Co Louth finalists no easy opponent as European qualification beckons if northern rivals can be overcome
Derry City hoping dire season has silver lining in FAI Cup Final against Drogheda UnitedDerry appeared to reduce the gap between themselves and Rovers in 2023 but for numerous reasons, progress halted this year as Higgins’s side stumbled out of Uefa Conference League qualification, losing to a semi-professional Gibraltar team before an abysmal run-in had them winning one of their last eight league matches.
McEleney, Duffy and Patching remain in situ. Injuries have interrupted progress, yet Duffy was nominated for Player of the Year. So much of what has happened makes no sense, but Higgins’s future as the manager might come into question if they miss out on the Europa League qualifier spot that comes from winning a second cup in three years.
“We now have an opportunity in the final game of the season to finish on a positive note and give this city something to really cheer about and make people happy.” In contrast, Derry accounted for St Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City, Shels and Bohemians with rare reminders that Higgins’s side were supposed to be closing in on the double. Reality intervened. Before a painful analysis of what went wrong can be completed, Derry have the opportunity to splash a silver sheen on a season that, if not for the cup, would already be classified as a regression.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
FAI Cup final latest as Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher discusses futureOne of the league’s best ‘keepers, the ex-Ireland U21 ace is out-of-contract with the Candystripes who need to win the Cup to save their season
Read more »
Patrick Hoban fitness latest as Derry City issue FAI Cup final updateStriker Hoban has not played for Derry City since the home draw against Sligo Rovers on October 14
Read more »
Ex-Derry City manager wants to see FAI Cup finalists return to the Irish LeagueDerry City joined the League of Ireland in 1985, 13 years after it left the Irish League.
Read more »
Derry City ace Patrick McEleney eyes silver lining to frustrating seasonDerry City and Drogheda United clash in Sunday's FAI Cup final at Aviva Stadium
Read more »
'Sport is horrible at times, then it's brilliant' - Derry City boss HigginsDerry City host Drogheda United in Sunday's FAI Cup final at Aviva Stadium
Read more »
Meet the former Manchester City prodigy who has fallen in love with Derry CityJacob Davenport came through the ranks at Manchester City before excelling in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers
Read more »