According to Independent.ie, Duffy informed his club over the weekend that he had agreed to return to his former employers.

He is understood to have accepted a pay-cut to move back to Derry and will enjoy his second spell with the club on a four-year deal.

Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins is named as an important factor in the move as the winger was keen to link up with the former Dundalk backroom member.

Higgins left that role to join the Irish setup before his former club had a vacancy in April, which he filled.

Duffy has spent the last five seasons with the Louth outfit and has scored 40 goals for the club in 144 appearances.

His spell with the club has yielded two SSE Airtricity League Premier Division titles, two FAI Cups, two League Cups, two Presidents Cups and one Champions Cup.

The side also reached the Europa League group stage in 2019-20 and faced Arsenal twice before their exit without a point.

Individually, he was awarded the 2018 PFAI Player of the Year award for his role in Dundalk’s league and cup double in their last season under Stephen Kenny.

Duffy will join current teammate Patrick McEleney at the Ryan McBride Brandywell next season, having started their senior careers at the club at the beginning of the previous decade.

The winger was at the end of his contract last year and agreed to a one-year extension for the 2021 season.

Derry chairman Philip O’Doherty has promised to increase the budget after selling his engineering company for €1.68bn and he wants the club to challenge for titles in the coming years, according to Independent.ie.

With the arrival of the winger and his teammate on the horizon, as well as interest in former loanee Will Patching, who spent half the season on loan at the Brandywell, it looks as if the glory days are returning for the north-west side.

The post Derry City Sign Michael Duffy On Pre-Contract Agreement appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The defending champions scored twice in extra time to put proceedings in their favour after going a goal down after six minutes.

Sean Murray, Patrick Hoban and Michael Duffy got on the scoresheet for the Lilywhites on a night they were missing several players through Covid-related absences.

They did not call upon their inexperienced bench throughout the match and fought back after Sean Boyd notched the first goal of the evening and his third in two games.

Finn Harps maintained their lead for the majority of the first half but Vinny Perth’s side grew into the game and an acrobatic cross from Patrick Hoban found Sean Murray who brought the sides level with only minutes to go in the half.

The replay was not the classic that the initial fixture was as both sides failed to take their chances in the second 45.

Extra-time proved to be the part of the match where the winners stood out as Dundalk notched two goals with no reply to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Harps centre-back David Webster brought down midfielder Sami Ben Amar in the box and Patrick Hoban took the chance that was given to him from 12 yards out.

Michael Duffy’s free-kick sealed the deal for the 12-time FAI Cup holders before the break in extra time and the Lilywhites held on from there to reach the semi-finals of the competition once again.

They join fellow Premier Division sides St Patrick’s Athletic, Bohemians and Waterford in the final four.

The draw for the penultimate round will be made on RTE 2 following their coverage of Pat’s against Shamrock Rovers on Friday evening.

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A spot in the last four of the competition is at stake – Dundalk are keen to retain their crown and return to Europe next season while Harps are hoping to reach their first semi-final in seven years.

The reigning champions were 3-1 up against Ollie Horgan’s men before a comeback granted the Donegal side a second chance.

Sean Boyd rescued the Ballybofey side from the jaws of defeat with two late goals sealing a rematch and sending the fans at Finn Park into overdrive.

His late, late equaliser came 11 minutes after he lowered the deficit between the sides to one goal.

Harps fan favourite Tunde Owolabi had opened the scoring before Jordan Mustoe was controversially given his marching orders after deeming that the ball had struck the 30-year-old defender’s arm.

Dundalk striker Patrick Hoban levelled proceedings and the Louth side took control of the tie after Sean Murray’s deflected strike.

The holders extended their lead when their two goalscorers combined to give them a two-goal cushion, with Hoban finishing, and seemingly sink the Ballybofey side, who were impressive before the red card.

Yet, that was not to be as substitute Sean Boyd saved the day with a brace to leave the result of this tie in the balance until Tuesday night.

Harps will miss Mustoe and goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley through suspension and Will Seymore, Tunde Owolabi and Shane McEleney are fitness doubts.

Dundalk will be without several players due to a Covid outbreak within the squad.

One player had missed Friday’s clash between the sides due to Covid-related issues and it is understood that four further players may miss the replay.

