Derry City secure Premier Division status in Cork after final day drama

The Englishman’s fourth goal of the season at Turner’s Cross meant Declan Devine’s side didn’t need to rely on results elsewhere with the point enough to retain seventh spot and escape a relegation play-off by a single point!

Cork, who had a goal disallowed for offside on 14 minutes, took a deserved lead just short of the hour mark through Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh.

And while Conor Clifford struck the post from distance, Cork’s Cian Bagary somehow missed an open net from the edge of the box on 66 minutes.

Derry survived and while Shelbourne’s 2-0 defeat to champions Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park meant the Candy Stripes would avoid that play-off with Longford, they needed to come from behind to clinch that vital point.

North West rivals, Finn Harps meanwhile finished level with Derry on 20 points thanks to a 1-0 win over Waterford which secured their safety against all the odds.

It was far from pretty at Turner’s Cross but it was ultimately job done as Derry now look towards the FAI Cup quarter-final against Sligo Rovers to save their season.

Devine made one enforced change from the team which lost 2-0 at Tallaght with Akintunde returning to the starting line-up to replace Darren Cole who dropped to the bench.

Derry were slow to start with Cork looking sharper in the final third.

The Rebels really should’ve done better on eight minutes when Peter Cherrie gifted possession to Dylan McGlade who nipped in front of Ciaran Coll but the winger fired over the bar.

It was a let-off for the visitors and six minutes later Jake O’Brien had the ball in the back of the net as he got onto the end of a free-kick and steered it past Cherrie into the corner. However, the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.

Derry were living dangerously and again a defensive mistake handed Cork a chance.

This time Eoin Toal’s misplaced pass deep inside his own half was intercepted by Bargary who raced towards goal unopposed before driving a powerful shot just wide of the post.

With 22 minutes on the clock Jack Byrne’s goal at Tolka Park gave Shamrock Rovers the lead against Shelbourne to ease Derry nerves.

And on 28 minutes there was more movement at the bottom of the table as Harps hit the front against Waterford with Adam Foley’s goal ensuring the Ballybofey men moved above Shelbourne.

Back at Turner’s Cross Akintunde held off O’Brien, turned and shot from inside the penalty area but his effort was blocked by Kevin O’Connor.

From the resultant short corner the ball eventually found Clifford who took a touch before hitting a 35 yards strike off the foot of the post.

Moments later Hammill’s cross from the right found Akintunde unmarked eight yards from goal but his downward header went safely into the hands of Mark McNulty as the teams went into the break scoreless.

As things stood around the grounds, Derry and Harps were safe as Shelbourne were destined for the play-off.

Cork stunned Derry on 59 minutes when the ball broke to O’Brien-Whitmarsh who turned before finishing neatly into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

That goal saw Derry drop a place to eight behind Harps, the Brandywell club’s superior goal difference ensuring they remain above Shelbourne - both clubs level on 19 points.

At Tolka Park Rovers’ added a second against Shels to give Derry a bit of breathing space.

Clifford had a shot from distance parried clear by McNulty on 66 minutes but two minutes later Cork somehow missed an open goal chance.

Cherrie passed the ball straight to the feet of Bagary on the edge of the box and with the empty net gaping the Cork player blasted over.

Derry clinched a much needed equaliser on 75 minutes when Hammill’s cross was headed into the air by O’Connor and Akintunde reacted quickest as he rose to head the ball into the bottom corner for his fourth goal of the season.

Hammill turned provider again on 86 minutes when he crossed low towards the near post but Conor McCormack’s first time effort trickled narrowly wide.

With Shels unable to stage a fightback against the unbeaten Rovers Derry were content to see out the game for that vital point which secured the club will play top flight football next year.

Cork City: M. McNulty; R. Hurley; H. Ochieng, G. Morrissey, D. McGlade (D. Holland 83), C. Colman, A. Byrne, K. O’Connor, J. O’Brien, Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh (C. Murphy 83), C. Bargary; Subs Not Used - L. Bossin, R. Slevin, C. Galvin, R. Dinanga, K. Elliott.

Derry City: P. Cherrie; J. Malone, E. Toal, C. McJannet, C. Coll; A. Hammill, C. Clifford, C. McCormack, W. Figueira (C. Harkin 81); J. Thomson (G. Bruna 53); J. Akintunde; Subs Not Used - N. Gartside, J. Dunwoody, R. Boyce, D. Cole, E. McLaughlin.

Referee: Sean Grant.