NATIONAL LEAGUE/Derry City 1 Longford Town 1: Former Republic of Ireland international David Kelly made his debut for Derry City at the Brandywell last night as the home side collected their first point of the season.
But Longford, who have never lost to City in the Premier division, left much the happier side and are now third in the table, while Derry are joint bottom.
In a poor first-half, City broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Peter Hutton crossed from the right for substitute Gary Beckett - who had replaced the injured Liam Coyle - to take the ball down and fire past Stephen O'Brien from 12 yards.
Longford equalised after 58 minutes when Sean Prunty split the home defence with a fine through ball for Sinisa Savic to run onto and shoot past Alan Gough.
The competitive nature of the game then spilled over with Longford's Barry Ferguson being sent off for lashing out at Eamonn Doherty.Derry then went close through Eddie McCallion, Kelly, twice, Gareth McGlynn and Paddy McLaughlin, but Longford held on for a point.
DERRY CITY: Gough; McCallion, Hargan, Hutton, McLaughlin, Darren Kelly, Doherty, Martyn, Coyle, David Kelly, Friars. Subs: Beckett for Coyle (25 mins), McGlynn for Hargan (49 mins).
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Mulvihill, Dillon, Silke, Ferguson, Perth, Kirby, Sheridan, Lavine, Robinson, Prunty. Subs: Savic for Robinson (53 mins), Holt for Prunty (63 mins).
Referee: D McKeown (Dublin).
