Derry City 3 Letterkenny Rovers 0
Derry City kicked off life in their new home of Maginn Park with a 3-0 win last night, in the first of a series of pre-season fixtures for the Candystripes. A winning start for the Candystripes in Buncrana and plenty for the manager and supporters to consider in a team filled with unfamiliar names.
Shiels had already highlighted that a number of trialists were currently with the club, and a number of these got their first chance in the City colours. City hit the front with a goal from Thierry Baptiste-Kessie. After a poor start, Letterkenny Rovers found their rhythm and the remainder of the first period was a much more even affair. Grimes did well to tip away an effort from the visitors, whilst Farren was not able to finish after being sent clear.
After the break Shiels introduced Ben Doherty but City were unable to make much of an impression on the Rovers goal. City had a handful of what may be generously described as half chances. Letterkenny had the first real chance of the second period when Grimes had to be sharply off his line and dived to claim the ball at the feet of the onrushing Letterkenny strikers.
As the game wore on City began to provide more of a threat, with a tiring Letterkenny side provides more gaps for City to exploit. Caolan McAleer, on trial with the club following his release by Greenock Morton beat two men and broke into the box, where he was taken down. The official had little hesitation in awarding a penalty. Cathal Farren stepped up and made it 2-0 to City in the 87th minute. A minute later, it was 3-0 as Rikkas was played through and finished to ensure that City would have a winning start to life in Donegal.
Photo Credit: Eric White
Team:
1. E Grimes
2. S Alderton
4. B Bogaert
6. T Baptiste
7. T De Beri
8. E Stevens
9. C Farren
14. A Delap
21. S Giles
32. A Rikkas
12.C McAleer