FAI rules state that teams must be able to name at least 14 players for a matchday squad or they will be forced to forfeit.

Lineups

Dundalk (4-2-3-1): Cherrie; Dummigan, Animasashun, Leahy, Jurkovskis; Sloggett, Murray; Ben Amar, Patching, Duffy; Hoban.

Subs: Yates, Kwelele, O’Kane, Hanratty, Kavanagh, Douglas, Keyes, Nwodo.

Finn Harps (4-4-2): Doherty; Boyle, Sadiki, Webster, McEleney; O’Sullivan, Coyle, McNamee, Rainey; Boyd, Owolabi.

Subs: McGarvey, Dunleavy, Timlin, Connolly, Logue, S Doherty, Hawkins, Foley, Rudden.

Where To Watch

The match will be held at Oriel Park and will kick-off at 7:45 pm. The game will be available to watch on LOI TV.

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The Lilywhites took the lead in the 18th minute when the side’s top scorer Patrick Hoban found the net.

However, the lead only lasted two minutes before Sligo were level with their opponents once more through Andre Wright.

The hosts added a second courtesy of Lewis Banks at the start of the second half and kept Dundalk at bay to continue the revival of their title chase.

The Bit O’Red had snapped an eight-game winless streak when they beat second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 on Friday night.

Dundalk started the brightest of the two sides and Hoban came close before he notched the Louth side’s opener after shot by former Derry City loanee Will Patching came his way.

Poor defending by Sligo led to Hoban’s chance but the hosts came alive after conceding and responded instantly through Wright, who latched on to midfielder David Cawley’s cross to bring his side level – it was Wright’s first goal for the club.

Sligo settled after their equaliser and the sides went in level at half time.

It only took seven minutes for the fans at The Showgrounds to celebrate again after Greg Bolger’s delivery from a set-piece found Lewis Banks, who headed past Dundalk goalkeeper Alessio Abibi.

Sligo maintained control of their lead until the final whistle and now sit five points off second with a game-in-hand.

Dundalk, who also have a game-in-hand, failed to move off the relegation play-off spot and sit one point behind Waterford with a better goal difference.

Sligo Rovers travel to Tallaght Stadium to face league leaders Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, while Dundalk will play Finn Harps in the FAI Cup quarter-final before facing Sligo Rovers once again in their next league fixture.

Sligo Rovers (4-3-1-2): McGinty; Banks, Mahon, Buckley, McCourt; Cawley (Horgan 80), Bolger, McDonnell (Morahan 71); De Vries (Figueira 65); Wright, Kenny (Lorenzen 65).

Dundalk (4-4-1-1): Abibi; Jurkovskis, Boyle, Nattestad, Dumigan; Ben Amar (Animasahun 58), Stanton (Murray 78), Sloggett, Duffy; Patching; Hoban.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

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The winners of the 2021 FAI Cup will earn qualification to the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Dundalk will make the first step towards defending their trophy after beating Shamrock Rovers in the final last year.

Holder’s Dundalk will travel to Market’s Field to take on First Division high-flyers Treaty United.

Last year’s runners-up, Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers, have First Division opposition as well, in the shape of Galway United.

Sligo Rovers will host the 2017 FAI Cup Champions Cork City at the Showgrounds.

St. Patricks Athletic will go up against Bray Wanderers in the first round for the second time in three seasons, with their last meeting in the competition ending 2-1 in favour of the Inchicore-based side.

Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps will travel to Limerick to face Fairview Rangers.

UCD and Shelbourne will be one of the ties to watch as two attacking philosophies will collide.

Four ties in the first round will see non-league sides go head-to-head against each other – Crumlin United v St. Mochtas’, Killester Donnycarney v Usher Celtic, St. Kevin’s Boys v Kilnamanagh and Maynooth Uni’ Town v Malahide United.

Dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course with all matches set to take place the week ending Sunday, July 25th.

