FAI Cup: Darragh Burns scores late winner for Derry City
A 69th-minute strike secured Derry City's seventh trophy, ending a difficult season with a victory over Waterford at the Aviva Stadium.
By Noor Graham ·
Darragh Burns scored the only goal of the FAI Cup final on Sunday, giving Derry City a 1-0 victory over Waterford at the Aviva Stadium. The goal came in the 69th minute and marked Burns' first strike for the club since his return from England in July. It was Derry's seventh FAI Cup title.
Burns moved from the right side to his preferred left foot to find space. He eased past defender Benny Couto and midfielder Evan McLaughlin before beating goalkeeper Stephen McMullan with a low finish. The moment arrived just as Waterford's midfield, led by Noah Mawene and McLaughlin, was beginning to dominate possession.
Derry manager Mark Connolly had indicated that Burns' time on the pitch was nearly over before the goal. He was preparing to substitute the winger for Kevin Dos Santos. The change eventually went through in the 77th minute, eight minutes after the winner.
Waterford controlled large sections of the match through set pieces and quick transitions. Their attacking partnership of Podge Amond and Tommy Lonergan, who share 36 goals this season, pressed constantly. However, Derry defenders Patrick McClean and Jamie Stott held their ground against the forward duo.
Patrick McClean, who plays alongside his older brother James, described the win as a result against the run of play. He told RTÉ that the team must now bounce into next season to challenge for the league. McClean also expressed hope about lifting the trophy in front of the Guildhall the following day.
Derry captain Michael Duffy had a goal disallowed in the 28th minute after the linesman flagged for offside. Waterford also had a penalty appeal waved away late in the game by referee Kevin O'Sullivan. The match was paused for a water break when red flares from Derry supporters reduced visibility on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Brian Maher, who has managed a wrist injury all season, had an early free kick go over his gloves and hit the crossbar. Derry's lack of an established center forward was evident in their approach, with James Clarke and Ellis Chapman alternating in a false nine role. Waterford relied on the long throws of Portuguese wing back Couto to create pressure.
The final provided a celebratory end to a difficult season for Derry City. The team had returned to their home ground this summer, driven in part by the brothers' desire to win together. They now prepare for a homecoming celebration at the Guildhall in Derry.
