Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Derry City defeated Galway United 2:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by J. Keohane 17′, D. Akinyemi 44′, A. O'Reilly 90′. 6 yellow cards were shown, 1 red card. Galway United had 36% possession while Derry City held 64%. Galway United had 19 shots (4 on target) compared to 13 (6 on target) for Derry City. Galway United made 3 substitutions, Derry City made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Galway United and Derry City — 3 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: B. Burns
assist: B. Fleming
assist: D. Akinyemi
Match Statistics
Galway United had 36% possession against Derry City's 64%. Galway United registered 19 shots (4 on target) while Derry City managed 13 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 6–5. Fouls committed: 14–12.
Lineups
Galway United lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Johnathan Caulfield, while Derry City deployed a 3-4-3 under Tiernan Lynch.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Galway United is 6.81, compared to 6.80 for Derry 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. Galway United's highest-rated starter is D. Hurley (7.11), while Derry City's best-rated player is B. Fleming (6.97).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Galway United have contributed 6 goals and 7 assists this season, led by D. Hurley (2G). Derry City's starters account for 9 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by M. Duffy (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
Galway United deploy 3 defenders rated 6.77 on average, against Derry City's 3-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
Galway United field 4 midfielders averaging 6.94, versus Derry City's 6 rated 6.88. 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
Galway United start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.71, compared to 1 for Derry City averaging 6.70. 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.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 60% for Galway United and 75% for Derry City. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Galway United's starters have collected 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 for Derry 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 Galway United's starting XI is 29.4 (youngest: E. McCarthy (24), oldest: S. Walsh (35)), while Derry City average 27.6 (youngest: A. Bannon (22), oldest: C. Winchester (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
Galway United's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 11 for Derry 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
Coach: Johnathan Caulfield
Substitutes
Coach: Tiernan Lynch
Rivalry since 2024
Galway United vs Derry City Head to Head Results· 9
Galway United and Derry City have met 9 times — Galway United won 3, Derry City won 2, with 4 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2024. Galway United leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 9 meetings. A combined 18 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (9 for the home side, 9 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 5 matches (56%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (22%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Galway United are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–3 in 2025.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Galway United have recorded 1 win, 3 draws and 2 defeats. Derry City show 1 win, 3 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026