FAI Cup First Round Draw

Fairview Rangers v Finn Harps

Wexford v Cabinteely

Drogheda United v Derry City

Liffey Wanderers v Cobh Ramblers

UCD v Shelbourne

Crumlin United v St Mochtas

Killester Donneycarney v Usher Celtic

St Kevin’s Boys v Kilnamanagh

Sligo Rovers v Cork City

College Corinthians v Bohemians

Athlone Town v Waterford FC

Treaty United v Dundalk

Shamrock Rovers v Galway United

Maynooth v Malahide United

St Pat’s v Bray Wanderers

Bangor GGFC v Longford Town

The post FAI Cup 2021 First Round Draw – All Ties appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dundalk kicked off their League of Ireland season with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Shamrock Rovers in the President’s Cup last night.

Dundalk opened the scoring in the 42^nd minute through new signing and Faroese international Sonni Nattestad. The towering 6’6 centre back made his presence known by scoring a bullet header into the back of the net from a corner.

DUNDALK LEAD! Sonni Nattestad

GOAL | @ShamrockRovers 0-1 @DundalkFC

42 | Great delivery from Patrick McEleney and Nattestad heads home to give the Lilywhites the lead

WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | #LOI pic.twitter.com/jKxOt2JEQQ

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) MARCH 12, 2021

Up until then, the match had been evenly contested with few chances at both ends of the pitch.

Shamrock Rovers got their equaliser just after half time with a Dennis Bergkamp-esque strike from Liam Scales. The Ireland u21 international managed to control a cross which had went slightly behind him, take the ball around his marker with an exquisite touch and strike with perfect technique into the bottom right corner.

THAT IS SENSATIONAL! SCALES!

GOAL | @ShamrockRovers 1-1 @DundalkFC

48 | Scales with one touch to control, one touch to take it past the defender and BANG

WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | #LOI pic.twitter.com/xk3IQc72Pn

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) MARCH 12, 2021

Sonni Nattestad – who scored the opening goal for Dundalk – went from hero to villain in the 59^th minute as he was sent off for a late challenge on Graham Burke. The decision by the referee to award a red was controversial, many felt the tackle was a yellow card at most while others felt that Nattestad got the ball. Nevertheless, though, he received his marching orders and left his side to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.

Dundalk showed their defensive resilience and spirit, though, as they held out and reached the full time whistle on level terms despite pressure from Shamrock Rovers.

PENALTY SHOOTOUT

There’s no extra time in the President’s Cup meaning the game was decided by a penalty shootout, which likely favoured Dundalk given their numbers disadvantage.

After a handful of penalties, some of which were missed by Dundalk, Graham Burke had the chance to win the tie for Shamrock Rovers with his opportunity. He, however, blasted over the bar meaning the shootout went to sudden death.

Darragh Leahy stepped up to take the penalty for Dundalk which he scored meaning all the pressure was on Shamrock Rovers to score there.

One of their best players last year and League of Ireland stalwart Roberto Lopes stepped up to take the penalty. However, it was the newcomer Alessio Abibi who had the final say. He produced a strong save from the penalty to cap a brilliant performance and win the cup for Dundalk.

The 2021 league season officially kicks off next Friday. Dundalk travel to The Showgrounds to take on Sligo Rovers. Shamrock Rovers, on the other hand, are at home to St Patrick’s Athletic.

DUNDALK WIN!

FT | @ShamrockRovers 1-1 @DundalkFC (3-4 pens)

Abibi is the hero as the Lilywhites retain the President’s Cup after a fantastic contest to open the 2021 season

Rewatch all of the penalties below

Catch-up | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | #LOI pic.twitter.com/NMERnjk2Hp

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) MARCH 12, 2021

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The Aviva Stadium was the setting as Dundalk took on Arsenal in their final Europa League game of this campaign. Having just won the FAI Cup at the weekend, the Lilywhites would have been in good spirits going into the game, despite being already eliminated from qualifying. They produced a respectable, spirited display but Dundalk finished the group stage with 0 points as Arsenal claimed a 4-2 victory.

Unfortunately for Dundalk, it didn’t take Arsenal long to get going. Eddie Nketiah found the net after 12 minutes. The goal came as a result of a mistake from defender Andy Boyle, his clearance was closed down by the Arsenal striker before he closed down on goal and finished calmly into the net.

They had their second just minutes later. This time it was a wonderstrike. Mohamed Elneny struck from well outside the box and the ball floated into the top corner, leaving no chance for Gary Rogers.

