Zayed puts race storm behind him with double

DERRY CITY striker Eamon Zayed issued a statement of intent at the Brandywell last night when netting two of his side’s goals in what was a deserved, if flattering, victory over Bohemians.

Indeed, Zayed, at the centre of a racial abuse row during last Monday’s game against Shamrock Rovers, was regularly applauded during the game and he received a standing ovation when substituted during the final minutes.

While the league’s leading striker extended his goals tally to 14, the lively James McClean played no small part in this win having fashioned two of the three goals.

In the 28th minute, following a swift move from defence, McClean drilled a low cross into the danger area where the alert Gareth McGlynn got the all-important touch when finding the net from close range.

Bohs’ winger Steven Hurley brought the best out of Derry keeper Gerard Doherty in the 42nd minute, but it was the home side who doubled their lead a minute before the break.

Zayed received possession 30 yards from goal and, with McGlynn breaking to his left providing a diversion, the striker let fly and caught out keeper Barry Murphy with a shot that squeezed in at the far post.

The home started the second half on the front foot with Zayed flashing another shot just wide.

Bohemians hitman Christy Fagan then flashed a free-kick wide of the target while Keith Buckley forced Doherty into a good save.

The home secured the points in the 83rd minute when Zayed netted his second, much to the delight of the home attendance.

Again it was the superb McClean who emerged the architect having left both Eoin Heary and Christopher Forrester in his wake before presenting Zayed with a chance to net his 14th goal of the season at the back post.

Indeed, McClean went close to making it four in the closing stages but he failed to hit the target after connecting with McGlynn’s curling cross.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Molloy (McCallion 65), Greacen, S McEleney, Lafferty; McGlynn, Higgins, Deery, McClean; P McEleney (Harkin, 70), Zayed (McDaid 90).

BOHEMIANS: Murphy; Heary, Burns, Price, Rossiter; Buckley (Fowler 73), Cronin, Bayly, Hurley (Forrester 65); Fagan (Keely 86), Traynor.

Referee: RD McKeown (Dublin).