Super Saints shrug off depleted Derry

St Patrick’s Athletic cruised to a thoroughly deserved victory at the Brandywell last night, Liam Buckley’s side extending their unbeaten record this season.

And the Super Saints were clearly good value for their win — their first on Foyleside in over years — having dominated possession and took full advantage of Derry City’s lengthy injury list.

Liam Buckley’s side broke the deadlock with a timely goal on 44 minutes and, in truth, never looked back and could have won by more.

A probing cross from Pat’s captain Conor Kenna on the right saw the home defence go missing and the alert Darren Meenan headed home, past a flat-footed Ger Doherty.

Chris Forrester had forced Doherty into a good save after just eight minutes while Davy McDaid’s first-time shot was superbly touched over by Pat’s keeper, Brendan Clarke, six minutes later.

Having gained control, Pat’s really should have doubled their lead minutes after the break when Christy Fagan raced into a one-on-one situation with Doherty but the keeper made a vital stop.

Doherty then saved another Forrester effort as the home lot continued to struggle when in possession and in the 64th minute, this game was over as a contest.

As Derry continued to squander possession, Sean O’Connor controlled a pass and from 30 yards blasted his effort into the net with Doherty failing to make the save.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, McBride (Curran, 81) McCallion (S McEleney, (53) McCaffrey; McNamee (McGroary, 53), Higgins, Molloy, McLaughlin; McDaid, Patterson.

ST PAT’S ATH:Clarke; O’Brien, Kenna, Browne, Bermingham; Forrester, Russell, Bolger, Rossiter (Meenan, 6), O’Connor (Kelly, 81); Fagan (Daly, 70).

Referee: T. Connolly (Dublin).