round tie with the Pensioners who grabbed an early 2-0 lead. However the Bantams were undaunted by being 49 places below their hosts and rifled in 4 goals in a remarkable turn around which left the London side missing out on a League & Cup Double. I’m sure that in the future there will be many more “giant killers “ causing memorable upsets here and across the water.

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THE CURSE OF THE CHELSEA NUMBER 9 SHIRT Liam Delap has taken the number nine shirt at Chelsea. It’s been a shirt that’s cursed with bad luck in the past though! So, how long has it been since the Chelsea number nine actually delivered? We’re going to have a look back through the last few.

Let’s set the bar at 15 Premier League goals in one season as ‘successful’ for a number 9 and judge the last 10 number nines on whether they achieved that.

AUBAMEYANG (20222/23) The last Chelsea number nine was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who seemed like a decent signing from Barcelona at the time but only ever scored once in the league for the Blues.

LUKAKU (2021/22) Before him was Romelu Lukaku and returned to Chelsea for almost £100 million, but he scored just eight during that 21-22 season and was loaned straight back to Inter Milan.

ABRAHAM (2019/20 - 21/22) Tammy Abraham picked it up after a great season on loan at Aston Villa and in that first campaign back he scored exactly

15 Premier League goals, so he passes even though he didn’t carry on the streak the year after.

HIGUAÍN (2018/19) Gonzalo Higuaín was before him and managed just five league goals whilst on loan from Juventus.

MORATA (2017/18) Álvaro Morata was up top for only one full season and managed just 11 goals at the time.

FALCAO (2015/16) Radamel Falcao scored one Premier League goal in 10 games whilst on loan from Monaco.

TORRES (2010/11 - 14/15) Fernando Torres arrived from Liverpool for big money and was one of the best strikers in the world at the time but he never managed to score more than eight goals in a single league season for Chelsea.

DE SANTO (2008/09 - 09/10) Argentinian Franco De Santo was before him and never managed a Premier League goal with just eight games in the

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league for Chelsea.

SIDWELL (2007/08) Steve Sidwell wasn’t a striker but got the number nine shirt anyway. He never scored in the league for them, but we’ll give him a pass on that one as that wasn’t his job.

BOULAHROUZ (2006/07) Dutchman Khalid Boulahrouz also never scored a single goal and he was the tenth most recent.

CRESPO (2005/06) Before Boulahrouz was Hernan Crespo who managed just the 10 Premier League goals in the 05/06 campaign In fact the last Chelsea number nine to hit the 15 goals mark aside from Tammy Abraham with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank back in 01/02 with 23 goals.

Maybe Liam Delap can break the curse and bag the goals, but the things is, he’s never scored any more than 12 goals in a single season in his professional career, so it might be a big ask for the 22 year old England striker.

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ANNUAL EDGAR MCCORMACK GOLF CLASSIC

We’d like to say a big thanks to all the supporters, players and specifically the sponsors who supported the

annual Edgar McCormack Golf Classic last weekend at Foyle Golf Club.

Results on the day were: 1st: JMN Electrical Team 2nd: James McDaid Team 3rd: City Chippie Team

DERRY CITY’S OPEN TRAINING SESSION

Fans gethered at the Brandywell on Monday to watch the Derry City squad’s open training session as part of Féile where young fans were able to meet their favourite players and get selfies and autographs.

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CANDYSTRIPES AND DROGS: PLAYERS WHO PLAYED FOR BOTH

By Pól O’Hare

ÉAMON ZAYED Al-Shabab in the Asian Champions League. Zayed returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers in 2013, scoring 4 goals before being loaned to Sligo Rovers.

After a year in Malaysia, Zayed had spells playing in the NASL and USL in America before retiring. He made 8 appearances for the Libyan national team and was the Head Coach and Technical Director of American side Northern Colorado Hailstorm between 2021 and 2024.

Born in Dublin, Zayed played youth football for Leicester City before signing for Bray Wanderers in 2002, where he scored 54 goals in 105 games. The striker joined Drogheda United in 2006, bagging 47 times in 71 outings on his way to becoming the top scorer in their 2007 Premier Division winning squad.

The Libyan forward scored in the Europa League for Drogheda against IK Start, AC Libertas and Helsingborgs IF. After a spell at Sporting Fingal, Zayed joined Derry City in 2011, scoring 23 times in 36 appearances as the Candystripes went on to lift the League Cup. He also won the PFAI Players’ Player of the Year award that season. He left Derry for Iranian side Persepolis in 2012, scoring a hat-trick as a substitute on his debut in the Tehran Derby to earn legendary status as his side overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Esteghlal 3-2. He scored another hat-trick a month later, against

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HAYDEN CANN

Announced on the opening day of the 2025 season, English defender Hayden Cann joined City after a successful trial period. The 21 year old came through the ranks at Lincoln City, making his debut at 17 in the EFL Trophy in 2020.

