Extra time goal breaks Derry City hearts at the Brandywell

Derry City 2

Bruno’s Magpies 1

10-man Derry City saw their Europa Conference League campaign end thanks to an extra time goal from Bruno Magpie's substitute Evan De Haro.  

Playing a man down since the first half dismissal of Adam O’Reilly, it looked as if the Candystripes were on their way to a memorable European night thanks to goals from Mark Connolly and Pat Hoban, which took the game to extra time.  But substitute De Haro struck in the second period of extra time to earn a famous win for the Magpies of Gibraltar.

Derry began the game 2-0 down after the first leg, but they pulled a goal back on 38 minutes when Mark Connolly heade din from Ben Doherty's corner. 

Just as Derry City were building momentum for the first time, they suffered a huge blow when O’Reilly, already on a yellow card, went down in the penalty area and was dismissed for simulation. The half time whistle soon followed to a chorus of boos from the home fans, with the atmosphere completely changed.

The 10-men came close to doubling their lead within a minute of the restart when Paul McMullan stung Coleing’s fingertips with a great effort from the angle, forcing the Magpies goalkeeper to push the ball over the bar.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure despite their numerical disadvantage and they got the goal they needed on 57 minutes. It was yet another goal from a corner in this tie as Doherty’s delivery was met by Hoban, who forced the ball over the line at the second attempt for his 13th goal of the season to level the tie at 2-2.

It look like Derry City were the team with 11 men and Will Patching almost scored a ridiculous goal when he almost caught Coleing off his line from 40 yards, but the ball landed on the roof o the net.

The game was there for the taking and substitute Danny Mullen almost provided a third for Derry City with his first touch, winning the ball from a defender before setting up McMullan, who somehow sliced wide when it seemed easier to score.

It went all the way to extra time where neither team looked able to rouse themselves, until the Magpes silenced the Brandywell on 111 minutes. Juan Argez hit the underside of the bar from 30 yards, and the ball fell for substitute Evan De Haro, who volleyed in the rebound to put the Magpies into the lead.

Derry dug deep one last time and they almost grabbed a third goal to take it to penalties when Coleing came to collect a free kick but dropped the ball and Hoban acrobatically hooked the loose ball goalwards only for Taylor to head the ball off the line.

Teams

Derry City: Maher, Dummigan (Diallo 79’), Connolly (Todd 90’), Coll, Doherty (Whelan 105’); O'Reilly, Patching, McMullan; Kelly (S McEleney 90’), Hoban, Duffy (Mullan 79’).

Bruno’s Magpies: Coleing, Taylor, Zuniga (Coombes 57’), Diaz, Carrascal, Arguez, Garcia (Del Rio 112’), Storer (De Haro 45’), Forjan (Salles 60’), Ronco (Valle 99’), Bayode.

Referee: Antonie Chiaramonti (Andorra).