Current league champions Derry City are now considered favourites to meet Limerick in a play-off to secure their very survival in the top flight. That strange scenario follows Saturday night's bitterly disappointing scoreless draw with neighbours Finn Harps and UCD's demolition of Sligo Rovers yesterday.

Harps created by far the better scoring chances in this match but Donal O'Brien, Davy Dowling and Jonathan Speak all squandered quality opportunities. That said, Derry could so easily have stolen the points in the final minute when Gary Beckett broke clear but he was forced wide and Harps keeper, Jody Byrne, made a vital save.

Derry City: O'Dowd; Doherty, Curran, Dykes, Brunton; Taggart, Hegarty, Bell, Coyle; Beckett, Hargan. Subs: Gilmore for Taggart (66 mins).

Finn Harps: Byrne; Gauld, Boyle, Bradley, Minnock; Mulligan, O'Brien, Callaghan, McGrenaghan; Speak, Dowling. Subs: R Boyle for D Boyle (84 mins).

Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin).