Derry City set for season-defining FAI Cup clash with Dundalk

Dundalk have edged the head-to-heads between the teams this season; winning one [2-1] of the three previous, chaotic league matches which have produced 11 goals and this promises to be another bare-knuckle ride for City supporters at Brandywell if it goes according to the form book.

Connolly won the FAI Cup with Derry as a player back in 2022 and knows how much the FAI Cup could rewrite the narrative of an otherwise disastrous campaign. "The next game is always the most important one," said Connolly. "Sunday is massive. At home at the Brandywell on Sunday against a Dundalk team that has done really, really well this year. I'm sure it's going to be an exciting game." When pressed on the importance of the game in the context of the club's season, Connolly added: "It's massive. The cup every year I've been here is massive. "Unfortunately we haven't won the league in too long. We've won a few cups and I know the day out the fans get to Dublin is amazing and we always go in our numbers.

"We know how important it is for the club, the fans and the city. It's important we go on Sunday and enjoy it. There's no point putting too much pressure on it. It's a day to be enjoyed.

"I'm hoping it's a sell-out or close to a sell-out and the place is bouncing and the players get to experience a fully packed Brandywell, especially on a Sunday afternoon against a good Dundalk team. "The cup is definitely a special thing for Derry City fans and this club. I've been a part of it. I've been a part of winning one and part of losing one.

"So it's a special day out for fans, family and friends. I don't need to ask or tell them; they will be there I'm sure and the noise will be through the roof so hopefully it's a good day on Sunday." Dundalk has played an exciting brand of football under Ciaran Kilduff since returning to the top flight and with Derry's attack-minded approach in recent games, this promises to be a blood and thunder tie. "We don't want that," insisted Connolly. "We want to be in our shape and be set which we will be. Obviously when we get the ball we want to play a style that suits us and hopefully hurts Dundalk.

"We don't intend it to be a ding-dong. We have a way of playing and want to be in control with and without the ball - that's important and it's what we intend to do on Sunday. "They're full of energy and good quality. Ciaran Kilduff has them playing really well, front-foot football - similar to how we've played for the last number of weeks. It could potentially turn into a ding-dong," he admitted, "but hopefully it doesn't.

"They don't give up. They didn't win in seven but they probably deserved something out of every game they played in that run. They're never beaten by more than one goal when they are beaten. So it will be a really tough game."

Former Dundalk hero Michael Duffy has rediscovered his goalscoring touch under Connolly, scoring three goals in three games, while Ellis Chapman has also been given license to thrill, scoring twice in the 3-3 draw against Rovers last Sunday. Connolly has certainly let the handbrake off in recent games.

Derry has scored 10 goals in their last four matches under the Monaghan man. That exciting front-foot aggressive style has sometimes left them exposed at the back, conceding eight goals in their last two fixtures and the former defender has been working hard this week to rectify that.

"They enjoyed letting the shackles off and playing with that freedom. We're giving them ideas on movements and positions to be in and moving the ball quickly.

"We know that as a Derry team and as a city, especially at Brandywell, we want to play that sort of football. So far it's been good.

"There's a real freedom with the boys. They're working tirelessly without the ball as well. I thought our press, especially for 60 minutes was really good on Sunday.

"Two of our goals came from pressing them high and winning the ball back high up the pitch. So they're working hard without the ball and with the ball we're just giving them those images.

"We go through the positions they can pick up and move into during video sessions during the week.

"Again, it's when you're on the pitch you decide and see and you feel what the next pass or next movement is. All we're doing is giving them the ideas and the pictures, and then letting them decide for themselves."

Derry fans will appreciate being entertained but Sunday is all about the result and making it into the last four of the cup. Connolly is hoping they come out in force and help the team over the line.

"I don't need to ask them because they will be there. They'll support and give the boys a full backing. It's been difficult this year at times and the fans have still stayed and backed the players.

"So it's important we provide for them as well and put on a show and show the fans the players are digging in and giving absolutely everything for the club and the city."