Derry City triumph in narrow FAI Cup Final

Derry City regained the FAI Cup after a narrow victory over Waterford, whose 46 year wait for a trophy continues. In a match devoid of much quality, a fine finish from Darragh Burns on 69 minutes was enough to get Derry City over the line.

It has been a season without stability for Derry, with managerial changes and James McClean’s long-awaited return to the club falling flat.

Manager Mark Connolly has done a tremendous job to turn things around for Derry since taking on the role on an interim basis in August, after stepping up from his role as Director of Football. They had failed to perform for much of the season, but Sunday’s victory has provided European football for the club once again.

Waterford will feel devastated. For much of the match they were on top, as Graham Coughlan looked to top off what is already a fine start to his tenure, just days on from signing a new multi-year contract.

Not dissimilar to most cup finals, it was a very tense and cagey affair, with few and far between in terms of clear-cut chances.

It was to be Derry’s night as Darragh Burns received the ball from Michael Duffy, cut in on his left foot and found the bottom corner to provide the opener

Waterford went the closest early on as Benardo Couto’s free kick was tipped onto the bar by Derry Keeper Brian Maher.

Whilst Derry had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, Waterford’s Tommy Lonergan headed wide from close range after another excellent delivery from Couto.

Lonergan was the subject of a record League of Ireland transfer offer between two clubs within the league from Derry, and he should have come back to haunt them at the Aviva Stadium.

Waterford’s set pieces were far too much for Derry to handle, as after around ten minutes of the second half, Kevin Long missed another close range headed chance for the Blues.

However, it was to be Derry’s night as Darragh Burns received the ball from Michael Duffy, cut in on his left foot and found the bottom corner to provide the opener, with his first goal for the club coming at a crucial time.

Derry lifted the FAI Cup for the seventh time, with a memorable ending to an otherwise disastrous season

The game opened up after the goal, with Waterford pressing for an equaliser. Another lovely Couto delivery met the head of Lonergan, with the ball sailing wide once again.

Waterford felt they could have received a penalty in injury time after Noah Mawene looked to have been stopped in his tracks by Brandon Fleming, who jumped in trying to clear the ball. The referee did not agree with the Waterford fans baying for a penalty, and on review it was probably the correct decision.

They could not muster up another chance after that in injury time, and despite a valiant performance in their first cup final since 2004, it was to be Derry’s night. They lifted the FAI Cup for the seventh time, with a memorable ending to an otherwise disastrous season.