Cork City 1 Derry City 1:  Cork City were denied three points at Turner's Cross last night when a Dan Murray own goal secured Derry a share of the spoils.

Cork took the lead through Roy O'Donovan after 61 minutes, but their lead lasted just 15 minutes.

It would have been a first win for Cork since exiting the Champions League and would have been a badly needed three points in their bid to stop their league title sliding further away.

Derry broke down the right flank and when Seán Hargan sent the ball across the face of the Cork goal the City skipper turned the ball into his net.

Cork had opened the scoring when a Danny Murphy free kick was only parried by Derry City goalkeeper David Forde and O'Donovan reacted first to the spilled ball and turn it home.

It was no more than Cork deserved after dominating the opening half. Three times they went close, when Denis Behan (twice) and Admir Softic were denied chances.

The game was just five minutes old when Softic had the opening chance. A poor clearance fell to the Bosnian national but his shot was smothered by Forde.

Derry did create one great chance in the opening half when CiaráMartyn went close after 20 minutes. A poor headed clearance by Colin O'Brien only reached Martyn and he unleashed a ferocious volley that went narrowly wide.

After Cork's goal Derry came more into the contest and had chances through Pat McCourt and Gary Beckett before eventually drawing level and securing a point from the tie.

CORK CITY (4-4-2): Devine; Horgan, Bennett, Murray (capt), Murphy; O'Donovan, O'Brien, Softic, Woods; Fenn, Behan. Subs: Cillian Lordan for Softic (88 mins), Cathal Lordan for O'Donovan (90 mins).

DERRY CITY (4-4-2): Forde; McCallion, Oman, Kelly, Hargan; Deery, Martyn, Molloy, McCourt; Beckett, McHugh. Subs: McGlynn for McHugh (88 mins), Farren for McCourt (79 mins), Holmes for McCallion (71).

Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin)