Ten-man Derry start league campaign with loss

Derry City 2 Longford Town 3

Derry's Longford bogey struck again as the began the season with a home defeat.

Skipper Eamonn Doherty gave Derry the perfect start with the lead goal after four minutes when beating Stephen O'Brien with a stunning 25 yard drive.

But Town hit back to score twice inside two minutes.

Barry Ferguson forced home the equaliser on seven minutes after new Derry keeper Andy Petterson could only parry a stinging free kick from Alan Kirby.

Eric Lavine then punished poor defending to add a second.

It was 3-1 on 18 minutes when Kevin Deery failed to react to Brian Byrne's blocked shot and Kirby shot home the rebound.

Derry finished with ten men when Gary Beckett was sent off on 78 minutes for a foul on Ferguson.

Gareth McGlynn got Derry's consolation goal in stoppage time.