A CONTROVERSIAL Conor Sammon header 14 minutes from time secured Derry City a well-earned point after a 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers in Tolka Park.
The former UCD man's effort was adjudged to have crossed the line by referee Alan Kelly, with a little help from his assistant referee, after Gareth McGlynn initial effort rebounded off the crossbar following Owen Morrison's mazy run through the Rovers rearguard.
A Padraig Amond penalty, after Peter Hutton was harshly penalised for handling in the area, just after the half hour mark had put Pat Scully's charges into the lead and there it appeared they would remain until Sammon's priceless contribution in the closing stages.
Earlier, Daragh Maguire almost slipped Amond in on goal after 15 minutes but his drive was expertly beaten away by Gerard Doherty in the visitors' net.
Midway through the first half Clive Delaney headed a Morrison free-kick over before Morrison himself saw his well-struck shot brought the best out of Rovers stopper Barry Murphy.
The goal for the hosts came against the run of play on 31 minutes when Amond received the ball 20 yards from the Derry goal. His snap-shot on the turn cannoned off Peter Hutton's arms and referee Kelly pointed to the spot.
Amond coolly slotted the spot-kick past Doherty.
Derry responded well and Barry Molloy and Niall McGinn came close before the break.
Eoin Doyle spurned a glorious opportunity to put Rovers into a commanding lead when he failed to convert from close range soon after the interval. The Candystripes upped the ante for the last 20 minutes, with Kenny throwing Kevin McHugh on from the bench as his side went with three up front in search of an equaliser.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: B Murphy; OBrien, Tracey, Ferguson, Price; Maguire, Rice, McGill, Tyrell (S OConnor 65); Doyle (Baker 68), Amond (A Murphy 78). Subs: D OConnor, K Coleman.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; G McGlynn, Hutton, Delaney, Gray; N McGinn (McHugh 71), Molloy (McCallion 50), Higgins, Morrison; Sammon, Farren (Deery 89). Subs: Treacy, Callaghon.
Referee: A Kelly.
