Match Summary
Derry City defeated Cork City 2:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by K. Nelson 14′, R. Boyce 65′, M. Duffy 74′. 7 yellow cards were shown. Derry City had 56% possession while Cork City held 44%. Derry City had 18 shots (7 on target) compared to 4 (2 on target) for Cork City. Derry City made 4 substitutions, Cork City made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Derry City and Cork City — 3 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: B. Couto
assist: L. Boyce
assist: D. Thomas
Match Statistics
Derry City had 56% possession against Cork City's 44%. Derry City registered 18 shots (7 on target) while Cork City managed 4 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 8–6. Fouls committed: 15–10.
Lineups
Derry City lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Tiernan Lynch, while Cork City deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Gerard Nash.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Derry City is 7.01, compared to 6.77 for Cork City. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Derry City's highest-rated starter is M. Duffy (7.55), while Cork City's best-rated player is K. Nelson (6.89).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Derry City have contributed 18 goals and 14 assists this season, led by M. Duffy (12G). Cork City's starters account for 13 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by K. Nelson (5G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Derry City deploy 4 defenders rated 6.85 on average, against Cork City's 4-man backline averaging 6.80. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Derry City field 4 midfielders averaging 7.21, versus Cork City's 5 rated 6.74. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Derry City start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Cork City averaging 6.80. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Derry City's starters have collected 33 yellow cards this season, compared to 44 for Cork City. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Derry City's starting XI is 25.2 (youngest: H. Cann (22), oldest: M. Duffy (31)), while Cork City average 23.8 (youngest: C. O'Sullivan (18), oldest: S. Murray (32)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Derry City's starters average 25 league appearances each, versus 22 for Cork City. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Derry City have recorded 5 wins, 1 draws and 0 defeats. Cork City show 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Derry City
Cork City
Head to Head
Derry City and Cork City have met 3 times — Derry City won 2, Cork City won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Derry City leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 4 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.33 per match (3 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (33%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (33%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Derry City are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–2 in 2025.
2
Derry City
1
Drawn
0
Cork City
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026