Derry City 7 Mervue U 1:MARK FARREN netted a memorable hat-trick at the Brandywell last night, the Derry striker breaking Liam Coyle's all-time scoring record against Mervue United.
The Donegal man who will join Irish League club, Glenavon, at the end of this season, has now netted 113 goals for the Candystripes, one more than Coyle’ record.
Derry cruised into the semi-finals having led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from David McDaid (12 minutes), Farren (34 minutes) and a wonder strike from Patrick McEleney in the 40th minute.
With Mervue goalkeeper Conor Gleeson having strayed off his line, McEleney let fly from close to the half-way line, his shot dipping over the head of the visiting custodian.
Mervue reduced the deficit in the 51st minute when Pat Hoban beat Ger Doherty with a magnificent shot from 35 yards but back bounced Derry with McDaid netting his second four minutes later.
On the hour Farren entered the Derry City history books with two goals in the space of a minute to take him one goal clear of Coyle’s target.
But it got worse for Johnny Glynn’s men when teenage substitute, Ryan Curran, made it 7-1, with his first goal for his home town club.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, McBride, S. McEleney, McCaffrey; P McEleney (Brolly, 64), B Molloy, McNamee, McLaughlin (Curran, 64); McDaid, Farren (Deery, 76).
MERVUE: Gleeson; McSweeney, Elwood (Conneelly, 76), Walsh, McBrien; King, Varley, Hoban, Keogh, Biansumba; J Molloy.
Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).
