Not so long ago Brian King’s father Noel was toast of the Brandywell men, but last night the midfielder broke Derry fan’s hearts with his last-gasp winner for Drogheda United.

The defeat, which was the Candystripes’ second in a week, certainly wasn’t the ideal preparation for Stephen Kenny’s men as they travel to Riga for their opening Europa League clash on Thursday night.

The Brandywell men started the game on the front foot and were inches away from taking the lead after just five minutes.

Ruairdhi Higgins’ clever through ball released Mark Farren, but the Greencastle man’s effort with his weaker right foot, which had Paul Skinner well-beaten, trickled wide.

A well-worked corner by the home side in the 22nd minute saw McGlynn chest down Higgins’ inch perfect delivery, before volleying just past Skinner’s right hand post.

United hit the woodwork minutes later, after more sloppy play down Derry’s left.

City winger Tommy Stewart lost possession to Ian Ryan who raced clear before passing to Shane Barrett, but his low drive from the edge of the box was turned onto the post by a full stretch Doherty.

Just before the half-time the home side had two glorious opportunities to break the deadlock.

In the 42nd minute a David Scullion cross should have picked out Sammy Morrow in the six- yard box, but the striker failed to get his head to the ball and the visitors cleared easily.

Then right on the stroke of half-time another Higgins delivery this time found Delaney, who’s clever header back into the danger zone found Farren, but the striker’s glancing effort came back off the post.

Derry brought on Barry Molloy and Tam McManus for Stewart and Scullion in the 58th minute, as they went in search of the all important opening goal to keep their title hopes alive.

McManus was right in the thick of the action straight away but his powerful header from Delaney’s centre, was saved by Skinner.

Skinner came to his side’s rescue in the closing stages when he made a tremendous one handed save to keep out Higgins’ well hit low drive from 25 yards.

Then right at the death King got away from his marker and calmly headed home to earn Alan Matthews’ side maximum points.

Derry City: Jennings, O’Brien, Hutton, Delaney, McCallion; Stewart, Higgins, McGlynn, Scullion; Farren, Morrow. Subs: Molloy & McManus for Stewart & Scullion (58); McClean for McCallion (80).

Drogheda United: Skinner, Ryan, Clarke, Kenna, McNally, Shiels, King, Crowley, Duffy, Martin, Barrett. Subs: Chambers for Crowley (27); McGill for Martin (77); Woods for Barrett (91).