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Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Liam Boyce hat-trick eases Derry City past Treaty United in FAI Cup
Treaty United 1 Derry City 5 A second-half blitz, which included five goals, from an earlier lethargic Derry City eased them into the next round of the FAI Cup, with sub Liam Boyce bagging a hat-trick. The first three efforts, all headed finishes via Michael Duffy corner kicks killed the tie, before a couple of late goals enhanced the victory for a side hunting silverware after 2024 Cup final heartbreak. 1,215 were in attendance at the Garryowen venue. The bulk will have been happy with the effort and application by Tommy Barrett's men who eventually ran out of gas against superior opposition. Following a disappointing reverse away to Sligo Rovers last weekend, the Premier Division side eventually nudged ahead of the play-off chasing second tier outfit. But for all their dominance, they struggled to make it tell until Liam Boyce headed them ahead just before the hour mark. City were runners-up last season and Tiernan Lynch named a strong starting XI for this contest. He handed a debut to Dipo Akinyemi, who signed from York City earlier this month. For Treaty, this was not a new venture, having reached the semi-finals only to lose to Derry in 2022. However, Tommy Barrett was only able to call upon Lee Devitt, current skipper Mark Walsh and Fionn Doherty from that Brandywell clash. Playing in a strong defensive low block, the home side adequately dealt with much of what was thrown at them. A half-dozen corners were the main avenue of attack in the opening half, with Ronan Boyce and Alex Bannon both off target. Tripimir Vrljicak drew a smart stop from Maher ninety seconds after the resumption but the visitors struck the front shortly afterwards. From here, there was no way back for the boys in blue. A double change which saw Liam Boyce and Hayden Cann introduced, reaped immediate dividends. Boyce climbed highest for head home Duffy's 59th minute corner and he found the top corner. Tommy Barrett will be left scratching his head when, just over ten minutes later, Duffy's deep set-piece was met by Scot Alex Bannon for 2-0. The pick of the goals came when Duffy's next delivery found Boyce, who from a testing angle connected wonderfully to loop a header beyond the home rearguard. Devitt pulled a goal back with an emphatic finish ten minutes from time, but Boyce struck for his hat-trick with five to play. Chambers fouled the former Hearts attacker and he converted to seal a memorable cameo. Further gloss was added soon after with Danny Mullen getting in on the act. Treaty United: Chamers; O'Connor, R Lynch, M Walsh (C) (Martin 77), B Lynch; Conroy (Byrne 77), Healy (Healy 89); Murphy, Devitt, Wilson (Cunningham 65); Vrljicak (Ferry 77). Derry City: Maher; R Boyce (Benson 77), Bannon, Connolly, Todd; Whyte (L Boyce 56), O'Reilly, Diallo, Duffy (Frizzell 77), Ferguson (Cann 56), Todd; Akinyemi (Mullen 70). Referee: Lucas Keating.
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Derry put seven past Waterford while Joey O'Brien makes winning start – what we learned from Friday's League of Ireland fixtures
Derry City demolition makes it four wins on the bounce Derry City's fine form has reached a remarkable apex – seven goals at the Brandywell on a night that underlines the quality in a squad often accused of underperformance. Liam Boyce, who has faced questions over his mixed start to life in the League of Ireland, looked in his element on Friday night. His brilliant hat-trick was made sweeter by virtue of his team-mates' contributions. When faced with crowded penalty areas from dangerous wide pockets early on, both Gavin Whyte and Michael Duffy only had eyes for their striker. Boyce converted their respective pullbacks with all the swagger you might expect from a seasoned international goalscorer. Everything has clicked into gear for the Candystripes. Both Whyte and Duffy got their names on the scoresheet later on – Duffy's goal was stunning, as he trapped a sprayed, long ball down on the stretch and chopped inside his man in one motion, before slotting it under unfortunate debutant Bradley Wade. The best of the night, however, was reserved for Sadou Diallo, whose bolt from distance thudded satisfyingly off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the line. Pádraig Amond, to his credit, managed to score two consolation goals himself, but he alone could not spare Waterford from an embarrassing defeat. Derry now sit eight points