Derry City 1 CSKA Sofia 1 (CSKA Sofia win 2-1 on aggregate):Derry City fell short in their bid to join domestic rivals St Patrick's Athletic in the Europa League third qualifying round despite a brave battle at the Brandywell tonight.

Looking to overturn a narrow 1-0 defeat in Bulgaria last week, the Candystripes started well but fell further behind when Marcos Malachias fired CSKA Sofia into a 70th-minute lead.

Malachias’ strike meant Stephen Kenny’s men had to score three times due to the away goals rule and despite the size of their task they gave their all in a bid to produce a grandstand finish.

Substitute David Scullion fired home in the 82nd minute to level matters on the night but despite some late pressure Derry’s hopes were effectively dashed when Gareth McGlynn was dismissed four minutes from time.