Men’s Pre-Season 2025 Recap
With a new manager at the helm and a host of new signings hoping to hit the ground running, there were plenty of eager eyes on City’s pre-season games this year.
The Candystripes embarked on a week-long training camp in Cork at the Fota Island Resort.
Monday 13th January – Cobh Ramblers 0-1 Derry City
Whilst down in the region they faced Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park on Mon 13th January to kick-off the friendlies and on a wet night, Sean Patton’s goal was the only thing to separate the sides.
Tuesday 21st January – Sligo Rovers 2-3 Derry City
In the Showgrounds, an entertaining game played out as City came back from being 2-1 down at the break, to winning the game, thanks to a hat-trick from early substitute Sean Patton after Danny Mullen was forced off through injury. Michael Duffy had had a first-half penalty saved.
Tuesday 28th January – Institute 0-5 Derry City
In the annual Billy Kee Memorial Cup, the new-look City side took to the Brandywell pitch for the first time and put 5 goals past ‘Stute. Goals came from Duffy (2), Benson, Thomas and of course, Patton.
Friday 31st January – Derry City 1-0 Ballymena United
Technically Derry’s first home game of the year with a decent crowd out to welcome the return of Friday night football under the lights. A solitary goal from Michael Duffy made the difference on the night against a Ballymena side dotted with former Candystripes.
Friday 7th February – Glenavon 0-2 Derry City
A trip to Lurgan and Mourneview Park rounded off City’s pre-season fixtures as the Candystripes got a grass game into the legs ahead of the opener away to Shelbourne. Dom Thomas opened the scoring against Glenavon before an own goal secured the win for the Candystripes.
Most goals from the games due to be on our YouTube once the season kicks off.
Photos: Event Images Derry & Cobhsports