Derry City 2-1 Finn Harps
FINN Harps performed well in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium tonight, but Derry City came from behind to win and book their spot in the semi-finals of the EA Sports Cup.
Harps were beaten 4-0 by their local rivals in the league on Friday night and they were looking for an improved performance.
The visitors started well, and could have had a penalty before Keith Cowan headed over.
Derry gradually grew into the game, and Ciaron Harkin hit the post, before the same player was denied by a brilliant Mark Anthony McGinley save.
Harps hit the front in the 55th minute when Derry failed to clear Colm Deasy’s cross, and Nathan Boyle slotted into the bottom corner.
Caolan McAleer had a chance to kill off the game in the 82nd minute, but he couldn’t take it, and David Parkhouse scored moments later.
That sent the game to extra-time and Derry went ahead in the 94th minute when Parkhouse took advantage of a McGinley error to score.
Harps pressed for a way back into the game and Keith Cowan, Mikey Place, and Caolan McAleer all had shots cleared off the line.
Mark Coyle was sent off in the second half of extra-time, and the away side couldn’t find the leveller they craved, and Derry held on to reach the last four of the league cup.
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