behind Shamrock Rovers with a game in hand. READ MORE Stalemate suits nobody in Inchicore Bohemians arrived at Richmond Park in fresh sky-blue, Oasis logos printed on their chests and opportunity written across their faces. It is rare enough to visit St Pat's expecting to come away with a win, but the form of both teams gave cause to such a prediction. With that said, Stephen Kenny's men were never going to roll over, and despite running into familiar difficulties in front of goal, they at least managed to keep their opponents scoreless. Amid all the fanfare around Bohs' collaboration with the Gallagher brothers, Douglas James-Taylor quietly let himself in the Dalymount door this week, ready to perform as the powerful target man in a mazy, effervescent frontline. The striker will have better days for the Gypsies, though he was a welcome cushion for their flying arrows to bounce off early on. Having cracked the bar through Jason McClelland on the verge of half-time, Pat's thought they had opened the scoring early in the second half. Simon Power sped through and finished well but was denied by a linesman's flag despite looking as though he had kept himself onside. With one goal in six games now, this was the sort of tough break Pat's could have done without. Alan Reynolds was particularly disappointed with Colm Whelan's failure to convert Ross Tierney's dinked cross in one of the game's final actions, as Bohs mounted a late barrage on a tired Saints defence. Kenny agreed the away side finished strongly, but he was bullish on Power's disallowed goal. 'Simon Power is clearly onside when he's running in again,' he said post-match. 'That's happened to us about five or six times. We have evidence of five or six goals, that have been clearly onside, given offside. The easiest thing to do is just put up a flag. 'I think it's probably that we've got quick players like Jake Mulraney and Zack [Elbouzedi] and Simon [Power]. We have explosive players. They're the main players that have been flagged when they're running through. We've seen it quite a few times. But listen, that's the way it goes.' Cork a welcome tonic for Joey O'Brien's Shels Joey O'Brien's reign as permanent manager of Shelbourne began with two goals inside six minutes. Cork, with distant memories of a season-first clean sheet against St Pat's last week, were hopelessly porous, but that shouldn't take away from Harry Wood and Mipo Odubeko. Both strikers have had their composure in front of goal criticised at times this season, but they were sharp and efficient early on at Tolka Park. After that blitzing start, Shelbourne could have done with a confidence-boosting stroll to victory ahead of their mammoth Champions League qualifying tie against Linfield. Instead, the home side lost their way a bit and before half-time, Kitt Nelson dragged Cork back into the game with a clean, driven finish from just inside the area. It could have been an uncomfortable second half for Shels, but a harsh-looking red card for Cork captain Charlie Lyons made the challenge too great for the league's bottom side. JJ Lunney eventually made sure of things with a bizarre goal, looping in a hopeful cross that evaded everyone and nestled in the corner. A vital, if unconvincing, three points for the champions. Drogheda do what Drogheda do Kevin Doherty's formula at Drogheda United has been simple all season, but you have to play very well to beat it. Galway United had an early goal for Malcolm Shaw ruled out for offside at Sullivan and Lambe Park, but didn't create enough clear chances in a first half they dominated. Drogheda stayed compact and picked their moments – as the tide turned early in the second period, they smelled blood. The game's only goal soon arrived via Dare Kareem, a 19-year-old making his first start for Drogs. He was quickest to react to a bouncing ball from a long throw-in, powering home and leaping into his trusting manager's arms. Galway couldn't find a route back in, and Drogheda only seemed to grow more comfortable. Europe now the focus Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and St Pat's can now begin to turn their attention to European ties and potentially transformational prize pots. For Shels and Pat's in particular, these games may be season-defining. Neither side will be delighted with their form, but there is no better moment for everything to turn around. Shamrock Rovers, on the basis of their development over the course of the year and the squad depth that has won them so many league games, there will be hopes of a memorable run.
