Russell tactics frustrate Derry

UCD put up a dogged performance last night to frustrate the Candystripes in what proved a very poor game at the Brandywell.

However, UCD boss Martin Russell will have been the happier of the managers, the former midfielder watching his tactics work to perfection on Foyleside.

UCD’s disciplined 4-5-1 formation worked a treat, with Derry struggling to deal with the workrate and graft of the students.

That said, it was Derry who owned the ball but they failed to penetrate, with Rory Patterson, Mark Farren and Stephen McLaughlin all struggling on the night.

Indeed, UCD could so easily have stolen the points had Cillian Morrison not missed the proverbial sitter with 10 minutes remaining, however the Dubliners will have enjoyed the trip south afterwards having shared the spoils.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, McCallion, McBride, McCaffrey (McDaid 84); McEleney, Higgins (McGroary 87), Deery, McLaughlin; Patterson (Morrison 74), Farren.

UCD: McGinley; Douglas, Leahy (Burke 32), D O’Connor, Nangle; Rusk (Lyons 66), P O’Connor, Benson, Ledwith, Langtry; Morrison.

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).