Derry City 2 Finn Harps 1:THE INTRODUCTION of two second-half substitutes turned this game in favour of Derry City as Ciaran Martyn's late winner proved enough to defeat Finn Harps at a wet Brandywell last night.

While the home side enjoyed the better of the first-half exchanges it was Harps who threatened more after the break.

Indeed, having bounced back to level matters Paul Hegarty's men will feel hard done by when substitute Martyn landed the vital 83rd-minute winner.

Derry created the first chance in front of a crowd of 6,000 when Mark Farren was presented with a superb opportunity after just nine minutes having been sent clear by Paddy McCourt.

However, the striker's lofted effort dropped agonisingly on the wrong side of the posts.

Derry's pressure was rewarded after 41 minutes. Ruaidhri Higgins sent Niall McGinn scampering clear on the right flank and his inch-perfect centre was firmly headed home by the advancing Farren.

But the visitors stunned the large attendance with a 49th-minute equaliser.

Having conceded a free kick on the right-hand side of the penalty area, Derry failed to defend Shaun Holmes's curling left-foot free which found its way to the net.

DERRY CITY: Quigley; McCallion, Delaney, Hutton, Gray; McGinn (Morrison, 80 mins.), Molloy, Higgins (Martyn, 69 mins.), McCourt; Farren, McHugh (Sammon, 73).

FINN HARPS: Gallagher; Roddy (Brolly, 91 mins.), Labonte, Malcolm, Holmes; Breen, McGowan, Shields (Funston, 85 mins.) Williams; Parkhouse, Gethins.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).