A goal in the 16th minute from Eamon Doherty was enough to seal Derry City's victory over Finn Harps on Saturday night. Doherty nipped in at the back post to head home Gary Becketts' cross in what was his team's first attack of the match.

Harps started well and created several scoring chances before having a strong penalty claim turned down in the 10th minute by referee John Stacey. A poor clearance from goalkeeper Russell Payne created the danger, and with the keeper stranded, Peter Hutton appeared to use his arm while blocking Tom Mohan's shot. Within six minutes, Derry had gone ahead.

Harps' best chance of an equaliser came three minutes into the second half when a corner fell to Johnny Kenny, but Payne blocked the shot with his feet and Kevin McHugh headed the rebound over the bar.

Harps continued to enjoy the bulk of possession, but never threatened the Derry goal. Indeed they could have gone further behind in the 75th minute, but Eamon Doherty's curled shot was tipped away by Gareth Downey.

Finn Harps: Downey, Bradley, Minnock, Fitzhenry, Dykes, McGrenaghan, Mohan, Tierney, McHugh, Kenny, Harkin. Subs: Kelly for McGrenaghan (78 mins); Speak for McHugh (65 mins).

Derry City: Payne, McCallion, Hargan, Hutton, Kelly, Doherty, McLaughlin, Hegarty, Harkin, Beckett, Gallagher. Subs: McIvor for Gallagher (47 mins); Parkhouse for McIvor (80 mins).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).