CANDY CRUSH STARFACTS
Phoenix rises high for Blues Derry now the firm faves to win FAI Cup
WATERFORD matchwinner Phoenix
Patterson (pictured) has hailed the impact that manager Danny Searle has made since his appointment in June.
The former Aldershot boss has guided the Blues to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup — where they will face Shelbourne at home — and to the promotion play-offs.
Paterson’s goal proved crucial in Waterford’s shock 3-2 quarter-final win over Dundalk on Friday.
He said: “Danny has helped me a lot, on and off the ball. He’s helped everyone in the team.
Vibe
“There’s such a good vibe around the place, coming into training everyone is happy and everyone is smiling. Long may it continue.”
Patterson was quick to settle in at Waterford after a spell in England.
“I played for Wycombe Wanderers for a bit and then I went to Spurs for most of my young career,” he said.
“I went to Watford for a year and then here.
“I love it since I moved to Waterford, it’s amazing.
“I’m buzzing, I can’t really put it into words,” he said.
“The place was rocking, I mean absolutely rocking and we deserved the win.
“I’m looking forward to the semi-final now, I’m just delighted.” w
DERRY CITY last night installed themselves as red-hot favourites to win the FAI Cup.
A decade since their last success in the competition, they saw off 10-man Shamrock Rovers in extra-time and could even afford a first-half Will Patching miss from the penalty spot.
In the end, it was two former Hoops players who scored the crucial goals to send the Candystripes into a last-four clash at home to First Division Treaty United, while Shelbourne go to Waterford.
Daniel Lafferty and Brandon Kavanagh both arrived on the Bogside from Tallaght Stadium — and it was their finishes inside the additional 30 minutes that proved the difference.
The night wasn’t without controversy. Rovers were out on their feet in extra-time, having played since the 38th minute with 10 men.
Lee Grace’s controversial dismissal will be chewed over by Rovers fans in the days and weeks to come but it came in a half that Derry dominated — and with Ruaidhri Higgins’ men already ahead through Jamie McGonigle’s 19th-minute header.
Derry dominated and Rovers struggled to match their intensity.
And even though the decision by referee Rob Hennessy to award the hosts a 38th-minute penalty was highly controversial, it was one of many examples of Rovers being off the pace in the opening period.
Stephen Bradley won’t be happy with the officiating — and the decision to send off Grace — but equally he will be frustrated with the simplicity of Derry’s route into the area.
Path
It was no more than a route one punt downfield by goalkeeper Brian Maher, one that bounced over the visiting defenders and into the path of Patrick McEleney.
There appeared to be a coming together between McEleney and Grace, with the Brandywell star going to ground.