DERRY CITY retained their unbeaten league record with a thoroughly deserved victory over Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell on Saturday night.

But the mood in the Northern camp may not nave been so upbeat afterwards had Rovers' midfielder Pat Fenlon taken advantage of the clear cut scoring opportunity during the final minutes.

The diminutive Dubliner crashed a shot against the body of Derry goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd, after defender Paul Curran had misplaced a header.

But the home side were always in control as Rovers appeared content to pack their defence on regular occasions, but the deciding goal in the 52nd minute forced them to come out and play.

A high punt from defence by Richie Purdy saw Sean Hargan delicately flick the ball into the path of Peter Hutton. And with Rovers goalkeeper Robbie Horgan committed, Hutton picked out the unmarked Gary Beckett, who side footed the ball home from 10 yards.

Rovers tried hard to restore equality but, save for that late Fenlon chance, Derry never really looked like losing.