Own-goals propel Derry to the top

Derry City 2 St. Patrick’s Athletic 0

And while the “Candy Stripes” deserved the victory, St. Pat’s will point to defensive calamaties during an unfortunate 10 minute period which saw two of their players place the ball in their own net!

Indeed, it was bizarre to say the least, but given that the home lot had bossed the ball throughout, Stephen Kenny will not have any complaints.

The league’s top marksman, Eamon Zayed tested Pat’s reserve keeper Chris Bennion, while Danny North weaved his way into the box at the other end only to be denied by Shane McEleney during the early stages.

Pat’s gave Derry a scare on the hour when a low pass-cum-shot from David McMillan sailed narrowly wide of the post with keeper, Gerard Doherty flat-footed.

McLaughlin set the excellent Barry Molloy up for a chance three minutes later but the low effort was easily dealt with by Bennion as the Candystripes continued to dominate the possession.

Derry’s pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute and it appeared to be something of a bizarre goal.

A deep cross from Daniel Lafferty saw Zayed and Brian Shorthall challenge for the high ball and when the Pat’s centre-half attempted to chest it back to Bennion, the ball found its way past the advancing keeper much to the delight of the home lot.

But St. Pat’s squandered what was a glorious chance to restore equality five minutes later. The ball was punted up the middle before Danny North raced clear and as Doherty advanced the Pat’s striker successfully lobbed him but the ball failed to hit the target.

Deery forced Bennion into a good save in the 81st minute before St. Pat’s added to their own downfall.

A Deery corner was floated into the area before the unfortunate David Mulcahy poked it into his own net to send the home fans home in delight.

DERRY CITY:Doherty; McCallion, S. McEleney, Greacen, Lafferty; Deery, Molloy, Higgins, McLaughlin; P. McEleney, Zayed.

ST. PAT’S:Bennion; Pender, E McMillan, Shorthall, Bermingham (Kenna, 82); Kavanagh (O’Connor), O’Donnell (Crowley, 82), Mulcahy, Doyle; North, D. McMillan.

Referee: Mr D. McKeon (Dublin).