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Lethal Liam Boyce hits hat-trick as Derry City put seven past Waterford in rout
LIAM Boyce netted a hat-trick as a rampant Derry City thumped seven past a stunned Waterford United at Brandywell. The 34 year-old former Hearts man took his season tally to eight goals with his contribution on a night Derry closed the gap on leaders Shamrock Rovers to eight points with a game in hand. 2 Liam Boyce netted a hattrick for Derry City in the rout against Waterford 2 Derry put SEVEN past hapless Waterford in Friday night's LOI clash Boyce became the first Derry player to score a hat-trick since Pat Hoban's treble against Waterford in March 2024. The Belfast man netted twice in the opening 24 minutes but his brace was overshadowed by Sadou Diallo's goal of the season contender which crashed off the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the net. Skipper Mark Connolly headed in a fourth just before half-time and while Padraig Amond scored twice in the second half, a third goal from Boyce, and a goal apiece from the sensational Michael Duffy and equally impressive Gavin Whyte sealed Derry's biggest win of the season. That's 10 goals in their last two matches for the Candystripes who haven't yet given up hope of challenging for the title. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL Derry hit the front after five minutes following a sweeping move started by Connolly who spread a pass to Ronan Boyce wide on the right. The full-back pulled it back to Gavin White who slotted into the feet of Liam Boyce and the Belfast man rifled his shot into the middle of the goal. Moments later from Duffy's outswinging corner was met by the head of Connolly who rose highest but his powerful effort cannoned off the top of the crossbar and behind for a goal kick. For all of Derry's dominance, Waterford fired a warning shot when top scorer Amond found himself in behind the last line of defence but his low strike was saved comfortably by Maher on 13 minutes. Most read in Football Another swift attack from Derry opened up the Waterford defence as White and Ronan Boyce linked up on the right and the latter crossed towards the front post where Liam Boyce's strike was turned behind by a timely tackle from Andy Boyle. The Candystripes doubled their advantage on 25 minutes when Duffy raced down the left wing and found Liam Boyce lurking on the penalty spot. The striker fired into the net despite the best efforts of Wade. Derry were threatening to run riot and added a third with a thunderbolt from Diallo. The midfielder's strike from 30 yards crashed off the underside of the crossbar and nestled into the net - a certain goal of the month contender! It was Diallo's first league goal since 2022 and his sixth for the club. There was no let-up from the home side as Duffy raced through on goal and with White at the back post opted to shoot but it was saved by the outstretched hand of Wade. Wade again saved from Duffy's long range effort before skipper Connolly's glancing header which beat Wade at the back post - the Monaghan man's first goal since victory over Waterford in June last season. The small band of travelling support at last had something to cheer about five minutes into the second half when Amond dribbled into the penalty area and slotted clinically past Maher for his ninth goal of the season. That put paid to Derry's run of three successive clean sheets but the Brandywell outfit struck back immediately in stunning fashion. White's inch perfect crossfield pass found the run of Duffy who turned Darragh Leahy before firing past Wade with his left foot. Former Portsmouth winger White was instrumental in Derry's sixth on 57 minutes as he picked out the run of Liam Boyce who poked the ball home at the front post for his hat-trick. White's sensational performance was just lacking a goal and it arrived on 73 minutes when Duffy found him lurking on the edge of the box and he fired the ball into the bottom corner. Amond netted his second and a consolation strike for Waterford who capitalised from a quick throw-in with 10 minutes to go. It mattered little as Derry clinched a memorable win and three vital points. It was the first time the Foylesiders scored seven in a league match since April 2022 when they thrashed UCD. Derry City 7 (L. Boyce 5, 24, 57, Diallo 36, Connolly 41, Duffy 52, White 73) Waterford 2 (Amond 50, 79) Derry City: Maher 6; Cann 7, Connolly 8, Holt 7; Boyce 8, Winchester 7 (Frizzell 6, 74), Diallo 8, Whyte 9 (O'Reilly 6, 74), Duffy 9 (Benson 6, 76), Todd 8; L Boyce 9 (Mullen 6, 64). Waterford: Wade 4; McDonald 5 (McMenamy 6, 77), Boyle 5, Leahy 5; Horton 5, Glenfield 5 (Mansfield 6, 64), Noonan 6, Olayinka 5 (White 6, 63), Burke 6 (Dempsey 6, 63); Amond 8, Lonergan 6 (Coyle 6, 64). Referee: Ben McMaster (Belfast).SUN STAR MAN: Michael Duffy (Derry City)
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Rampant Derry put seven past Waterford
SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Derry City 7 (Boyce 5', 24', 57' Diallo 36', Connolly 41', Duffy 52', Whyte 73') Waterford 2 (Amond 49', 79') LIAM Boyce netted a hat-trick as a rampant Derry City thumped seven past a stunned Waterford United at Brandywell. The 34-year-old former Hearts man took his season tally to eight goals with his contribution on a night Derry closed the gap on leaders Shamrock Rovers to eight points with a game in hand. Boyce became the first Derry player to score a hat-trick since Pat Hoban's treble against Waterford in March 2024. The Belfast man netted twice in the opening 24 minutes but his brace was overshadowed by Sadou Diallo's goal of the season contender which crashed off the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the net. Skipper Mark Connolly headed in a fourth just before half-time and while Padraig Amond scored twice in the second half, a third goal from Boyce, and a goal apiece from the sensational Michael Duffy and equally impressive Gavin Whyte sealed Derry's biggest win of the season. Derry hit the front after five minutes following a sweeping move finished by Liam Boyce who rifled his shot into the middle of the goal. Another swift attack from Derry opened up the Waterford defence as White and Ronan Boyce linked up on the right and the latter crossed towards the front post where Liam Boyce's strike was turned behind by a timely tackle from Andy Boyle. The Candystripes doubled their advantage on 25 minutes when Duffy raced down the left wing and found Liam Boyce lurking on the penalty spot. The striker fired into the net despite the best efforts of Wade. Derry were threatening to run riot and added a third with a thunderbolt from Diallo. The midfielder's strike from 30 yards crashed off the underside of the crossbar and nestled into the net. Wade again saved from Duffy's long range effort before skipper Connolly's glancing header which beat Wade at the back post - the Monaghan man's first goal since victory over Waterford in June last season. The small band of travelling support at last had something to cheer about five minutes into the second half when Amond dribbled into the penalty area and slotted clinically past Maher for his ninth goal of the season. Whyte's inch perfect crossfield pass found the run of Duffy who turned Darragh Leahy before firing past Wade with his left foot. Derry's sixth came on 57 minutes as he picked out the run of Liam Boyce who poked the ball home at the front post for his hat-trick. Whyte's sensational performance was just lacking a goal and it arrived on 73 minutes when Duffy found him lurking on the edge of the box and he fired the ball into the bottom corner. Amond netted his second and a consolation strike for Waterford who capitalised from a quick throw-in with 10 minutes to go.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Boyce hat-trick as Derry City put seven past Waterford
Liam Boyce scored a hat-trick as Derry City thrashed Waterford 7-2 to extend their unbeaten run in the League of Ireland Premier Division to five games. Two early goals from Boyce, a stunning strike from Sadou Diallo and Mark Connolly's header gave Derry a 4-0 lead at the Padraig Amond and Michael Duffy netted early in the second half before Boyce completed his treble just before the hour mark. Gavin Whyte added to the impressive tally for the evening before Amond netted a late second consolation Candystripes, who have now won their past four games, sit eight points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers - who face Sligo Rovers on Saturday - in second with a game in hand. Candystripes race clear in first half The home side took the lead in some style just five minutes into the game when Boyce's powerful strike from the edge of the box found the top left-hand nearly doubled their lead just two minutes later when Connolly nodded Duffy's corner towards goal, but his header struck the doubled his tally when Duffy played the ball back from the left wing for the striker to convert on 24 Lynch's men did not settle for a two-goal advantage with Bradley Wade palming Ronan Boyce's effort to safety before twice thwarting the Waterford keeper could do nothing to stop Diallo who made it 3-0 on 36 minutes when his thunderous right-footed shot went in off the crossbar. Duffy was provider once again just five minutes later when his corner was headed home by Derry captain Connolly. Goals galore at the Brandywell Waterford got on the scoresheet four minutes after the restart when Amond controlled a long ball, burst into the box and slotted home through the legs of Duffy restored Derry's four-goal advantage when he slipped the ball on to his left foot to beat his marker Darragh Leahy and fired past and Boyce, who have a combined 58 Northern Ireland caps, linked up to make it 6-1 with the latter poking home Whyte's looping cross to complete his got in on the act in the 73rd minute when his low shot found the bottom right-hand netted the final goal of the game with 11 minutes to go when Amond struck again, but the night belonged to the free-scoring Candystripes, who travel to Sligo on 12 July.
