Derry City Beat Gothenburg Twice

Well, I've been to a good few matches and seen some great teams and games played. I've seen Man Utd play great games in the Champions leagues, I've seen Ireland play in friendly's and European Cup and World Cup qualifiers and I've seen Celtic play some great games.

Now when the draw for the UEFA Cup was made, if anyone had told me we'd beat Gothenburg not once but twice, I'd have laughed at them. This the team who have won the UEFA Cup twice in their history, beaten some of the biggest teams in Europe in the Champions League, including my second team Man Utd around 8 years ago. It was the toughest draw we could have got.

I've also been at some memorable Derry City games in the Brandywell and around Ireland, but the two matchs I was at to watch Derry City play Gothenburg in the UEFA Cup home and away are the best matchs I've ever been to in my life.

I traveled out to Gothenburg with a few members of the Dublin Supporters club and had a great time. The atmosphere at the game was electric, 300 fans, all their for one reason, to cheer on the Candystripes. And out to watch the footie and have a bit of craic whilst out in Sweden.The Gothenburg fans were all sound, before and after the game, before the game showing us the betting slips listing wins of 3, 4 or 5-0 to Gothenburg, to them we didn't stand a chance. To be honest I was hoping we'd get a draw at best.

So when Hargy banged home that header around the 80 minute mark, I think time stood still for an eternity, until the Derry fans erupted. Truly unbelievable, as most of the fans have said, either in the bars or on http://www.derrycitychat.com/ all the players played out of their skins that night - you'd have been hard pressed to name a Man of the Match, but there was no doubts about the Team of the Match.

So fast forward two weeks later to the Brandywell. I'd say everyone had their hopes up, even if some of us, me included had doubts. Like here we were, hosting Gothenburg at the Brandywell, and if we keep a clean sheet we were in the next round of Europe.But the team all played out of their skins again, the defence was unflappable, Kelly and Pizza both outstanding, for all I can recall, Forde only had to make one save. The midfield rans their hearts out, and it's the best display I've seen from Kevin McHugh on the wing. And Gary Beckett the loan front man ran himself into the ground.

Now, just think, standing in front of the home support, having to step up and take that penalty, O'Flynn must have been under immense pressure, but he slotted the ball home and the Brandywell erupted. 2,500 fans going nuts, of course there wouldf have been more if the council ever got of it's ass to help the club sort out the Brandywell.

Gothenburg did try to press, but at no time did they really look like scoring. Derry City were composed throughout the two legs and kept their shape and put Gothenburg under pressure.

So, yesterday, the draw was made and we got Gretna. On the way back down to Dublin I told some of the lads from the Dublin Supporters club that I might not be able to make the away games, due to lack of holiday days left in work - I think the email sent out when the draw was made was along the lines of "Screw that - I'm going to both Gretna Games".

So, in 12 days times, I'll be in Fir Park with lads for the Dublin Supporters clun to cheer on the Candystripes, and I know the rest of the supporters clubs will be there, from the Brandywell Pride, to the 89'ers and even the London Supporters club. I can't wait.

But until then, we have Waterford tomorrow night at the Brandywell and Bray Wanderers next Friday a the Carlisle Grounds. I'll be tuned into Radio Foyle and on Derry City Chat getting updates from the Waterford game as I can't make it, 90 minutes might seem long when your at the match, but it's twice as long when your not there to see it.

Well this is my first post of many I hope, and I'll be hoping to get more of the lads from the Dublin Supporters Club updates as the season goes on.

So, until next time "Let's all do the European Dance, the European Dance, the European Dance"