Derry City beat UCD to advance in FAI Cup

Derry City booked their spot in the FAI Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over UCD at the UCD Bowl. Michael Duffy gave the Candystripes an early lead before UCD responded well and levelled through Louis Dignam in the 17th minute. Tyler Smith then scored his first goal in red and white in the second half to book the Premier Division side's space in the last eight and continue interim manager Mark Connolly's unbeaten run. The positive result follows another challenging week for the Candystripes with James McClean not in the squad once again after the club dismissed reports that they are attempting to find a settlement that will end his time at the club. Derry remain unbeaten under interim boss Connolly The away side made a bright start to the game and opened the scoring after just seven minutes when Duffy curled a free-kick into the top left-hand corner. Smith then had a good chance to double their lead, but his shot from near the bye-line was blocked by keeper Noah Douglas. However, it would be UCD who netted next when Dignam fired past Brian Maher on the counter-attack. The goal increased the hosts' confidence and Dingham continued to ask questions of the Derry defence with his effort crashing off the crossbar, before being denied once again by the woodwork just before the half-time whistle. After the restart, Ciaran Behan's shot was blocked before Luca Callioce fired over the crossbar from close range. Brian Maher and Patrick McClean then both made crucial interventions to stop Goodness Ogbonna after he had been gifted too much space. The hosts were made to pay for not taking advantage of their dominance on 64 minutes when Smith held off his marker and found the back of the net. As the full-time whistle edged closer, UCD struck the woodwork for a third time when Charles Akinrintayo's shot pinged off the inside of the left post but, despite a valiant performance, could not find another equaliser.