DERRY CITY are on their way to their third FAI Cup final in four years following a magnificent 2-0 win over Bohemians in Dublin last night. Second half goals from Sean Hargan and a late own goal from the unfortunate Eoin Mullen, paved the way for a deserved victory. You get nothing if not value for money when these sides meet in the FAI Premier knockout competition. It was a classic cup tie, everything you were led to believe sudden death football should be like.
The first goal came when Liam Coyle placed a pinpoint centre on the head of Hargan. Derry wrapped up the game when Peter Hutton’s low cross was turned into his own net by Mullen under pressure from Gary Beckett.
Bohemians: Henderson, Byrne, Broughan, Ryan, Coll, Doolin, Mooney, McGrath, Swan, Hanrahan, Mullen. Subs: Fairclough for Ryan (78), O’Connor for McGrath (78).
Derry City: O’Dowd, Boyle, Dunne, Hutton, Curran, Dykes, Hargan, Hegarty, Coyle, Beckett, Keddy.
Referee: Denis McArdle (Dundalk).
IIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOIIIIIIIIIII
THE specialists. Seven contests, one deadlock and replay, no defeats. Derry, unbeaten in the NFL play-offs since this time 1994, return to the title wicket tomorrow aiming for eight not out.
Division Two top guns Laois provide the next test, and Sperrin selector Frank Kearney expects a good run for their money at Croke Park.
One of four quarter-finals on this weekend’s card, Ulster have double interest in Dublin with Down facing Kerry while Kildare meet Offaly in Navan and Cork square up to long-shots Louth at Portlaoise.
Down, with Greg Blaney, James McCartan, and Peter Withnell back on the bench, enter their quarter-final with Kerry with a timely boost. Ross Carr returns to half-back duty, with Aidan Farrell restored to the attack.
Peter McGrath appears to have turned things around after a couple of poor league campaigns, and with a view to their Championship opener against Ulster kingpins Tyrone on May 18, further progress in the play-offs would be very beneficial. Kerry will put their recovery under the microscope.
IIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOIIIIIIIIIII
Sean McIlhatton will miss Antrim’s National Hurling League clash with London tomorrow week. The influential McIlhatton, who has been in fine form this season, is getting married but will return to the squad for the final round game against Westmeath.
Antrim hurling boss Dominic McKinley praised McIlhatton’s commitment to the team and his performance in the vital win over Kerry in the Kingdom last weekend. McKinley also sang the praises of youngsters Ryan McNaughton and Seamus Baillie, who were thrown into action against Kerry. McNaughton, a nephew of Antrim stalwart ‘Sambo’ McNaughton, played right corner-back alongside Baillie at full-back.
Both players were unaware they were in the side until the last minute as McKinley opted not to name his team days before the game.
“I did not want to add any pressure on the young players so I kept the attention from them. There’s enough pressure in pulling on a county jersey for the first time and we were in a bad position and had to beat Kerry. I’m so proud of these young players and they have a lot to offer Antrim and deserve a great deal of credit,” said McKinley.
Meanwhile, Aidan McCloskey, Paul McKillen, Sean Mullan and Allister Elliot, who have been out of the side due to injury, are expected to make a return against London.
IIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOIIIIIIIIIII
Sunderland’s record signing Niall Quinn is certain to be involved at some stage of today’s Tyne and Wear derby with Newcastle at St James’ Park. The Republic of Ireland international has been out for nearly seven months with a second cruciate knee ligament injury. But he proved his fitness in a Pontins Central League match in midweek at Aston Villa and has been named in the squad.
Alan Shearer is also relishing the prospect of making his Newcastle comeback.
Newcastle boss Kenny Dalglish will not confirm the return of Shearer and strike partner Les Ferdinand against a Sunderland side battling for Premiership survival. But the England strikers have resumed training without any ill-effects and are poised to provide Newcastle’s flagging season with a major boost.