Derry City 3 Linfield1:THE USE of second half substitutions saw Derry City book their semi-final place following a thrilling victory in front of 5,000 fans at the Brandywell last night.

And it was a gutsy and deserved win for the home side who trailed 0-1 at the interval. Michael Carvill’s incisive pass sent Stephen Lowry clear on the half-hour and the Linfield winger made no mistake when guiding the ball home.

And that lead was no more than enterprising Linfield deserved. But those second-half substitutions changed the pattern of this tie and Derry deservedly equalised in the 66th minute following a quick break from defence.

Simon Madden was put through by Owen Morrison and his high cross into the danger area was met by Barry Molloy whose header looped over the advancing Linfield goalkeeper for a magnificent goal.

Mark Fadden should have given Derry the lead in the 76th minute when he raced onto a weak back-pass but failed to find the target.

However within 60 seconds Derry took the lead. Patrick McEleney squared the ball into the path of Farren and he unselfishly set up Stephen McLaughlin who fired home from 12 yards.

As Linfield chased an equaliser Derry broke and Madden netted a goal to seal the home side’s win.

DERRY CITY:Doherty; McCallion (McEleney, ht), Greacen, McBride, McCaffrey; Madden, Higgins, Molloy, McLaughlin; Farren, McDaid (Morrison, 65).

LINFIELD: Blayney; Ervin, Watson (Douglas, 59), Murphy, Curran (Browne, 78); Lowry, Garrett, Gault, Carvill, Mulgrew, Thompson (McAllister, 71)

Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).