McManus equaliser gives Derry a great shot

FORMER Hibernian striker Tam McManus headed home a 44th minute equaliser to give Derry City a great chance of reaching the Europa League third qualifying round in Latvia last night.

McManus’ strike means it will be all to play for back at the Brandywell next Thursday night after Stephen Kenny’s men struck back from falling behind to a 17th minute Igors Kozlovs strike.

Skonto had started the match as heavy favourites in wet conditions after winning five straight games in their domestic league – but Derry more than deserved their draw.

Before the match Kenny had stressed the importance of emulating the club’s success of three years ago when they reached the third qualifying round and scooped a lucrative clash with Paris St Germain.

Now stricken with financial concerns, Kenny must hope his side finish the job at home next week and get lucky with the third qualifying round draw which will include the likes of Lazio and Fulham.

SKONTO RIGA: G Malins, S Golubevs, R Hscanovics, D Gamezardashvili, I Kozlovs, A Fertovs, O Laizans, N Junior, I Semjonovs, V Smirnovs, I Tarasovs.

DERRY CITY: G Doherty, G O’Brien, C Delaney, P Hutton, S Gray, G McGlynn, C Martyn, B Molloy, R Higgins, M Farren, T McManus.

REFEREE: Albert Toussaint (LUX).