Derry’s second half showing too much for Shelbourne

Derry City 4 Shelbourne 0

A stunning second half performance saw Derry City finally put Shelbourne to the sword at the Brandywell last night and record their opening home league win of the season.

But while the home lot deserved their win, they rode their luck during the early stages when getting the rub of the green in two controversial decisions – one a penalty claim and the other a last man tackle.

Having survived those close calls, Derry moved into the driving seat in the 32nd minute following a superb passing movement as Rory Patterson curled the ball into the top corner - his fifth league goal of the season.

The home side could have doubled their lead in the 44th minute when Ruaidhrí Higgins ballooned the ball over the bar.

Derry ended the game as a contest in the 62nd minute with Patterson again the centre of attention as his low drive was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Paul Crawley.

Michael Rafter added goal number three in the 88th minute when he drove the ball high into the Shels’ net before substitute, Mark Griffin, netted a 92nd minute penalty