With the scoreline at 2-0 after 18 minutes, most would have expected a long night for Dundalk. That wasn’t the case, though. Dundalk didn’t panic and got their own back in the 22^nd minute. The goalscorer was Jordan Flores and it was a typical strike from him. He picked up a loose ball before playing a 1-2 with Michael Duffy and smashing into the back of the net from just inside the box.

Opportunities were few and far between afterwards, but Dundalk very nearly equalized in the dying embers of the first half. Darragh Leahy got on the end of a cross and his shot appeared to be goal bound, but it was blocked and went out for a corner which led to nothing.

The first half finished 2-1 to Arsenal but Dundalk should have been proud of their first half display. Despite being outclassed in the beginning of the game, they came back and didn’t look out of place despite the difference in reputation between the two teams.

Dundalk started the second as they ended the first by matching Arsenal in quality and producing a handful of decent attacking moves, albeit without any chances.

Their hard work was all but undone in the 67^th minute, though. Joe Willock scored for Arsenal after a succession of defensive mistakes/frailties from Dundalk. Despite not being a natural goalscorer, Willock also netted against Dundalk in October.

Arsenal got their 4^th of the night in the 79^th minute. Young striker Folarin Balogun was the scorer. He was afforded far too much space as he was playing in before he coolly slotted past Gary Rogers.

Dundalk deserved to decrease the deficit given their display on the night and they did so in the 85^th minute. Sean Hoare rose highest to meet a free kick with the back of his head which ended up in the back of the net.

The match finished 4-2 as Dundalk’s Europa League campaign ended while Arsenal advanced to the knockout stage. The scoreline was perhaps slightly harsh on Dundalk who remained competitive for much of the match.

FT: Dundalk FC 2-4 Arsenal ⁣
⁣
The curtain comes down on our UEFA Europa League Group B campaign – and an eventful season – with a spirited display against Arsenal at the Dublin Arena.⁣ The lads did us proud tonight. Great effort.

@sportsfile ⁣
⁣#CmonTheTown #UEL pic.twitter.com/teQF6bUfae

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) DECEMBER 10, 2020

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The Aviva Stadium was the venue this evening as Shamrock Rovers took on Dundalk in the FAI Cup final. Both teams also contested last year’s final, with Shamrock Rovers winning on penalties that time around. There was to be no change in fortunes this year as Rovers retained their title.

The match itself was an edgy, but entertaining affair. Both teams defended well for large periods of the first half, limiting the opposition to half chances.

The second half was a different story, however. Both teams appeared more open leading to a succession of chances for both teams.

Rovers drew first blood with a goal in the 49^th minute. Aaron Greene struck for the Tallaght side after being played in by a Lee Grace header. Gary Rogers did his very best to close down the striker but his efforts didn’t pay off as Greene headed comfortably into the net.

Despite Rover’s second half domination, Dundalk managed to equalize in the 68^th minute. David McMillan controlled a cross into the box before finishing low off the post and into the back of the net.

In another surprise twist, Dundalk were awarded a penalty in the 70^th minute. Liam Scales was the culprit as he was deemed to have held his man unfairly in the box. David McMillan stepped up to take the penalty and he made no mistake as he finished low into the bottom right corner.

Shamrock Rovers’ scored the equalizer in the 73^rd minute to end a frantic few minutes of football. Roberto Lopes thumped a header into the left-hand corner from a Jack Byrne corner. A cup final goal was a fitting end to Lopes’ year. The Cape Verde international has had a fantastic season, leading to a nomination for PFAI Player of the Year.

Both teams attacked with intent thereafter but neither could find the equalizer in regular time. 90 minutes finished with the sides level on 2-2.

After a handful of chances for both teams, Dundalk scored the first goal in extra time. The goal came in the 110^th minute and through an unlikely source. Seán Hoare was the goalscorer after the ball fell to his feet from a free kick. He dispatched coolly into the corner to put his side in the lead.

It was all but over for Shamrock Rovers in the 116^th minute as David McMillan got his hat trick goal to make it 4-2. McMillan deservedly picked up man of the match in an outstanding striker’s performance.

David McMillan’s goal would prove to be the last. The match finished 4-2 to Dundalk after extra time. Tonight’s victory marks Filippo Giovagnoli’s first taste of silverware as Dundalk manager.

