- Dylan O'Connell
- Fri, Apr 26 2024
Derry City added three more points to their season's haul by making light work of Waterford at the RSC.
Two goals from Patrick Hoban decided the game - moving him to nine for the season so far - and it gave the Candystripes their first away win of the campaign.
Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side had a game-plan, and that involved soaking up pressure and breaking with pace when space opened up.
The Candystripes made it look like Waterford were in control, and this suited the home side as they went into the game desperate to move out of the bottom three.
The Blues struggled to create chances, and early attempts at putting the ball into the area were easily knocked away by Conor McJannett.
Waterford then went long, and Grant Horton tried to knock a pass from Rowan McDonald into the path of Darragh Leahy. The full-back had no space and was easily disposed by the Derry back-line.
The Candystripes’ soaked everything up and their first attempt at counter attacking led to Hoban knocking a cross from Paul McMullan into the path of Will Patching, who watched a shot go inches over the intended target.
Derry were forced to make a substitution midway through the half, and Daniel Kelly marked his introduction by winning a winning a penalty for his side in the 37th minute. Hoban slotted it in, and celebrated in front of the small band of travelling supporters.
The first half finished with the striker turning in a free-kick but he was flagged for offside.
Hoban got his second goal by collecting the ball inside the area after Sam Sargeant spilled a shot from Kelly. The striker hit the roof of the net and Derry led 2-0 in the 76th minute.
Waterford’s only shot of note in the game was a right footed attempt by Padraig Amond that rattled the cross-bar.
Derry shrugged this off, and saw out the rest of the game with ease at the RSC.
Waterford FC: Sam Sargeant; Darragh Power, Grant Horton, Rowan McDonald, Ben McCormack (Christie Pattisson 76), Padraig Amond, Connor Parsons, Maleace Asamoah (Connor Evans 63), Darragh Leahy, Robbie McCourt (Kacper Radkowski 76), Harvey Mcadam (Dean McMenamy 88).
Subs not used: Matt O’Connor (GK); Niall O’Keeffe,Gbemi Arubi, Romeo Akachukwu, Joseph Forde.
Booked: Robbie McCourt (37); Kacper Radkowski (82), Connor Evans (90).
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Ciaran Coll, Mark Connolly, Patrick Hoban, Paul McMullan (Ciaron Harkin 90), Ben Doherty (Daniel Kelly 34), Cameron McJannett, Danny Mullen (Michael Duffy 76), Adam O’Reilly.
Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan; Shane McEleney, Sam Todd, Sean Patton, Conor Barr.
Sent off: None
Booked: Patrick Hoban (56), Michael Duffy (82)
Referee: Alan Patchell
