Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce score as Derry City sink Shelbourne at the Brandywell

Derry City 2

Shelbourne 0

Derry City are now within two points of top spot in the Premier Division after a dominating win against champions Shelbourne at the Brandywell. 

First half goals from Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce did the damage to Damien Duff's side, who never looked like responding as the hosts held on for three points and a clean sheet. 

Tiernan Lynch made four changes to the team which lost so poorly at Waterford last week, with Boyce notably returning to the starting eleven, despite the fine form of Danny Mullen. Shane Ferguson also returned, and both former Norther Ireland internationals played key roles in what was arguably City’s best performance of the season.

Shelbourne, who won their league title at the Brandywell on their last visit back in November, dominated the ball in the early stages of the game but they fell behind from a straightforward corner on 14 minutes. There was no defender in sight as Michael Duffy arrived unmarked at the back post from Shane Ferguson’s cross, to side-foot in his sixth goal of the season.

The goal completely destabilised Shels who could have conceded a second goal within minutes. Ferguson’s delivery was headed away by Sam Bone but only into the path of Ronan Boyce, who hit it first time on the volley and it screamed past a beaten Conor Kearns, but just missed the target by inches.

Damien Duff was upset with the defending for the opening goal, but he could not believe his eyes as Derry City doubled their lead just past the half hour. Sam Bone dallied on the ball and his clearance was charged down by Liam Boyce, who went through to volley the ball past Kearns to make it 2-0.

There was no sign of a response from Shels until the final seconds of the first half when a long ball over the top was brought down superbly by Evan Caffrey on the run and his low effort across goal had to be turned past the post by Brian Maher.

Damien Duff made a number of changes to try and get his team back into the game in the second half, but as an attacking force, the champions were completely stifled, their only chance coming from a free-kick 20 yards from goal, but substitute John Marton’s effort was blocked by Carl Winchester.

The Derry City press, which had worked to great effect for the first hour, continued with the overhaul of the home side’s attack, Paul McMullan, Robbie Benson and Danny Mullen replacing Duffy, Whyte and Boyce as Lynch’s high energy tactics continued to work to great effect.

This was the Candystripes’ first league victory over Shels in three years and their first win at the Brandywell over their Dublin rivals since 2020. More importantly for Lynch, it was a much-needed clean sheet, only the fifth time in 13 games this season.

Derry City can now go top of the Premier Division if they defeat Stephen Kenny’s St. Patrick’s Athletic at the Brandywell on Monday.

Teams

Derry City: Maher, Cann, Connolly, Holt, R Boyce, Winchester, O’Reilly, Ferguson (Todd 60’) Whyte (Benson 60’), L Boyce (Mullen 67’), Duffy (McMullan 67’).

Shelbourne: Kearns, Gannon, Ledwidge, Bone (Wilson 65’), Norris (O’Kane 71’), Lunney, McInroy (Martin HT’), Caffrey (O’Sullivan 72’), Chapman, Odubeko, Coote (Wood 65’).

Referee: Rob Hennessy (Dublin).