Derry City dented Cork’s slim survival hopes as a brilliant Ronan Boyce goal in the second half ensured European football with a deserved win in Turner’s Cross tonight.

Boyce’s match-winning contribution cements Derry’s second place whilst stranding the hosts even further from the reach of eighth placed Sligo Rovers, having played a game more.

After successive scoreless stalemates, Derry flickered with the reinstated winger, Brandon Kavanagh keen to get on the ball against a Cork side whose goalkeeper, Tiernan Brooks, was making only a second appearance of the season.

Conditions weren’t ideal as rain lashed down on a Turner’s Cross pitch already proving an awkward playing surface given its mud-drenched patches.

Home man, Joshua Honohan was another prominent presence early on, his cross from out left zipping across goal menacingly, Cian Bargary the next to go close, drilling just wide.

Before the half hour, both Brooks and Brian Maher had been extended, the former flying to keeping out a free kick from Will Patching, the away netminder denying Barry Coffey with his legs.

Despite Bargary bombarding the box with crosses seeking to supply Ruari Keating, Derry defender, Mark Connolly was colossal at the back, making multiple blocks of brilliance.

Clearly inspired by Ruaihri Higgins’ half time, team talk, Derry came roaring out of the traps, Michael Duffy catching a volley sweetly, that effort striking the post and Adam O’Reilly then drawing the best from Brooks as the Candystripes chased the opening goal with renewed vigour.

Turning to their bench first didn’t stemmy the tide for the Rebel Army as Patching and Ben Doherty continually threatened from set pieces, thwarted however by a resolute home backline.

Higgins responded with three alterations of his own, including the experience of Patrick McEleney, and still with their foot to the accelerator, the visitors struck with seventeen minutes left.

Patient buildup as yet another cross, unaided by the mud, was scooped clear, Derry defender, Boyce was first to latch onto it, took a calm first touch and boy did Boyce blast it, a fine effort from range soaring past the helpless Brooks into the top corner.

Turner’s Cross ramped up the noise as their side, now looking destined to the relegation playoffs, chased an equaliser, helped by Connolly’s injury-enforced departure.

From there, Derry game-managed the match perfectly, isolating Keating until the end as frustration overcame them and the Candystripes made it a fourth win over them this season.

Another tough task awaits Cork next as their bid to avoid the playoff loses traction; the visit of table-topping Shamrock Rovers concludes their home campaign on Monday (4:45pm KO).

Derry finish their season back at the Brandywell, hosting St Patrick’s Athletic (7:45pm KO).