Keith Buckley’s Bohemians dampened the Derry City mood as the Gypsies booked their spot in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup against Derry City, impressively winning 3-1.
A Dinny Corcoran double and Daniel Kelly for Bohs was enough to put Derry City out of the highly-regarded competition.
There was a laboured start at the Brandywell as both sides tried to feel there way into the game but it was Derry City who had the first clear-cut chance – Ronan Hale receiving the ball on the right from Aaron McEneff with Shane Supple managing to get a firm hand for a corner kick.
Five minutes before half-time, Keith Buckley’s outfit had another close encounter with the back of the net. Kevin Devaney’s delivery from a corner kick was met by Darragh Leahy, who managed to steer his header towards goal but it sailed inches wide.
Two minutes from the interval Gavin Peers could have let a dead ball go for a goal-kick, instead, the experienced centre-half directed the ball for a corner kick, which cost City big, Devaney’s cross was driven in by an unmarked Dan Casey – Bohemians snatched the lead.
(Photo: JP photography)
In the second half, the Candy Stripes defence was unlocked again after 57 minutes when Corcoran simply played through Kelly but his effort was parried away – Derry’s lack of defensive qualities was alarming.
It was coming, clear as day and Kenny Shiels worst fears came to fruition as Corcoran put Bohs second past Doherty to give Bohs a well-deserved 2-0 lead.
(Photo: JP photography)
The Foylesiders responded with intent as they pulled one back almost immediately through Ally Roy, who tap in from two yards and was immediately substituted, which went down like a lead balloon.
Derry City took real charge from there as they pushed for the equaliser and they should have had it with three minutes remaining. McDonagh providing another excellent ball on a plate for Adrian Delap, but his shot from five-yards was brilliantly stopped by Supple.
Bohemians dealt a killer blow in injury time when Corcoran secured his second in front a jubilant Bohs support – a deserved victory.
It is a disappointing result for Kenny Shiels and his young outfit, who just won the EA Sports Cup, but they will take hope from the fact they have a slim chance of European football next season, providing one of the ‘top two’ win the FAI Cup and they finish in fifth place.
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