Ronan Boyce hits century as Derry City advance in Europe
Ramelton man Ronan Boyce made his 100th Derry City appearance as the Candystripes squeezed past KuPS in Finland in the Europa Conference League.
Ronan Boyce marked his 100th appearance for Derry City on Thursday evening with a top performance as the Candystripes sealed a place in the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.
The Ramelton man played the full game as Derry defeated KuPS advanced 5-4 on aggregate after a pulsating 3-3 draw in Kuopio, Finland.
The 22-year-old joined Derry City Under-17s from Swilly Rovers in 2017 and signed his first professional deal at the Brandywell in 2021.
Derry will now face Tobol Lostanay in Kazakhstan next week in the third qualifying round.
A header from Michael Duffy, a former Kildrum Tigers schoolboy player, saw Derry squeeze through.
After a 2-1 win on Foyleside last week, Derry began well with Cian Kavanagh heading home the opening goal in the second leg.
Jasse Tuominen drew KuPS level in fortuitous fashion before Saku Savolainen put the hosts level with a deflected effort.
Sub Sadou Diallo struck for Derry to put Ruaidhri Higgins’ side in front only for Savolainen to score just three minutes later.
With the tie finely poised, Duffy headed in on 69 minutes and Derry take their European winnings for the season so far to €850,000.