Derry head back to the Brandywell all square with HB Torshavn

Europa Conference League qualifying

HB Torshavn 0 Derry City 0

Derry City kicked off their Europa Conference League qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw with Faroe Island side HB Torshavn in Tórsvøllur.

The Candystripes will now look to get their first aggregate European victory in nine years at the Brandywell next Thursday.

Before a ball was kicked, pressure was put on Ruaidhrí Higgins’ team to win with the HB Torshavn head coach calling Derry favourites.

Jakiub Martin Loensen talked about how it was a difficult draw for his team, but he envisioned his players creating chances against Derry.

This is exactly what happened with an early shot forcing a stretched save from Brian Maher and Ben Doherty reacted to get the loose ball away.

Then Dan í Soylu tried to score form inside the area, and his attempt went well over the intended target.

It a start that Martin Loensen prophesised, and this was made even better by Derry’s lack of penetration. The best that the Candystripes could do was a Paul McMullan through ball and this rolled out of play.

The first time that Derry tested the Torshavn goalkeeper, Michael Duffy set up McMullan and his attempt stung the palms of Bjarti Mørk.

Their first corner of the game, sent in with just over half an hour played, was put back out and Cameron Dummigan tried to score from distance.

A reactionary save dealt with this and Derry got to the loose ball, but failed to capitalise on their growing sense of momentum.

When they re-established that sense of urgency, Doherty crossed in and the ball was put for a corner at the back post. This was cleared to Cameron McJannett and his cross was swatted away after it landed on the penalty spot.

Duffy closed out the first half by sending in a