Derry City moved into the top three of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a 2-0 win over UCD at Belfield on Friday night. Greg Sloggett and Darren Cole got the goals, either side of half-time, as the Candystripes made it two wins from
Derry City moved into the top three of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a 2-0 win over UCD at Belfield on Friday night.
Greg Sloggett and Darren Cole got the goals, either side of half-time, as the Candystripes made it two wins from two against the Students this season. The visitors showed that little bit of cutting edge when needed, while they frustrated a UCD attack which had hit four last week against Waterford.
The first 20 minutes was poor enough fare, with the visitors seeing more of the ball. Kearns had tipped a shot around the post from Sloggett, but the Candystripes took the lead from the resulting corner.
McNamee whipped in the cross from the right. It was flicked on, and the former UCD man had the simplest of tasks to head home from five yards. Ogedi-Uzokwe had been impressive throughout the half, winning headers and holding up the ball.
He used his strength to hold off Dan Tobin, and set up Eoghan Stokes for a shot. It might have stung the hands of Kearns from 20 yards, but he dealt with it. O’Neill then put in a crucial intervention to prevent the on loan striker from Colchester from shooting from five yards.
Kearns had to be alert when a shot came through the crowd from the corner, as he kicked the ball around the post. UCD had a purple patch early in the second-half, but the second goal arrived with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Again, UCD failed to deal with a corner, this time from the left. It fell for Cole on the edge of the box, who smashed the ball towards goal. It took a slight touch, before nestling in the bottom right corner of Kearns net.
UCD continued to dominate possession after the concession of the goal, and Collie O’Neill introduced Paul Doyle and Kevin Coffey late on as they sought a way back into the game. But it wasn’t to be, and Derry’s fine record at Belfield continues.
