Hi °C | Lo °C Derry City all but ended St Patrick's Athletic's title hopes with a 1-0 win last night.
An own goal just after the hour mark by William Gibson gifted the home side the victory, which was hard on the visitors, who played some tremendous football throughout.
An interesting spectator was former Northern Ireland captain, Ipswich Town manager, Jim Magilton, who is believed to be interested in Ken Oman and Barry Molloy.
Derry nearly caught out St Pat's in only the first minute as direct from the Dubliners' corner, Mark Farren broke in behind their defence, but his tame shot failed to trouble goalkeeper Barry Ryan and trickled well wide.
The visitors were unlucky not to break the deadlock in the 23rd minute.
Joseph Ndo's left-wing corner found Stephen Paisley, but the big centre-back's glancing header was superbly kept out instinctively by Pat Jennings.
Right on the stroke of half-time, a flowing St Pat's move ended with Michael Keane's drive being blocked.
Derry started the second-half brightly and were unfortunate not to take the lead in the 56th minute when Brennan's cross found Kevin McHugh, but, after chesting the ball down, the striker volleyed well over.
The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes later as the unfortunate Gibson put through his own net.
A long ball downfield was headed goalwards by Gibson, but Ryan went AWOL and although the St Pat's goalkeeper rushed back to his line, he was powerless to prevent the goal.
McHugh should have done better in the 72nd minute, but,after gaining himself some space inside the area, he blasted well over.
DERRY CITY: Jennings, McCallion, Brennan, Hutton, Oman, Higgins, Martyn, Malloy, McHugh, Deery, Farren. Subs: Hargan, Sharkey, McDaid, McGlynn, McEwan.
ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan, Brennan, Frost, Rodgers, Paisley, Gibson, Kirby, Barker, Keane, Quigley, Ndo. Subs: O'Neill, Fitzpatrick, Foley, Guy, Clarke.
Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).
