Two goals during a 10-minute spell midway through the second half increased Finn Harps' relegation worries when they lost out to near neighbours Derry City at the Brandywell last night.
In what proved a disappointing game overall, Derry broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
Substitute Darren McCaul appeared to be pushed to the ground inside the penalty area by the Finn Harps midfielder Paddy McGrenaghan and referee Pat Whelan immediately pointed to the spot.
Youngster Darren McCready stepped forward to comfortably stroke the ball home by sending goalkeeper Gareth Downey the wrong way.
The match was ended as a contest in the 74th minute following a bizarre blunder by the Harps goalkeeper Downey who, attempting to clear a backpass, crashed the ball against the body of Stephen Parkhouse. When the Derry striker gained possession he made the most of his opportunity to drive the ball home from 18 yards.
Derry City: Payne; McCallion, Hargan, Hutton, Kelly, Doherty, Harkin, Quigley, Parkhouse, McCready, McLaughlin. Subs: McCaul for Quigley, 53 mins; Devlin for Hargan, 79 mins.
Finn Harps: Downey; R Kenny, Minnock, Fitzhenry, Bradley, McGrenaghan, Tierney, J Kenny, Lloyd, McHugh, Harkin. Subs: Scanlon for Fitzhenry, 57 mins; Speak for Lloyd, 67 mins; Bonnar for Tierney, 73 mins.
Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin)
