Late Goals Secure Thrilling Win for the Candystripes

Derry City pulled off a stunning victory over Waterford at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 in a six-goal thriller. Michael Duffy was the hero of the day, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the comeback.

Waterford took the lead through Jorgen Voilas in the first half, and Tommy Lonergan extended their advantage with a penalty early in the second period. Although, a relentless Derry City side, spearheaded by Duffy, fought back to secure all three points.

Match Highlights

The match began with Derry City pressing forward, but Waterford’s Stephen McMullan proved to be a formidable opponent in goal, making several key saves. Josh Thomas had an early effort saved, and McMullan later denied Carl Winchester with a strong stop.

Waterford opened the scoring on 19 minutes following a defensive error. Conan Noonan’s ball over the top caused confusion in the Derry defense, allowing Jorgen Voilas to capitalize and fire into an empty net.

Waterford took the lead through Jorgen Voilas in the first half and a Tommy Lonergan penalty increased their advantage early in the second period. BBC Sport NI

The visitors doubled their lead shortly after the break when Adam O’Reilly conceded a penalty, which Tommy Lonergan confidently converted.

Derry City responded with a goal from Michael Duffy on 58 minutes, heading home a right-wing cross from Gavin Whyte. Duffy continued to be a threat, and McMullan was forced to develop another save to deny a curling strike from the winger.

The Candystripes equalized on 75 minutes when Henry Rylah’s cross found Duffy, who chested the ball down before volleying it home.

Derry City then took the lead in stoppage time with a header from substitute Dipo Akinyemi. Duffy completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after a handball in the box.

Team Lineups

• Derry City: Edward Beach, Barry Cotter (Alex Bannon 71), Jamie Stott, Patrick McClean, Brandon Fleming; Carl Winchester (Adam O’Reilly 39), James McClean (James Olayinka 71); Gavin Whyte (Henry Rylah 71), James Clarke (Dipo Akinyemi 54), Michael Duffy; Josh Thomas.
• Waterford: Stephen McMullan, Bernardo Couto, John Mahon, Hayden Cann, Cian Barrett, Conan Noonan, Trae Coyle (Conor Carty 76), Luke Heeney, Tommy Lonergan (Jordan Mackenzie Faria 79), Jorgen Voilas (Dean McMenamy 66), Padraig Amond.

Referee: Paul Norton.

Key Moments

• 19′ – GOAL: Jorgen Voilas scores for Waterford.
• 51′ – GOAL: Tommy Lonergan scores a penalty for Waterford.
• 58′ – GOAL: Michael Duffy scores for Derry City.
• 75′ – GOAL: Michael Duffy scores for Derry City.
• 90+’ – GOAL: Dipo Akinyemi scores for Derry City.
• 90+’ – GOAL: Michael Duffy scores a penalty for Derry City.

FAQ

• Who scored the winning goal for Derry City? Michael Duffy, completing his hat-trick with a penalty.
• Who was the man of the match? Michael Duffy, for his outstanding performance and three goals.
• Where was the match played? At the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.