Damien Richardson was clearly the happier of both managers at the Brandywell on Saturday night as Shamrock Rovers secured a good away point.

Rovers will be delighted at the return to action of midfielder Derek Tracey, who made a good impression after being introduced as a second half substitute, following a lengthy lay-off due to injury.

Brandywell boss Kevin Mahon praised the quality of the game but admitted afterwards that hopes of a UEFA Cup place for his side had faded.

The hard-working Liam Coyle put Gary Beckett through with an incisive pass in the fourth minute but the Enniskillen man directed his shot at the advancing Tony O'Dowd and the goalkeeper parried clear.

And while Darren Kelly and Paul Hegarty also had scoring opportunities, Billy Woods had the best chance to break the deadlock in the 35th minute.

Sean Francis broke on the right and when his teasing, low cross dropped into the path of Woods, the winger failed to make contact with the ball, the Derry goal at his mercy from just six yards.

Woods had another opportunity to steal the points in the 88th minute. With the Derry defence failing to clear, the winger's ferocious shot was superbly saved by David Platt.

Derry's Darren Kelly blasted over following a 90th minute corner while substitute Darren McCaul was sent scampering clear by Beckett in the 92nd minute but he failed to get adequate power into his shot.

Derry City: Platt; McCallion, Hutton, Kelly, Hargan; Beckett, Hegarty, McLaughlin, McIvor; Coyle, Taylor. Subs: McHugh for Taylor (57 mins), Moran for Hegarty (83 mins), McCaul for McIvor (88 mins).

Shamrock Rovers: O'Dowd; Brazil, Palmer, Purdy, Duknne; Robinson, Crowley, Kenny, Colwell, Woods; Francis. Sub: Tracey for Robinson (65 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).