Derry C 2 St Patrick's A 0:JAMES McCLEAN said his goodbyes to the Brandywell faithful last night as the home side celebrated leadership of the Premier Division table on goal difference from Shamrock Rovers in front of a crowd of over 2,500.
And while the Candystripes certainly deserved the victory, St Pat’s will point to calamities in defence during an unfortunate 10 minute period which saw two of their players place the ball in their own net. However, given that the home side had bossed the ball throughout, Stephen Kenny will not have any complaints.
The league’s top marksman, Eamon Zayed, tested Pat’s reserve goalkeeper Chris Bennion while Danny North weaved his way into the box at the other end only to be denied by Shane McEleney during the early stages.
However, the best chance of the opening period fell to the home side following a classic counter-attack in the 16th minute. Patrick McEleney sent Kevin Deery scampering up the right flank and his low delivery was diverted agonisingly wide of the post by the inrushing Zayed from point blank range.
Pat’s gave Derry a scare on the hour when a low pass-cum-shot from David McMillan sailed narrowly wide of the post.
Stephen McLaughlin set the excellent Barry Molloy up for a chance three minutes later but the low effort was easily dealt with by Bennion as the Candystripes continued to dominate the possession.
Derry’s pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute and it appeared to be something of a bizarre goal.
A deep cross from Daniel Lafferty saw Zayed and Brian Shorthall challenge for the high ball and when the Pat’s centre half attempted to chest it back to Bennion, the ball found its way past the advancing goalkeeper much to the delight of the home fans.
But St Pat’s squandered what was a glorious chance to restore equality five minutes later. North raced clear and as Gerard Doherty advanced the Pat’s striker successfully lobbed him but the ball failed to hit the target.
Deery forced Bennion into a good save in the 81st minute before St Pat’s added to their own downfall. A Deery corner was floated into the area before the unfortunate David Mulcahy poked it into his own net.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion, S McEleney, Greacen, Lafferty; Deery, Molloy, Higgins, McLaughlin; P McEleney, Zayed.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Bennion; Pender, E McMillan, Shorthall, Bermingham (Kenna, 82); Kavanagh (OConnor, 82), O’Donnell (Crowley, 82), Mulcahy, Doyle; North, D McMillan.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin)
