Derry City ... 2 St Patrick's Athletic ... 0: Derry City moved seven points clear of the relegation zone following their first win in seven matches at the Brandywell on Saturday night.
Derry broke the deadlock three minutes from the break when Seán Friars drilled a free-kick low into the area and the lively Seán Hargan diverted the ball home from close range.
With the near gale-force wind at their backs in the second half, Derry ended the match as a contest in the 71st minute after a fine move from defence.
Eddie McCallion's high punt forward found his older brother, Tommy, who controlled the ball before sending Liam Coyle free on the left. Derry's star striker supplied the perfect pass for Ciarán Martyn, who drove the ball home with his first touch.
DERRY CITY: Gough; Deery, E McCallion, McLaughlin, Hargan; Hutton, Martyn, Doherty, Friars; T McCallion, Coyle. Subs: McGlynn for Hargan (59 mins), Hughes for Coyle (81 mins), McCready for T McCallion (87 mins).
ST PAT'S ATHLETIC: S Kelly; Croly, Foley, Harris, Burke; McCarthy, L Kelly, Russell, Osam, Marney; Mbabzi. Subs: Donnelly for Burke (39 mins), Doyle for Mbabzi (63 mins), Holt for Russell (75 mins).
Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).