After loan spells at Gainsborough Trinity, Lincoln United and Peterborough Sports, he joined Drogheda United onloan alongside Derry-man

and fellow Lincoln teammate Oisin Gallagher in 2024. After half-a-season at Drogheda, he joined Louth rivals Dundalk for the second half of the season, just two months after netting a 94th minute winner against them. He made nine appearances for Dundalk, who were relegated at the end of the 2024 campaign. The centre back recently made his first start of the Candystripes in the 1-1 draw at home with Galway United in March.

BARRY MOLLOY

An ever-present in the Derry City midfield for over a decade, Barry Molly made 353 appearances for the Candystripes, netting 13 times along the way. The Derry-born midfielder played youth football with Brandywell Harps and Trojans before being snapped up by Derby County in 1999. He left England to sign for Drogheda United in 2004, where he scored three times

LIVE FOR IT

John Murphy e: johnmurphy@oneills.com m: 07870 158211

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PLAYED FOR BOTH continued... before Stephen Kenny enticed him to join Derry City later that year. A legend at the Brandywell, Molloy went on to win two FAI Cups, five League Cups and the 2010 First Division before leaving for Crusaders in 2015. After nearly two years at Finn Harps, Molloy hung up his boots in August 2017.

Newry City after a stint managing Dundalk’s U20 side.

reer.

JAMES KEDDY

KILLIAN BRENNAN

MARC GRIFFIN

Australian born forward Marc Griffin began his career in Louth with Dundalk, making his senior debut in 2009. After impressing as one of the League of Ireland’s most promising young forwards, Derry City fought off competition to sign Griffin on a two-year deal ahead of the 2013 campaign.

The striker made 29 appearances and scored three times for City before rejoining Dundalk in 2014. After a year at Bohemians, he joined Drogheda United in 2016 and registered eleven goal involvements in eighteen months before signing for Glenavon in July 2017. Griffin retired in July 2020 after two years at Warrenpoint and now, aged 33, is a First Team Coach at

Drogheda native Killian Brennan spent his whole senior career in the League of Ireland.

The wide man learned his trade at Drogheda Boys, Home Farm and Peterborough United during his youth career before moving to Dublin City in 2003.

Brennan was brought to Derry City by Stephen Kenny in 2004, making 114 appearances and scoring nine goals in four seasons. He was part of the City squad which won three League Cups in a row between 2005 and 2007, alongside earning an FAI Cup winners medal in 2006.

Brennan, who could operate on the wing and at full back, had spells at Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic before joining Drogheda United in 2017. Now 41, he plays for Roc Celtic after being named the PFAI Player’s Player of the Year in 2013, alongside winning the Premier Division on three occasions, the League Cup five times, the FAI Cup twice and the Setanta Cup across his ca-

Dubliner James Keddy came through the ranks at St Mary’s Boys and St Joseph’s Boys before making his senior debut with Home Farm in 1991. After making more than 120 appearances for Home Farm and UCD in the League of Ireland, Keddy signed for Derry City in 1996. He was part of City’s most recent league winning campaign in 1996/97, where he operated on the left flank.

Keddy had a journeyed career in the League of Ireland, lining out for Shelbourne, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Drogheda United before retiring at the end of his second spell with Shelbourne in 2008. Now 52, Keddy manages Wexford FC in the First Division, after taking assistant manager roles at Bray Wanderers in 2019 and Longford Town in 2021. He most recently took Wexford to the FAI Cup semi-finals in 2024, where his side lost to Drogheda United.

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This week... Derry City fan... JAMES DOHERTY 1. DFB-Pokalis the name of the National Cup Tournament in which European country?

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2. Who are the current champions of Spain’s Copa del Rey? 3. Who is the most successful club in the English FA Cup history?

4. The photo on the right shows the Eurojackpot Beker, which was won by Go Ahead Eagles this season. Their first time winning it. In which country is this the cup contested?

5. Which player scored the first goal of the 2024 FAI Cup 8. Final?

6. Which club did St Pat’s Athletic play this week in the Europa Conference League?

7. Drogheda United missed out on European football this season due to their owners having two clubs in the competition. Who were the other club?

8. The League of Ireland Cup was renamed to what to match it’s sponsor before it was scrapped?

JAMES’ ANSWERS: 1) Poland?; 2) Barcelona; 3) Liverpool?; 4) Must be Holland; 5) I try not to think too much about that one! Pass!; 6) Was it Besiktas?; 7) I have no idea; 8) EA Sports Cup

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

ANSWERS: 1) Germany; 2) Barcelona; 3) Arsenal with 14 titles; 4) Netherlands; 5) Andrew Quinn; 6) Beşiktaş; 7) SilkeborgIF; 8) EA Sports Cup

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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