Derry City knock FAI Cup holders St Pat's out in second round
INTO THIRD ROUND: Derry's Michael Duffy celebrates scoring his second goal of the game
DERRY City put Thursday's disappointing defeat in Europe behind them when knocking FAI Cup holders, St. Pat's out of this year's competition.
And it was a thoroughly deserved victory by the 'Candystripes' who lost out to the Dubliners in last year's competition at this venue when losing on penalties after extra time.
Therefore, Stephen Kenny's return to Foyleside proved to be disappointing for the former Ireland boss as he is not now expected to lead the men from Inchicore into Europe next season.
With the scoresheet blank during the opening half, Derry moved up a gear after the change of ends to net two goals in the space of six minutes after Will Patching failed to convert a penalty kick.
In truth, St. Pat's will wish to forget this performance as they clearly struggled in the vital areas.
Resting both Pat Hoban and Daniel Kelly after their exhaustions on Thursday night against Bruno's Magpies, Ruaidhri Higgins charges will now focus their attentions on both the league and cup competitions.
It was end to end stuff from the first whistle with both sides creating early chances, Derry's Ben Doherty directing a tame low shot at St. Pat's keeper, Joseph Anang in the fourth minute.
At the other end one minute later, St. Pat's spurned a superb chance to break the deadlock when Jack Mulraney lifted the ball over the head of Derry keeper, Brian Maher before centre-back, Mark Connolly headed the ball off the Derry goal-line.
Four minutes before the break Derry's Michael Duffy latched on to an incisive Will Patching pass but the winger failed to find the net when his shot was blocked by a St. Pat's defender after he burst into the penalty area.
Having enjoyed so much possession during the opening period, Derry surged back on the attack in the second and and the home side were awarded a penalty within the opening two minutes, Carl Axel Stoberg upending winger, Paul McMullan and referee, Rob Harvey, pointed to the spot.
However, Patching failed to score from the spot, Anang diving low to his left to save the effort and the Brandywell was silenced. Four minutes later 2,190 supporter were on their feet when Duffy raced down the left flank, out-witted Carl Axel Stoberg before squaring the ball which apppeared to have been deflected home by Pat's defender, Tom Grivosti.
The home side continued to boss the ball and in the 58th minute Derry doubled their lead following a corner.
Ben Doherty delivered the ammunition and Danny Mullen rose majestically to head the ball powerfully home.
In the 68th minute Duffy ended this game as a contest after Anang did well to spread himselft in a one-on-one confrontation but Duffy did net his brace minutes later when Adam O'Reilly played him in with a perfect pass and St. Pat's were in serious trouble.
: Maher; Coll (Whelan, 85), Connolly, Todd, Doherty; Dummigan, O'Reilly; McMullan, Patching (Dialo Duffy; Mullen (Hoban, 70).
Anang; Stoberg, Redmond, Grivosti (Turner, 85) Breslin; Lennon (Palmer, 64),, 85) Forrester; Mulreaney, Leavy (Elbouzedi, 64) B. Kavanagh (Cavanagh, 69).
: R. Harvey (Dublin).
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