Injury ravaged Derry City suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Linfield at Windsor Park this evening in the first of tonight's Setanta Cup clashes.

With a number of key players out the Candystripes struggled from the off to make an impact on the game

The two clubs are used to playing each other and in their four previous games, three have ended as draws with the only win going to Linfield in a 2-1 victory at Windsor Park last season.

Linfield added to their tally tonight though after an own-goal from Clive Delaney in the 23rd minute left Stephen Kenny's side on the back foot.

Things got worse shortly before the end of the first half when 'Pistol' Pete Thompson got Linfield's second.

Midfielder Ciaran Martyn struck home for the visitors late on in the game but it was too little too late for the Candystripes who conceded a third and final goal when Glenn Ferguson slotted home a penalty four minutes before time.

In tonight's other Setanta Cup clash, St Patrick's Athletic came from behind to secure a draw against Glentoran at Richmond Park.

While St Pat's were firm favourites to take the points, John McDonnell's side found it tougher than expected to overcome Glentoran who were making their first ever visit to Inchicore.

Midfielder Michael Halliday put the visitors ahead early in the fifth minute only for Gary O'Neill to grab one back for Athletic a quarter of an hour later.

Defender Colin Nixon struck home from the penalty spot for Glentoran in the 72nd minute of play while Daryl Fordyce slotted home a third five minutes before time.

Late strikes from Harris in the 89th minute and Fahey one minute later was enough to spare St Patrick's blushes and secure a draw.

Setanta Cup Group Two results

Linfield 3 Derry City 1

St Patrick's Athletic 3 Glentoran 3