A dramatic 89th minute goal by Derry City's Liam Coyle gave the Brandywell's largest attendance of the season something to celebrate on Saturday night. The kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes to allow the 5,000 crowd gain admission.

Finn Harps had succeeded in frustrating the champions and their veteran goalkeeper, Jody Byrne, pulled off a string of fine saves in the second half to keep the Donegal men in the game.

The veteran Dubliner superbly turned the ball around his post on two occasions to deny Paul Hegarty and Coyle in the second half as Derry continued to dominate.

But he was given no chance with the late winner. Following a deep corner from the right, James Keddy floated the ball back into the danger area and with the Harps defence exposed for the first time, Coyle threw himself forward to head the ball high into the net from 10 yards.

Harps only scoring chance arrived in the 65th minute when former Derry defender Declan Boyle had a header whipped off the goalline by the player who replaced him at the Brandywell, Eamon Doherty.

Afterwards, a disappointed Charlie McGeever said he was "sick" to concede a goal in the final minute. And he questioned referee Hubert Byrne's handling of the second half in particular.

"He gave us absolutely nothing in the second half," blasted McGeever.

A delighted Felix Healy praised his side's patience. "I told the lads at half-time that if we were patient chances would come."