Euro wrap: Derry City secure qualification over KuPS as Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk exit Europe

Euro wrap: Derry City secure qualification over KuPS as Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk exit Europe

FAI Cup holders Derry City have reached the Europa Conference League third qualifying round following a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win over KuPS.

The Candystripes led the tie heading into the second-leg in Finland and were full value for progression into the next round of the competition – drawing 3-3.

Cian Kavanagh’s first-leg winner gave them the upper hand and they looked to drive that home early on in the second leg.

The former Waterford striker opened the scoring with a fine header after latching onto Paul McMullan’s inviting cross across the penalty area.

But KuPS struck twice to go in front on the night and level the tie with goals from Jasse Tuominen and Saku Savolainen to go in level at the break.

Derry retook the lead through Sadou Diallo’s strike from outside the area after a goalkeeping mishap but Savolainen then scored again to level the tie on aggregate.

However, it was Michael Duffy who was on hand to head home Derry City’s winner in the 69^th minute after he met a beautifully crafted ball into the box from Diallo.

The Candystripes will now face Kazakhstani side Tobol in the next round of the competition with a spot in the play-off round on the line.

They have now earned €0.85m. A win in the upcoming third round with progression into the play-off round would see their earnings jump to a guaranteed €1.15m

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers’ wretched European run ground to a halt against Ferencvaros at Tallaght Stadium.

The Hoops fell to a 4-0 loss in the first leg in Budapest and subsequently lost the second-leg 2-0 at home.

Kristoffer Zachariassen opened the scoring for the Hungarians as Samy Mmaee netted late on to ensure Rovers exited European competition without scoring a goal at home this season.

Rovers earn €810,000 in total for their dissapointing four defeat campaign. This breaks down as €350k for second round elimination plus €200k (€100k for each round they played in) and an additional €260,000 as domestic champions eliminated before reaching the group stages.

Europa Conference League Qualifying Report : Dundalk 2- 2 KA Akureyri (KA win 5-3 on aggregate) - extratime.com https://www.extratime.com/articles/31587/europa-conference-league-qualifying-report-dundalk-2--2-ka-akureyri-ka-win-5-3-on-aggregate/

Dundalk's exit from Europe on Thursday means they have earned €550,000.

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris