Derry City extended their winning run to seven games as goals from Aaron McEneff, Rory Patterson and Nicky Low saw the Candy Stripes beat the ten men of Bohemians 3-1 at The Brandywell. The early stages were difficult for both sides as the blustery
Derry City extended their winning run to seven games as goals from Aaron McEneff, Rory Patterson and Nicky Low saw the Candy Stripes beat the ten men of Bohemians 3-1 at The Brandywell.
The early stages were difficult for both sides as the blustery wind caused havoc, but Derry City proved to be a bigger nuisance for Bohemians. Kenny Shiels appeared to approach the game much like he did for his sides’ 1-0 win against Waterford on Friday night.
Their counter pressing denied Bohs' time on the ball, but to Keith Long’s credit, his team stayed compact to deny City any early advances. The Gypsies hard work almost paid off after 17 minutes when Karl Moore deceived Eoin Toal, which allowed JJ Lunney a shot at goal, but Rory Hale stuck to his task and managed to block Luney’s effort for a corner kick.
It took only 20 minutes for City to seriously challenge Bohemians keeper, Shane Supple and the early test proved too much for the 30-year old as Aaron McEneff’s effort found the bottom corner from the 18-yard line.
Dylan Watts was sent clear on 26 minutes and the striker slipped it past Gerard Doherty with a cheeky chip to level the scoreline just before the half-hour mark. Ronan Curtis and Ronan Hale both squandered opportunities to put the Candy Stripes back in the lead just before half-time, as it finished level at the interval.
Early in the second half, Bohemians were reduced to ten men after 55 minutes after Paddy Kavanagh saw red for a dangerous challenge on Ronan Curtis. It transformed the City team as they came firing from the restart.
Ronan Hale’s initial effort was parried away by Supple, but Rory Patterson rescued the rebound to put the Lone Moor Road outfit back in front after 57 minutes. Derry controlled the remainder of the game and they managed to extend their lead with a minute to play. Nicky Low's persistence paid dividends and with 60 seconds he increased the Foylesiders’ advantage.
