Happy Birthday: Derry City is celebrating and wishing their key player a happy birthday with a …… See more

Happy Birthday: Derry City is celebrating and wishing their key player a happy birthday with a …… See more

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### Derry City Booed Off After Shocking Defeat to Bruno’s Magpies

Derry City players faced jeers from their own fans following a disappointing loss to part-time Bruno’s Magpies in the first leg of their Europa Conference League Qualifier in Gibraltar. Ruaidhri Higgins’ squad underperformed, conceding two second-half set-piece goals, putting their European aspirations in jeopardy ahead of the return leg at the Brandywell.

The match almost started perfectly for Derry when Adam O’Reilly’s long-range shot hit the top of the crossbar just three minutes in. Despite playing on a newly laid pitch at the Europa Point Stadium, there were positive moments for the Candystripes, including a near solo goal by Daniel Kelly, whose attempt was saved by Dayle Coleing and cleared off the line by the defenders.

However, the second half began poorly for Derry City as the Magpies scored three minutes after the restart. A careless pass across the penalty area by Paul McMullan was intercepted by substitute Javi Forjan, whose shot was deflected over by Mark Conolly.

The home side capitalized on their momentum with successive corners, leading to Jack Storer’s delivery being headed in by Ash Taylor for his debut goal. Storer almost doubled the lead but missed a close-range shot. Derry had a chance to equalize through Will Patching’s skillful play, but Kelly missed the target.

Despite changes from Higgins, Derry showed no signs of an equalizer and conceded another goal nine minutes from time. A deep free-kick from Garcia found Paco Zuniga, who headed in to secure a 2-0 advantage for the Magpies.