Derry City's second half double secures win over Bohemians

Derry City deservedly secured their first win of the season thanks to second half goals from Stephen Mallon and Walter Figueira, seen off Bohemians.

A stunning goal just after the hour mark from Mallon and a late Figueira chip was enough for Declan Devine's side to claim the points, at a rain-soaked Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

The Sheffield United loanee, who's superb left-footed goal capped off what was a fine man of the match as his overall display caused the Dubliners all sorts of problems all night.

Declan Devine rung the changes to his side which drew with Finn Harps last week, with Colm Horgan, Jack Malone and Mallon all coming into the starting line-up, with Ciaron Harkin and Figueira dropping to the bench and Ciaran Coll missed out through injury.

As for the visitors they also made a host of changes from their team which seen off Sligo Rovers on Monday night, with Anthony Breslin, Rob Cornwall, Keith Ward and JJ Lunney all starting.

Prior to kick-off Derry had to change into their away kit, as referee Derek Tomney felt the club's traditional Candy Stripes home jersey clashed with Bohs away jersey.

Derry had more of the ball in the opening 15 minutes but never threatened Bohs keeper Stephen McGuinness until 21 minutes.

Jamie McDonagh's right-wing free-kick found Ally Gilchrist, but the big centre-back, who hasn't scored for the club, headed wide from close range.

The impressive Mallon went close soon after but his low curling free-kick, was gathered at the second attempt by a diving McGuinness.

Just before the half-hour mark a slick counter attacking move by Derry ended with McDonagh’s teasing left-foot centre finding Tim Nilsen inside the six yard box, but the front man was unable to divert the ball on target.

Right on the stroke of half-time Bohs missed a glorious chance to take the lead but JJ Lunney's curling 20 yard strike, which had Derry keeper Peter Cherrie beaten, flashed just past the post.

The home side were forced into an early change after the break with Gilchrist having to be replaced by Figueira, it also meant that Horgan moved across to the left-back and skipper Conor McCormack slotted into right-back, with the ex-Waterford man fitting into midfield.

Bohs were inches away from taking the lead on 54 minutes as Keith Ward latched onto a defensive mistake by Danny Lupano, but the ex-Dundalk man's lob over the out-rushing Cherrie was goal-bound, before the big centre-defender made up for his initial error, by getting back and over head kicking the ball off the line.

The deadlock was broken in stunning fashion on 67 minutes as left-winger Mallon superb run and skill saw him burst into the Bohs penalty box, before unleashing a great left footed strike high into the net, to spark wild celebrations amongst the home support.

As Bohs pushed forward for a leveller Declan Devine's chargers were always dangerous on the counter attack and they sealed the points in stoppage time.

City caught Bohs on the counter-attack as substitute Adam Liddle's first time pass released Figueira, who had the entire Bohs half to run before calmly chipping home past a diving McGuinness.

Derry City: Cherrie, Horgan, Toal, Lupano, Gilchrist (Figueira 49); McCormack, Clifford (Harkin 62), Malone; McDonagh, Nilsen (Liddle 69), Mallon.

Bohemians: McGuinness, Barker, Casey, Cornwall, Breslin; Ward (Wade-Slater 84), Lunney, Buckey, Twardek (Grant 68); Mandroiu; McAley (Wright 76).

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).