Derry City continued their impressive start to the new season when maintaining their 100 per cent record by recording what proved a comfortable victory over Waterford United at the Brandywell yesterday. And the victory sees Kevin Mahon's side share the early leadership of the Premier Division with Shamrock Rovers who Derry face in two weeks' time at the Northern venue.
Liam Coyle, last season's leading Derry scorer, pulled a hamstring after just 35 minutes but he did enough during his short time on the park to steer his side to victory.
A goal of immense quality in the 22nd minute sent Derry on their way. Coyle received possession from Eamon Doherty before outwitting two defenders and nonchalantly stroking the ball beyond the reach of Michael Devine. In fact, the same player could have doubled the tally three minutes later when his powerful header, from a Johnny McIvor cross, was superbly saved by Devine.
And after he limped off, the home side certainly lost their composure before Gary Beckett, who was switched from midfield, forced Devine into action again in the 46th minute.
Beckett, last weekend's hero at Richmond Park, forced Devine into a top drawer save, the keeper diving full stretch to turn the midfielder's shot around the post.
Derry deservedly scored a second goal, albeit in fortuitous fashion in the 69th minute. A deep cross by Eamon Doherty saw Devine and full-back Dave Smith, collide and when the loose ball dropped into the path of Shaun Gallagher, the substitute guided it home from close range.
The Brandywell side continued to dictate the pace as Waterford struggled in attack before scoring again in the 85th minute.
And the move which led to that strike was particularly impressive. Moving out from his 18 yards line, Gallagher sent Andy Moran scampering up the left flank and his teasing low centre was diverted to the net by James Quigley. Afterwards, Brandywell boss, Kevin Mahon, was delighted to have taken another three points but added that he was "slightly disappointed" at not having entertained the crowd.
"To take three points was the bottom line but I felt we could have performed much better in our first home game of the season," said Mahon.
"Defensively we were sound and while it took 20 minutes or so for us to settle, I can't have any complaints having scored three goals and kept a clean sheet," he added.
Derry City: Platt; McCallion, Hutton, Kelly, Hargan; Doherty, Beckett, Hegarty, McIvor; Moran, Coyle. Subs: Quigley for Coyle (35 mins), Gallagher for McIvor (64 mins), McCaul for Beckett (71 mins).
Waterford United: Devine; Smith, Doherty, T. McGrath, Frost; Kirby, Reynolds, D. McGrath, Stirling; Gannon, Kabia. Subs: Wood for Kabia and Griffin for Stirling (both 73 mins).
Referee: P Keon (Dublin).
