SSE Airtricity League side Derry City were just one goal away from progressing to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League after a fantastic performance in Minsk. The game couldn't have started any better when Ally Roy opened the scorin
SSE Airtricity League side Derry City were just one goal away from progressing to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League after a fantastic performance in Minsk.
The game couldn't have started any better when Ally Roy opened the scoring. In the fourth minute, he held off his defender to exchange a quick one-two with Rory Hale and Roy calmly finished.
Minsk pulled level after a period of pressure just before the half-hour as Sachivko slotted home but a determined Derry didn't let their heads drop and came out in the second half with a renewed purpose.
The Candystripes' fantastic passing game finally paid off in the 74th minute when substitute and Republic of Ireland U21 international Ronan Hale collected the ball from Roy in the area, to turn his defender and find the bottom corner.
Derry pushed forward and left many gaps at the back with the home side almost capitalised on on numerous occasions. Derry's last chance came via the substitute Hale once again when he tried the over-head kick in added time, but he failed to connect with the ball.
The home defeat cost Derry in the end but the home side were greeted with boos from their support at the final whistle, a signal of a fantastic performance from Kenny Shiels' side in Minsk.
