Derry City secured an huge victory in their pursuit for European football next season as they came back from behind to beat UCD AFC. Sam Byrne put the hosts ahead just past the half-hour but goals from Jamie McDonagh, Conor Davis and David Parkhous
Derry City secured an huge victory in their pursuit for European football next season as they came back from behind to beat UCD AFC.
Sam Byrne put the hosts ahead just past the half-hour but goals from Jamie McDonagh, Conor Davis and David Parkhouse sealed the victory for Declan Devine's side.
The Students came into the game looking to catch Finn Harps who were just three points ahead of them in the table as the battle to stay in the Premier Division intensifies with each passing week.
Derry City could do their local rivals Harps a huge favour with a victory tonight, but the battle for Europe is at the forefront of their minds with Bohemians just three points ahead of them in third spot at the start of play.
Despite plenty of early Derry City pressure, it was the home side who took the lead just past the half-hour. Sam Byrne, who was recently signed after his release from Bohemians, found the net to score his first goal for the club.
However, the Candystripes continued their dominance and four minutes from the break, they were level. Jamie McDonagh has been a crucial player in the Derry engine room during the 2019 campaign and he slid the ball home to level the tie.
Six minutes after the break, the Students should have retaken the lead. A brilliant touch from Sam Byrne and a neat-exchange between him and Liam Kerrigan saw Yoyo Mahdy in, but he couldn't supply the finish one-on-one with Peter Cherrie.
And the Students paid the price for their wasted opportunity as a former Student came on to haunt them. Just 30 seconds after his entered the field, substitute Conor Davis slid the ball home in the 72nd minute after a wonderful pass from Barry McNamee.
The Students' night got worse as Jack Kearney was shown a needless second yellow card four minutes from time and in the first minute of stoppage time, Derry scored their third of the match.
It was brilliant play from Bruna to find David Parkhouse and he continued his fine form this campaign as he swept the ball past a static Gavin Sheridan.
The win sees the Candystripes move into third position ahead of Bohemians as UCD remain rooted to the foot of the table.
