National League Premier Division/ Derry City 0; Bohemians 0: The main talking point of Saturday night's game at the Brandywell was the sending-off of Bohemians midfielder James Keddy in the 36th minute.

The Dubliner, who clearly raised his hands to push Derry skipper Eamon Doherty to the ground in front of referee Pat Whelan, can have no complaints with the red card.

While Derry enjoyed long spells of possession, they failed to breach what was a solid Bohemians rearguard.

However, the introduction of two 18-year-olds by Bohemians boss Stephen Kenny at half-time worked a treat, with Stephen Ward and Stephen Rice giving the home side no opportunity to dwell on the ball.

Indeed, it proved a superb tactical switch, a move which certainly lifted the spirits of Kenny afterwards.

"I had no qualms about putting them in; maybe they deserved to start the game. They are both good lads and a new breed of young Irish players with tremendous determination and a good attitude, both did very well," he said.

And on the Keddy sending-off, he was making no excuses.

"I can't have any complaints about the decision but it was very disappointing. In the end, with just 10 men for so long I have to be happy and I believe it was a fair result in the circumstances," he added.

Clive Delaney, who finally made his Derry debut after suspension and injury, emerged as man of the match and was very unfortunate not to score when his thunderous header crashed off the crossbar in the 60th minute.

DERRY CITY: Jennings; Brennan, Delaney, Hutton, Hargan; McGlynn, Doherty, Byrne, Martyn; Murphy, Holt. Sub: Farren for Holt (68 mins.)

BOHEMIANS: Gregg; Lynch, McNally, Caffrey, Webb; Harkin, Hunt, Keddy, Ryan; Crowe, Grant. Subs: Ward and Rice for Ryan and Grant (both half-time); Doyle for Harkin (82 mins.)

Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin).