Dominant Derry put relegation doubts to bed

STRIKES either side of half-time saw Derry City end their final home game in the league on a high last night. The win over Shelbourne puts any relegation worries behind them following what was a thoroughly deserved victory at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. With a strong breeze rendering fluent football almost impossible, the home side more or less controlled this one and issued a statement of intent from the kick-off when Adam Hammill crashed a shot off Shels’ crossbar in his side’s first attack. Derry were rewarded for their efforts when breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute. Having worked the ball out to the right flank, Jack Malone did well to set Joe Thomson free and he duly guided the ball past Shels ‘keeper Jack Brady. Shelbourne upped their efforts following the goal, Mark Byrne directing a shot straight at Derry stopper Peter Cherrie. Derry should have doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute. Malone was sent scampering clear on the right and his cross to the back post was met by substitute Stephen Mallon who could only steer it wide.

Derry’s second came on 66 minutes. Hammill got in behind the Shels defence and his low delivery was turned home by Walter Figueira. Shels sub Jaze Kabia worked Cherrie late on but he parried the effort over. DERRY CITY: Cherrie; Horgan, Toal, McJannet, Coll (Mallon (h/t); McCormack; Malone, Hammill (Boyce, 89) Thomson (Harkin, 69), Clifford; Figueira. Scorers: Thomson 19, Figueira 61. SHELBOURNE: Brady; Friel, O. Brennan, O’Reilly, O’Hanlon; Deegan; Fernandes (Kabia h/t) , Byrne (Dodds, 72), Rooney (Farrell, 65), R. Brennan (Quinn, 65); Kilduff. Referee: D. Tomney (Dublin).