Jack Doyle scored his first goal for The Candystripes and Derry City’s 1500th goal in the League of Ireland as they handed Waterford their third defeat of the season, finishing 1-0. The Candystripes continued their good run of form, stretching their
Jack Doyle scored his first goal for The Candystripes and Derry City’s 1500th goal in the League of Ireland as they handed Waterford their third defeat of the season, finishing 1-0.
The Candystripes continued their good run of form, stretching their winning run to five league games. Waterford settled down well in the new Brandywell Stadium and managed to control the game in the early stages.
Derry, on the other hand, failed to make anything happen in the opposition's half. The Lone Moor road men have been relentless in their counter pressing in recent weeks and their response was a good one as the put Waterford on the back foot. However, Waterford held their nerve against City’s high press and almost snatched a lead after 24 minutes.
Sander Puri’s sheer pace alone was too much for Nicky Low and his low cross glided into the path of Akinade. The Waterford striker directed the ball beyond Doherty, but Gavin Peers scrambled it off the line to keep it level.
Derry took real charge in the second period and the persistence of the Waterford goalkeeper was broken after 53 minutes as Jack Doyle got his first goal for the club. Ronan Hale was causing Dylan Barnett barrels of trouble and Doyle met his excellent delivery at the back post, with Vigouroux beat at last.
Waterford failed to threaten in the second half and the Foylesiders’ should have doubled their lead with 15 minutes left. Hale, at the forefront of the attack again, displayed sumptuous skill to get beyond Daly and put an opportunity on a plate for Curtis.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international had nothing to do but score and even then he couldn’t beat Vigouroux, who made himself big to keep the deficit at one goal. Curtis was gifted another opportunity in injury time, but another long-range effort went dwindling over the bar as Derry City held on for the victory.
