City continuing their winning pre-season start with a hard fought victory over Galway at Brandywell this evening.  Goals from James McClean and Vinny Sweeney make it two wins from two for the new look Derry City side.

The starting line up saw the return of familiar faces such as Doherty, Molloy and Farren to add some experience to the panel and City made an explosive start with a goal in the first five minutes.  A whipped cross was glanced to the net by James McClean, one of the stand out players on the night. 

The small attendance was treated to a competitive game, with more than a few hearty challenges from both sides.  Galway hit back with an equaliser from Derek O’Brien who latched on to a misplaced pass to stroll through the Derry defence and smash home past Gerard Doherty.

City’s new look team appeared to have a bit more quality than Sean Connor’s new charges who acquired Stephen O’Donnell during the week.  The ex Bohemians and Cork midfielder more than held his own against Molloy and Harking in the Derry midfield and allowed the visitors a platform to launch a few challenges of their own.

McClean provided a real threat on the left hand sides and linked up well with Cassidy for City.  Farren and McDaid used their pace to put pressure on the Galway backline and Harkin tried to find his front men on a number of occasions with lofted balls over the top.  Indeed Farren had a big shout for a penalty when he was felled when battled to get on the end of one of these efforts.

Chances were at a premium in the first, though McEleney did fire in a volley which was deflected over.  From the resultant corner City had a shout for a penalty as the ball appeared to strike the hand of one of the Galway defender.  

There were a raft of changes in the second period and like most friendlies, the game suffered as a result.  City continued to press but were caught off side on a number of occasions as they sought to try and press home their advantage.  Stephen Kenny and Sean Connor made full use of their benches and it was one of the substitutes, Sweeney, who provided the breakthrough.

Sweeney made it three goals in a week as he rose highest to connect with Cassidy’s cross and nod home to make it 2-1.  The referee blew up shortly much to the relief of the supporters as the temperatures continued to drop.

Whilst the announcement of the Licensing Committee is the major news this week, City also host Sporting Fingal as preparations continue on the field.