Duffy goal ensures Derry City end season on a high

Cork City 0 ... Derry City 1 (Duffy 33mins)

Derry City closed out their 2025 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory away to bottom side Cork City on Saturday afternoon, thanks to Michael Duffy’s twelfth league goal of the season. The result ensured a second-place finish for the Candystripes, capping off a year that promises European football next summer.

Tiernan Lynch’s men had already guaranteed continental qualification following last week’s 2 - 1 home triumph over newly crowned champions Shamrock Rovers. But this weekend’s result on Leeside provided a satisfying end to the campaign and underlined the consistency that has marked Derry’s season.

The Foylesiders had retained faint hopes of a late title charge after beating the Hoops in Brandywell last weekend, but those ambitions were extinguished midweek when Rovers wrapped up their fifth league crown in six years with a home win against Galway United.

Still, Derry travelled south determined to finish strongly, and they enjoyed the bulk of possession throughout a first half played largely on their terms. The already-relegated Rebels appeared more focused on next week’s FAI Cup final, and it showed in their approach as they sat deep and sought to limit damage.

Despite controlling proceedings, Derry took until the half-hour mark to register a real attempt on goal. Carl Winchester collected a loose ball on the edge of the area and tried his luck, though his effort was easily dealt with by Cork goalkeeper Conor Brann.

Moments later, however, the breakthrough arrived. Winchester picked up possession in a deep pocket and curled a teasing cross toward the near post. Duffy, alive to the opportunity, slipped in behind the Cork defence and glanced a delicate header past Brann into the bottom corner. It was a finish of real quality and composure from the veteran.

That goal not only decided the contest but also capped another superb personal campaign for Duffy. His 12 goals secured him third place in the league’s Golden Boot standings, behind Waterford’s Padraig Almond and teenage sensation Mason Melia. Equally impressive, the winger also contributed 12 assists, underscoring his creative influence.

Derry City supporters celebrate after their side's victory in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Cork City and Derry City at Turner's Cross in Cork. (Photos: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile)

Cork, who had seemingly already accepted their fate, offered little in attack for much of the contest and seemed content with damage limitation. Derry continued to dominate possession and carved out further chances before the interval.

Six minutes after taking the lead, Gavin Whyte went close to doubling the advantage when he met Ronan Boyce’s fizzed first-time cross, only for Brann to produce an outstanding low save.

Just before halftime, Brandon Fleming’s driven delivery across the six-yard box evaded everyone and rolled narrowly wide of the far post.

The hosts failed to muster a single shot in the opening half, but they nearly drew level seconds after the restart. Evan McLaughlin’s inswinging corner was flicked on by Fiacre Kelleher, and former Ireland international Sean Maguire reacted quickest to direct a header goalwards. Brian Maher, however, showed excellent reflexes to tip the effort onto the crossbar.

Derry might have killed off the game in the 69th minute when Cameron Dummigan played a precise through ball behind the Cork backline, sending Duffy clear on goal. The winger struck low and hard, but Brann again came to the rescue, diverting the shot onto the upright.

Cork rallied in the final quarter, pressing higher and forcing a few half-chances. Kitt Nelson fired wide from distance, while Duffy twice broke clear on the counter in stoppage time, with one effort blocked and the other skewed narrowly wide.

When the final whistle sounded, Derry could reflect on a professional job well done. Tiernan Lynch’s men can now look forward to a new season with the promise of a European summer.

For Cork City, however, the loss confirmed a third relegation in six seasons, a sobering statistic for one of Irish football’s most storied clubs.

Carl Winchester in action against Matthew Murray of Cork City at Turner's Cross.

The Rebels now face a long winter and the prospect of rebuilding in the First Division once again, while Derry can turn their attention to a new campaign and the lure of European football under Lynch’s growing influence. 

Cork City: Conor Brann; Darragh Crowley (Harry Nevin 52), Freddie Anderson, Fiacre Kelleher, Rory Feely (Charlie Lyons 65), Matthew Kiernan; Matthew Murray (Nelson 46), Greg Bolger (Sean Murray 65), Evan McLaughlin, Joshua Fitzpatrick; Sean Maguire (Ruairi Keating 65).

Derry City: Brian Maher; Cameron Dummigan, Jamie Stott, Sam Todd; Ronan Boyce, Sadou Diallo (Adam Frizzell 81), Carl Winchester, Robbie Benson (Mark Connolly 81), Brandon Fleming; Gavin Whyte (Danny Mullen 65), Michael Duffy.

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).

Man of the Match: Carl Winchester - The 32-year-old midfielder was at the heart of everything positive for the Candystripes. Winchester showcased his trademark passing range and composure while also displaying plenty of grit and tenacity in midfield. His assist for Duffy’s winner was sublime — a perfectly weighted cross that split the defence in two. Were it not for the brilliance of Cork goalkeeper Conor Brann, the former Sunderland man might well have capped his performance with a goal of his own and a couple more assists to his name.

Moment of the Match: Michael Duffy’s cushioned header ultimately proved decisive for Tiernan Lynch’s men. Winchester’s deep cross completely dismantled the City backline, allowing Duffy to ghost in behind unmarked and glance a deft header into the bottom corner. 

Key Battle: Michael Duffy vs Fiacre Kelleher - Duffy was a constant menace to the Cork City defence, and his duel with centre-half Fiacre Kelleher was central to the game’s outcome. Kelleher worked tirelessly to contain the winger and handled himself well for long spells, but Duffy’s clever movement and ability to find space at the crucial moment proved decisive. His instinct to slip in behind for the winning goal was the difference on the scoreboard.