Late goal keeps Derry's title hopes alive

Waterford United 0 Derry City 1

Mark Farren missed a first half penalty and then rescued Derry’s title ambitions with a dramatic late, late winner in an incredible twist at the death at the RSC.

Farren had a 31st minute penalty saved by Blues’ keeper Ben Spicer after Alan Keely had hauled down Gary Beckett.

In a tight match, Derry survived some late Blues pressure when Daryl Kavanagh brought a good save from David Forde and then shot inches over the bar.

Kavanagh then looked to have earned Blues a penalty on 90 minutes when clearly hauled down by Barry Molloy, but Dublin referee Paul Tuite waved play on.

Derry then went down the other end in the fourth minute of added time and scored what could prove an absolutely vital goal.

Clive Delaney flicked on Killian Brennan’s long throw and Farren blasted to the roof of the net to redeem himself and Derry’s league season.

The win moves Derry level on points with Shelbourne, pending the arbitration decision in the Bohemians-Shels dispute which should be know tomorrow.

Derry now host champions Cork City in their final match at home on Friday while Shels meet Bohemians at Tolka Park.

Waterford’s defeat means they finish bottom and must now meet either Dundalk or Galway United in next week’s play-off.