Derry City joined Shamrock Rovers on the summit of the Premier Division table, having recorded their biggest win of the season against St Patrick's Athletic at the Brandywell last night.

The victory preserved Derry's club's unbeaten home record - they have now gone seven games without defeat.

Derry broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when midfielder Gareth McGlynn successfully combined with Liam Coyle.

The striker set up the 18-year-old from Donegal, who guided the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Seamus Kelly.

Derry went further ahead in the 64th minute. On this occasion a short free-kick from 20 yards saw Darren Kelly deceive the St Patrick's keeper to crash a low shot into the net.

Derry ended the game as a contest in the 76th minute, when, following a deep cross from Eamonn Doherty, the ball was headed back across the face of goal and substitute Jamie Hughes had the easiest of chances to head home from close range.

St Patrick's continued to battle and they deservedly grabbed a consolation goal five minutes from time.

Striker Liam Kelly gave Derry goalkeeper Russell Payne no chance when hammering the ball home from 16 yards in the 85th minute.

DERRY CITY: Payne; McLaughlin, E McCallion, D Kelly, Hargan; McGlynn, T McCallion, Doherty, Beckett; Coyle, Moran. Subs: Hughes, for Moran (64 mins); McReady for Coyle (85 mins).

ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC: S Kelly; Croly, Maguire, Foley, Donnelly; Marney, Osam, Russell; Livingstone, L Kelly, Doyle. Subs: Holt for Doyle (52 mins); McGuinness for Livingstone and Griffin for Russell (both 80 mins).

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin)