Game Day was finally here. I would get to experience all that is a game day for Derry City FC, which I was excited about. However, I had the whole day to wait. I was able to watch a movie, make some good food and relax.

Wardy was in the squad for today, however Connor was suspended from their last game so Connor and would head to the game later than Wardy. The good thing was, Connor and I were still going to get our work in. We arrived around 6pm before the real preparations truly began. The match was scheduled for 7.45pm so we had time. We shared a bit of

banter with some of the staff, kit man and a few other players who weren’t playing, before we went out and got about 30-40min of work in. Some decent running, a bit of ball work and foot work and that was us for the day. All while various staff and coaches watched on before their true preparations began for the day. I was very happy to have done the extra work with Connor before the game as it was another opportunity to show my commitment to the cause.

Handshakes and well wishes happened in the locker room before they all headed out for the game. We quickly showered, dressed, grabbed a water and went and took in the first half of the game. It unfortunately wasn’t the greatest football to

watch and Derry were struggling to keep the ball and break down Wexford Youths. Derry did take the one clear cut chance they had to lead at Half time, however it could have easily been 2 or 3 -1 to Wexford with the clear chances they had. Derry’s keeper kept them in the game by doing his job very well. Into the changing sheds for half time. The sheds are set in two direct rooms conjoined by the shower/bathroom area, so the team and manager was on one side, and myself, other non-playing players and staff were on the other side taking it all in. The manager put his foot down, admitted to his tactical mistake, addressed the problems and then gave the team a bit of a kick up the ass. He made one substitution and they were a different team in the second half. Controlling the game a lot more with better possession and a few good chances.

The game ended 1-0, which was a good result for the team, keeping the foot down especially coming off the mid season break. Now the focus turns to the current champions and league leaders Dundalk for next week.