DERRY City Reserves scored a controversial 74th minute winner to defeat Letterkenny Rovers 3-2 at a resplendent Diamond Park, Ballyare on Tuesday evening to advance to the semi finals of the Donegal News League Cup.
Derry City Reserves 3 Letterkenny Rovers 2
The winning goal saw a wave of protestations from the Rovers contingent after referee Barry Maxwell appeared to be ready to blow his whistle for a foul on Kevin McGrath. While the Rovers players stopped, the burly McGeralo Woha ran on to beat Christopher O’Donnell to the ball. Even though his angle was narrow, Woha found the net to win it for Derry
It was Woha – recently signed from Longford Town – who had put City ahead in the 2nd minute when he had a free header from a Mark McFadden corner and found the corner of the net.
City came close to doubling the advantage but Mattie Walker hit straight at O’Donnell when well placed.
Rovers though came right into the game and Gary Merritt shot just over while Shane McNamee screwed an effort just wide of the post while Ronan McAleer came close for the Candystripes when forcing a fine save from O’Donnell.
Rovers drew level on 44 minutes with a spectacular goal from Kevin McGrath who showed extreme skill to beat two men before firing low past Jack Lemoignan in the City goal.
It was Rovers who took the lead on 55 minutes again through McGrath as he finished a cross from Gareth Doherty.
The Derry men roared back and levelled through Adam Duffy who fired home after a neat flowing move having just come on minutes earlier as a second half sub.
Chances came and went for both sides until Woha showed composure in the mayhem to score that 74th minute goal.
While City almost extended their lead through McAleer, Rovers pushed hard for an equaliser, but the City rearguard held out resolutely for the win to advance into the last four.
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