Derry City1

KEVIN MCHUGH’S well-taken first-half goal put Derry City through to the semi-finals of the Setanta Sports Cup for the first time as they enjoyed another fruitful trip to Richmond Park.

The win – their second at Inchicore this season – was no more than Stephen Kenny’s side deserved. For a jaded looking St Patrick’s it’s a result that leaves them now needing to win at Glentoran in their final match – and hope that Linfield don’t beat Derry at the Brandywell – if they are to qualify for the last four.

St Patrick’s, with seven changes to the side that won in Bray on Friday night, should have had the perfect start in the first minute. Derek O’Brien got in behind Derry right-back Eddie McCallion from Gary Dempsey’s ball over the top. But the winger lost his balance as he shot and Gerard Doherty made a comfortable save.

Eight minutes later the Derry goalkeeper got down to his left to push away a stinging 35-yard drive after Keith Fahey and Barry Ryan excelled at the other end to thwart Derry’s first meaningful attack on 16 minutes; brilliantly tipping over a firm header from Barry Molloy.

The chances kept coming in a lively, open game. Kevin Deery, from a well-struck free-kick, and Niall McGinn, after an impish run, shot wide as Derry gradually got on top. Derry then had some defending to do as McCallion bravely blocked Gary Dempsey’s goal-bound drive before at the other end on 28 minutes McGlynn volleying inches over.

McHugh then forced Ryan into a good save with his feet. More composed and with a better shape, Derry were dominant now and deservedly got what would prove their winner on 33 minutes.

Gray worked a one-two with Deery from a throw to cross low from the left and McHugh’s instinctive early snap shot arrowed past Ryan into the corner of the net. It should have been 2-0 right on 45 minutes.

Deery’s pass found Morrow whose first-time shot on the turn was batted away one-handed by Ryan.

St Pat’s had plenty of possession in the second half. But they never created enough in front of goal to trouble Doherty as Derry maintain their quest for a cup treble.

ST PATRICK’S ATH: Barry Ryan; Lynch, Harris, Partridge (Rogers, 23 mins), Byrne; Guy, Fahey, Dempsey, O’Brien (Fitzpatrick, 71 mins); O’Neill (Kirby, half-time), Quigley.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion, Delaney, McChrystal, Gray (Callaghan, 57 mins); McGlynn, Molloy, Deery, McGinn; Morrow (Farren, 84 mins), McHugh.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).