Galway junior side Mervue United put up a stubborn defensive policy at the Brandywell last night, but they failed to stop Premier Division side Derry City progressing to the third round of the FAI Cup.

And while the Northern side may have dominated the proceedings, they failed to make this game safe until midway through the second half.

Darren Kelly and striker Liam Coyle both missed quality opportunities during the early stages, but Derry eventually broke the deadlock in the 15th minute.

A cross from Gareth McGlynn on the right was diverted home by Padraig Moran, who rose above the Mervue defence to head home.

And while Tom McCallion was unfortunate to see his shot crash off the upright in the 37th minute, Derry were held to that one-goal lead at the break.

With the home side continuing to dominate, Paddy McLaughlin spurned another glorious opportnity in the 66th minute before Derry eventually doubled their lead one minute later.

A short corner from Gary Beckett was eventually crossed into the danger area by the Enniskillen man and Eamon Doherty sent a looping header to the net when positioned on the near post.

DERRY CITY: Payne, McLaughlin, Kelly, E McCallion, Hargan, McGlynn, T McCallion, Doherty, Beckett, Coyle, Moran. Subs: Phillips for McGlynn, McCready for T McCallion (both 79 mins) , Hughes for Coyle (83 mins)

MERVUE UNITED: Roche, Keane, Toland, Walsh, McGrath, Lally, Watson, McDonnell, Rabbitte, Goldbey, Loughnane. Subs: Ridge for Goldbey (54 mins), Fitzgerald for McGrath (64 mins), O'Malley for Loughnane (83 mins)

Referee: P Deering (Sligo)