Derry City won their fifth League Cup title in 10 years at the Brandywell last night when they defeated first division strugglers Athlone Town.

The return of striker Michael McHugh from a loan spell with Irish League neighbours Coleraine proved significant when the Donegal-man equalised 50 seconds after Athlone had broken the deadlock late in the second half.

Although leading 3-1 from last Wednesday's first leg at St Mel's Park, Derry were tentative and missed the injured Liam Coyle, Paul Hegarty and Johnny McIvor.

Indeed, they will consider themselves fortunate not to have been behind at the break after Adrian Carberry crashed the ball off the crossbar when he really should have found the net.

The home side finished strongly before the break with Athlone goalkeeper Gary Connaughton pulling off a superb save to deny Darren McCready.

McHugh then began to make his presence felt and in the 50th minute a superb cross saw McCaul head the ball over the bar while unmarked from close range and, 15 minutes later, McHugh played the ball perfectly into the path of substitute, Shaun Gallagher, but Connaughton was equal to the powerful shot.

Athlone silenced the Brandywell in the 72nd minute following a free kick. Colm Holohan sent the ball forward and defender, Eric Smyth dived low to head it firmly into the net beyond the reach of David Platt.

However, Athlone's joy was short-lived and, 50 seconds later when McHugh scampered down the right and after working his way into the danger area, he accurately guided the ball inside Connaughton's near post for the equaliser.

With 10 minutes remaining referee, Gerry Perry pointed to the penalty spot after Gary Beckett had been upended.

Andy Moran guided the ball to the net sending the Athlone keeper the wrong way. For Mahon it was his first trophy as a manager in his 50th game in charge of his home town club.

Derry City: Platt; McCallion, Hutton, Kelly, Harga; Moran, Beckett, Doherty, McCready; McHugh, McCaul. Subs: Gallagher for McCready (57 mins), McLaughlin for McCaul (75 mins) and McGinley for Hutton (81 mins).

Athlone: Connaughton; Malone, Smyth, Falke, Holohan; Parkes, Kelly, Frawley, Carberry; Izzi and Devine. Subs: Fitzell for Malone (65 mins), Dully for Devine (70 mins), Clarke for Parkes (82 mins).

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).