FULL-TIME!!!! 4-2!!! WE WIN THE CUP!!!!! YASSSSSSSSSSS!!! #CmonTheTown

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) DECEMBER 6, 2020

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UEFA have fined Dundalk €50,000 ahead of their penultimate group stage game against Molde on Thursday. The Lilywhites’ struggle during the Europa League campaign is signified by their position in the group. Currently sitting bottom of the pile with zero points in the lead up to the Molde clash.

And things have gone from bad to worse this week for the Irish side after UEFA issued a fine for “shadow coaching”. Head coach Filippo Giovanogli is prohibited from managing his side from the sideline as he does not have the required coaching qualifications. Despite this rule, Giovanogli’s presence on the touchline has been evident and last week UEFA acted upon the ruling by sending the Italian to the stands for the game against Rapid Vienna.

Dundalk’s opposition analyst, Shane Keegan, will continue to fill in as manager for the remaining European fixtures.

Molde vs Dundalk

Dundalk travel to Norway to take on Molde on Thursday evening. The Norwegian side sit in second place behind Arsenal, with six points. Hopes of qualification to the knockout stages are all but gone for Giovanogli’s men. Although mathematically there is still a possibility for progression, Dundalk’s goal difference leaves them with a mountain to climb. Arsenal, with four wins from four, travel to the Aviva Stadium in the final group game next week.

You can watch Molde vs Dundalk on Virgin Media Sport on Thursday, with coverage starting from 7.30pm.

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Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk were victorious in their respective FAI Cup semi-finals today, meaning they will compete against each other in the final. The two teams also faced each other in last year’s final. That game finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time before Shamrock Rovers won on penalties.

Shamrock Rovers faced Sligo Rovers in their FAI Cup semi-final earlier today. Aaron McEneff scored twice in Tallaght Stadium as they comfortably dispatched of the Bit O’ Red.

Dundalk faced unlikely semi-finalists Athlone town as they travelled to the midlands. Athlone Town sprung a surprise in their quarter-final as they eased past (former) Premier Division club Shelbourne in a 4-1 victory. There was no such upset tonight though as Dundalk achieved a record breaking 11-0 victory. Michael Duffy, Andy Boyle, Patrick McEleney, Sean Murray, John Mountney, Jordan Flores, Nathan Oduwa, Chris Shields and David McMillan all scored in the comprehensive win.

MATCH PREVIEW

Shamrock Rovers won their previous two fixtures against Dundalk this season, one of which ended with a 4-0 scoreline. They also finished the league season unbeaten on their way to the Premier Division title meaning they’ll be the favourites going into the game.

That doesn’t mean the match won’t be tightly contested, however. Dundalk appear to be improving game by game, having endured a horrific start to the season.

There will also be an abundance of individual quality on display. Jack Byrne will be the name of most people’s lips – as he has been for much of the season – going into the final. The midfielder has been nothing short of incredible this season, consistently defying his naysayers. His performances this season have earned him several inclusions in Ireland senior squads which have led to a handful of cameos. Aaron McEneff and Graham Burke were also included in the latest Ireland squad to accompany their Shamrock Rovers teammate.

Dundalk are also not short of individual quality. Michael Duffy is arguably their best player. The explosive winger has been one of the league’s most consistent and dangerous players since joining from Celtic in 2017. The Derry man probably would have been included in Stephen Kenny’s last squad only for issues out of his control. Chris Shields always provides adequate defensive cover in midfield so he should also limit Shamrock Rover’s attacking options. Patrick Hoban is another one of Dundalk’s dangermen. The striker has been named top scorer in the last 3 Irish Premier Division seasons; however he will miss the FAI Cup final due to injury.

The match will take place next Sunday as the finalists will travel to the Aviva Stadium. It will no doubt be a strange cup final in the absence of fans, but nevertheless it should provide an exciting affair to close the curtains on the domestic League of Ireland season.

The https://t.co/X9zf94pmtW FAI Cup final confirmed

Fixture | @ShamrockRovers v @DundalkFC
Sunday, December 6
KO 6.40pm
@AVIVAStadium #FAICup | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/bcN8mP1UJC

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) NOVEMBER 29, 2020

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