The scene was set in the Ryan McBride Brandywell as Derry City and league leaders Shelbourne fought for a place in the FAI cup semi-final.
The two teams had met on three occasions already this season and were unable to be separated but a winner had to be decided on the night with a place in the final four on the line.
Understandably, the match started with little to report as both teams cancelled each other out in what began as a cagey affair with strong winds playing a huge part in the early parts of the clash.
Although there were few chances in the opening 20 minutes, Derry had looked the brighter of the two teams as midfielders Adam O'Reilly and Will Patching began to take control.
But on the 23rd minute mark, left winger Michael Duffy put the Candystripes in the lead after an expertly placed finish into the corner of Conor Kearns' net.
"He drags it onto this left and buries it into the bottom corner..."
Michael Duffy has given Derry City the lead at the Brandywell - and what a goal it was... Derry 1-0 Shels in their FAI Cup quarter-final.
📺 Watch live: https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7 pic.twitter.com/R0IJmMHgP0— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 14, 2024
Chances were few and far between until the half-time break with the home side dominating possession of the ball.
However, the result was put beyond doubt in the 64th minute when Scottish striker Danny Mullen fired home after a brilliant Will Patching cross.
Derry City have one foot in the FAI Cup semi-final. Danny Mullen has put them 2-0 up against Shels at the Brandywell.
📺 Watch live: https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7 pic.twitter.com/zzacyoGtmZ— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 14, 2024
After the second goal went in, Shelbourne did very little to trouble Brian Maher in the Derry net and the home side could've even added a 3rd with substitute Pat Hoban having a couple of chances to extend the lead.
Overall Shels manager Damien Duff will look at the absence of two key men in JJ Lunney and Sean Gannon but will be alarmed by the nature of the defeat going into the final couple of months of the season.
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With seven League matches to go, tonight's match was a chance for either team to get a leg-up on momentum heading into the most crucial stage of the season.
And ultimately, Derry grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
There's no doubt Derry manager Ruaidhrí Higgins will be pleased with his sides dominant display but he will wonder where that performance was throughout the the three other meetings with Shelbourne during the season.
The four point gap between the teams at the top of the league would be quickly erased if that performance was replicated throughout the year.
"We had all the chances and the play in the game. It's a thoroughly deserved win..."
Winning Derry City manager, Ruaidhrí Higgins, has been chatting with @damien_omeara of @RTEsport
FAI Cup quarter-final: Derry 2-0 Shelbourne pic.twitter.com/QSGO66snkT— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 14, 2024
Speaking to RTÉ afterwards, the former Derry City midfielder was full of praise for his side:
We had all the chances and the play in the game. It's a thoroughly deserved win
In fairness to the players, once we got the 2nd goal we showed real professionalism and we saw the game out comfortable.
All credit to the players
Derry's path to the Aviva on November 10th doesn't get any easier as they have been drawn to face Bohemians away in the semi final, the other tie sees 2005 FAI cup winners Drogheda United take on first time semi-finalists Wexford FC.
The semifinals will take place on the weekend of October 5.
