Derry City book place in FAI Cup final with Galway win

Irish FAI Cup Galway United 0 - 2 Derry City FT Michael Duffy scored twice as Derry City kept their hopes of securing European football alive [Getty Images] Michael Duffy scored twice as Derry City booked their place in a third FAI Cup final in five years with a composed 2-0 victory over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park. Duffy struck in the 26th minute and doubled the Candystripes' advantage in first-half stoppage time. Derry, who lifted the trophy in 2022 but lost to Drogheda United in the decider two years ago, will have another opportunity to claim the FAI Cup when they face Waterford in the decider on Sunday, 8 November. It also keeps their hopes of securing European football alive after a disappointing league campaign. McClean hits out at 'incomprehensible' Derry treatment Derry's victory came amid off-field attention surrounding James McClean, who said how he had been treated by the club was 'incomprehensible' , but there was little sign of distraction in a performance characterised by composure, assurance and confidence. Derry were on top in the early stages and their breakthrough came through a well-worked move down the right. Darragh Burns struck the post in the 26th minute before James Clarke's follow-up was blocked on the line by Wasiri Williams. Duffy reacted quickest to head home at the third attempt. Galway almost responded five minutes later when Stephen Walsh laid the ball off to Jimmy Keohane, whose fierce drive was met by a flying stop from Tom Norcott in the Derry goal. But the Candystripes struck again just before the break. Chapman's carefully weighted pass split the Galway defence and sent Duffy through on goal, and the forward confidently slotted past the advancing Hugo Da Cunha. Galway forward Francely Lomboto, one of two half-time replacements, almost pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half, but Norcott came well off his line to avert the danger. Keohane then saw an effort blocked by Patrick McClean on 56 minutes, before fellow substitute Edward McCarthy also had a shot blocked as Galway increased the pressure. Norcott briefly offered Galway an opportunity when he dropped the ball while attempting to claim a free-kick in the final quarter, but Frantz Pierrot could not keep his effort down. Pierrot threatened again in the 82nd minute, turning and shooting from inside the area, but his effort was straight at Norcott. Galway, who were seeking only their third appearance in an FAI Cup final, could not find a way through as Derry held firm to secure their place in the decider.