Candystripes extend lead

DERRY CITY extended their lead in the First Division following this deserved north-west derby victory over Finn Harps at the Brandywell.

The game proved fiercely competitive, particularly in the first half. The league leaders broke the deadlock in the 45th minute when a low James McClean free-kick found it’s way to the net off the upright.

Derry doubled their lead in the 51st minute when the lively David McDaid forced defender, Matthew Crossan into a mistake when attempting to feed the ball to his keeper, the Derry striker nipping in to guide the ball home.

Worse was to follow for Harps.

Harps captain, Jonathan Minnock, who returned to action after a lengthy injury lay-off was shown a second yellow in the 62nd minute following a tackle on McClean.

James Doherty headed the ball off the Harps goal-line in the 81st minute as a curling McClean shot threatened as the visiting goal. Harps finished with 10 as Crossan got a a second yellow card in the 90th minute.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion, McChrystal, Scoltock, Friars; McEleney (Sweeney, 81), Deery, Molloy, McClean (Farren, 86); Harkin (Cassidy, 35); McDaid.

FINN HARPS: L. Mailey; Doherty, P. Mailey, Crossan, Minnock; Funston, Bonner (Forker, 26), Lafferty, Brolly (McLaughlin, 66); McHugh, Walsh (Whoriskey, 66).

Referee: R. Rogers (Dublin) .