Ruaidhri Higgins returns as Derry City win the President's Cup

Michael Duffy of Derry City celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second goal during the President's Cup match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell.

placeholder image — Michael Duffy of Derry City celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second goal during the President's Cup match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell.

Derry City 2

Shamrock Rovers 0

FAI Cup winners Derry City won this year’s President’s Cup by defeating champions Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell this evening.

First half goals from Will Patching and Michael Duffy proved to be enough for the home side who will start the League of Ireland season away to St. Patrick’s Athletic in just a week’s time.

Ruaidhri Higgins made a welcome return to the touchline for the Candystripes at the end of a difficult week for the manager and his family and a sold out Brandywell stood to deliver a moment’s applause in honour of his brother Kevin.

A rousing rendition of the national anthem followed President Michael D Higgins’ introductions to the players on a perfect night for football after three barren months.

Ben Doherty and Adam O’Reilly were the only two new signings in the City starting eleven, while Markus Poom, Liam Burt and Johnny Kenny were the new faces on the Rovers’ team.

Referee Neil Doyle was reaching for his yellow card after just four minutes as Rovers defender Daniel Cleary hacked down Doherty, who had raced in behind him following quick thinking from Brian Maher. The City goalkeeper took a goal kick quickly and Doherty was more alert than the Rovers defender, with Cleary cynically fouling him before he could get a strike at goal.

There was no stopping Will Patching getting a strike after 23 minutes as Derry City took the lead at the end of a flowing move down the left wing. Doherty picked out the run of Duffy into the penalty area, and the winger’s pull back was met by Patching at the near post and he smashed the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

The lead was doubled just six minutes before half-time and it was a moment to forget for Rovers goalkeeper Leon Pohls. Marl Connolly spread the ball wide to the left wing to Duffy who cut inside before trying his luck from 25 yards. It looked straightforward all the way for Pohls, but the ball somehow slipped through his arms and into the net much to the delight of the home fans.

Half Time 2-0

Rovers made four changes at half time and those players were still settling into the game when the breadth of the crossbar denied Derry a third goal. Kieran Cruise lost out to Ryan Graydon, who broke into the area but left the ball for Patching, who curled a beautiful effort over Pohls, only for the ball to strike the underside of the crossbar, bounce down on the line and somehow stay out. The ball then broke for Duffy who lashed the ball into the side netting, and Rovers breathed a sigh of relief.

It was then Derry’s turn to make changes with Jordan McEneff and Jamie McGonigle entering the game and it was the latter who came so close to scoring on 72 minutes when the ball broke to him in the area following a Doherty corner, but his effort just missed the upright.

This was a professional and impressive performance from City who will hope to challenge Rovers for their title this season.

Teams

DERRY CITY: Brian Maher, Ciaran Coll, Mark Connolly, Shane McEleney, Ben Doherty, Sadou Diallo, Will Patching, Michael Duffy (Matthew Ward 87’), Adam O’Reilly, Ryan Graydon (Jordan McEneff 64’), Cian Kavanagh (Jamie McGonigle 56’).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Leon Pohls, Daniel Cleary (Trevor Clarke 45’), Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Darragh Nugent (Jack Byrne 45’), Dylan Watts (Aaron Greene 64’), Markus Poom, Kieran Cruise, Richie Towell (Neil Farugia 45’), Liam Burt (Graham Burke 45’), Johnny Kenny (Simon Power 64’).

REFEREE: Neil Doyle.