Derry C 2 St Patrick's A 1:ST PATRICK'S Athletic must now wait another week to secure the runners-up position in the Premier Division following this slender defeat at the Brandywell last night.

And while the Inchicore side bossed the ball during the second half, Derry goalkeeper, Ger Doherty, produced three top drawer saves as Derry held out to win what was a thrilling FAI Cup dress rehearsal.

But it was the home side who dominated the scoring chances in the first half with St Patrick’s clearly struggling in the final third.

An enthusiastic start saw Derry reap rewards with the opening goal after just five minutes.

Stewart Greacen found the excellent Simon Madden on the right flank and he weaved his way into the penalty area before guiding the ball past the advancing Barry Murphy.

Derry doubled their lead five minutes before half-time when leading scorer, David McDaid, lashed the ball home for his 17th goal of the season and the home lot were on a high.

St Pattrick’s only effort in the first half arrived during injury time when lone striker, Christy Fagan, lashed a shot over the crossbar when he really should have done better following a Derry defensive error.

However, after the break St Patrick’s finally rose to the occasion and they reduced the deficit in the 56th minute. An attempted back-pass by Greacen was intercepted by Chris Forrester and he raced forward to drive a superb shot beyond the reach of Doherty.

Vinny Faherty and substitute, Greg Bolger went close to equalising as St Patrick’s threw everything forward during the latter stages but the Candystripes held out to claim a place in next season’s Setanta Sport Cup.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, Greacen, S McEleney, McCaffrey; P McEleney (Brolly, 84), Higgins, McNamee, Molloy (Deery, h/t), McLaughlin; McDaid (Murphy, 70).

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Murphy; Flynn, Kenna, Browne, Carroll; Kelly (Meenan, 56, Bolger 81), Chambers, Forrester, Russell, Faherty; Fagan.

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).