Derry City 1 Finn Harps 0MARK FARREN pounced to score the vital winner against their luckless Donegal neighbours, Finn Harps, at the Brandywell last night.

Having been elevated into third position 24 hours before the game, Derry consolidated that position with a disciplined display which keeps them well in contention to secure a Uefa Cup place next season.

After what had been a hard-fought north-west derby fixture, Farren raced onto the end of Eddie McCallion's cross in the 57th minute to secure the points for the home side.

And while Paul Hegarty's men did try to force the issue when pushing forward immediately after the goal, Derry goalkeeper Gerard Doherty was never seriously tested.

The home side had dominated the game during the opening 45 minutes, but failed to turn that possession into goals despite creating the more clear-cut chances.

After 20 minutes a Kevin Deery strike whizzed just over the crossbar while a Gareth McGlynn cross was almost deflected into his own net by Harps' midfielder Neil McCafferty.

Harps' only noteworthy effort arrived in the 20th minute when towering defender Marc Mukendi failed to hit the target when meeting a Shaun Holmes free.

Derry went close to breaking the deadlock in the 34th minute when Farren raced onto a Stephen Gray pass and while the striker attempted to direct the ball wide of the advancing James Gallagher, the goalkeeper did well to divert the ball wide of his upright.

After Finn Harps substitute Austin Friel had a goal ruled out for offside in the 72nd minute the visitors did exert pressure on the Derry defence but failed to get the equaliser.

DERRY CITY:Doherty; McCallion, Delaney, Hutton, Gray; McGlynn, Deery, Higgins (Molloy, 81), McGinn; Farren (Morrow, 85), Stewart (McHugh, 71).

FINN HARPS:Gallagher; Mukendi, Malcolm, Minnock, Holmes; Breen, Byrne (McGowan, 76), McCafferty, Brolly; Funston (Friel, 65), Gethins (Parkhouse, 42 mins).

Referee:D Hancock (Dublin).