Curtis hat-trick propels Derry to EA semi-finals

Ronan Curtis scored a first half hat-trick as Derry City, record 10-time winners of the competition, beat First Division Shelbourne 7-3 in a thrilling goal-fest last eight tie at the Brandywell to book their place in the semi-final of the EA Sports Cup.

The opening half hour brought five goals as Derry were ahead after just six minutes, Ronan Hale playing Curtis in to lob advancing Shels keeper Lee Steacy.

Former Republic of Ireland U21 winger Curtis doubled the Candystripes’ lead nine minutes later when rounding Steacy to shoot home. Shels hit back to level with a brace from Davy O’Sullivan inside eight minutes.