DERRY CITY WERE beaten 4-2 away to Trabzonspor tonight, meaning they will still retain some hope for the return leg at the Brandywell next Thursday.
It was a brave performance from the Candystripers, who went down despite scoring two first-half away goals that could yet prove crucial.
The visitors endured a disastrous start, going two goals down inside the first 20 minutes, as a spectacular overhead kick from Adrian Mierzejewski and a Filho Paulo Henrique strike from close range gave their opponents a two-goal lead.
A long-distance goal from David McDaid and a deflected Paddy Kavanagh effort then brought Derry level with just over half an hour played, before a Barry Molloy own goal restored the Turkish side’s advantage five minutes before half-time.
A Giray Kacar header from a corner then extended Trabzonspor’s lead just after half-time, ensuring they would have a slightly more healthy advantage going into the second leg.
The hosts had the better of it possession-wise thereafter in the second half, though McDaid and Ryan McBride both missed good chances to register a much-needed third goal for the Irish side.
