Derry City beat 10-man Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at the Brandywell to secure European football for next season.<\/p>\n
Brandon Fleming scored his first goal for the club in the first half with substitute Sadou Diallo adding a second late in the game to secure the victory that extends their unbeaten run in the league to nine games.<\/p>\n
It is Derry’s first win over Rovers since March 2023, and it gives Tiernan Lynch’s side a two-point cushion over third-place Shelbourne ahead of their final league game next weekend.<\/p>\n
Rovers have now lost three straight league games, but can still seal a fifth Premier Divison title in six years with a point against Galway United on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
In a first half of few clear-cut chances, Graham Burke went close for Rovers early on, forcing a strong save from Brian Maher.<\/p>\n
Derry then opened the scoring on 24 minutes with Fleming’s intended cross catching out Ed McGinty as it looped over the Rovers stopper and nestled in the far corner.<\/p>\n
The hosts started the second half well too and went close to doubling their lead with McGinty thwarting Diallo and Michael Duffy.<\/p>\n
Rovers’ chances of getting back into the game were further dented by Lee Grace’s dismissal, with the defender receiving two yellow cards in quick succession early in the second half.<\/p>\n
The Candystripes then extended their advantage on 87 minutes as Diallo lifted over McGinty after being played through by Duffy to wrap up the win.<\/p>\n
Rovers netted a consolation in stoppage time with substitute Rory Gaffney smashing past Maher from close range, but it proved too little too late.<\/p>\n