Parkhouse rises to occasion as Derry edge past resilient Wexford

DERRY City scraped past First Division Wexford as they made it into the second round of the FAI Cup thanks to a late David Parkhouse goal.

The Candstripes’ leading scorer struck with just six minutes remaining just when it seemed as if the underdogs would take the game to extra time after defending brilliantly throughout.

The goal was met with relief more than ecstasy as City struggled for inspiration throughout.

It took six minutes before Derry City threatened the Wexford goal and it was a good opportunity for Michael McCrudden to break his duck as he latched onto a pass from David Parkhouse before curling just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

That was as good as it got for the home side who struggled after that bright start. With Wexford sitting back and crowding their own half City struggled to make any ground, their play too slow and ponderous, allowing the Wexford players to get back into position again and again.

The breakthrough finally came with just six minutes remaining as Wexford were caught short at the back and Barry McNamee played Parkhouse into a shooting position and the striker made no mistake, slamming the ball past Chambers to great relief around the Brandywell.

DERRY CITY: Cherrie, McChrystal, Toal, Coll, McDonagh, Sloggett, Gillespie (Malone 72’), McNamee, McCrudden (Cole 61’), Parkhouse, Davis (McCauley 61’). WEXFORD: Chambers, Walsh, Lee Costello, Corish, Cahill, English, O’Connor, Croke (Lawless 72’), Griffin, Nugent, Roche. Referee: Damien McGraith.