Derry overcome Galway to stay on Shelbourne’s heels

Derry City eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory over a well organised Galway United side at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Second half strikes from Will Patching and Pat Hoban ensured Derry remained two points behind leaders Shelbourne.

In truth the Candystripes were full value for the win and would have won by a bigger margin but for Brendan Clarke’s performance in the United goal.

For Derry boss Ruaidhrí Higgins he will be delighted his side made it seven points from a possible nine available in the week and they kept their third clean-sheet in a row.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

City were inches away from taking a second minute lead as Patching’s 20 yard shot, which dipped just in front of Clarke, was well handled by the United goalkeeper.

The home side had another good opening a minute later, this time Michael Duffy picked out an unmarked Paul McMullan at the back post but the winger’s side footed effort was well off target.

Derry had a super chance to break the deadlock on 41 minutes, but Patching’s close range shot was well parried away by Clarke and the ex-St Patrick’s Athletic net-minder got up and tipped over Hoban’s close range follow-up effort.

City had a half chance on 51 minutes as Patching’s right wing cross fell to Duffy at the back post but the winger’s left foot shot flew well wide.

Just on the hour mark, Galway substitute Stephen Walsh came to his side’s rescue as he booted Hoban’s header off the line, after Ben Doherty’s right wing corner had created the opening.

The Brandywell men finally took the lead on 65 minutes as Doherty fed Duffy down the left, his cross found Patching at the near post and the midfielder side footed home, placing the ball into the top right hand corner, giving Clarke no chance.

Derry doubled their lead on 86 minutes as Cameron Dummigan found Daniel Kelly down the right, the substitute’s clipped centre into the six yard box found Hoban, who slid the home from close range.

Derry City: Brian Maher, Cameron Dummigan, Mark Connolly, Shane McEleney, Ben Doherty (Cameron McJannet 88); Sadou Diallo (Ronan Boyce 76) Adam O’Reilly, Will Patching (Daniel Mullen 90); Paul McMullan (Daniel Kelly 76), Pat Hoban, Michael Duffy.

Galway United: Brendan Clarke, Jeanno Esua, Robert Slevin, Killian Brouder, Al-Amin Kazeem; Edward McCarthy, Conor McCormack, Maurice Nugent (Patrick Hickey 69), David Hurley (Francely Lomboto 69), Aodh Dervin (Stephen Walsh 53); Karl O’Sullivan (Leo Gaxha 82).

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea (Tipperary).