Declan Devine will be delighted with last night's victory over Bohemians, the Derry boss having consolidated second spot in the league.

Take heart
Now preparing to face Aaron Callaghan's men in an EA Sports Cup quarter-final on Monday night at Dalymount, it will be Bohemians who will have taken great heart for their performance despite the defeat.

Derry clearly struggled despite getting off to a superb start after just eight minutes but Bohemians failed to turn their possession into goals.

Patrick McEleney appears to enjoy scoring against the Dubliners, the 21-year-old netting another superb strike from 18 yards to break the deadlock following Simon Madden’s cross.

But they failed to build on that goal and Bohemians took full advantage of poor defensive play in the 41st minute to level matters. Ryan McEvoy guided the ball into the edge of the six yards box and Kevin Devanney was on hand to flick it into the roof of the net from close range.

Regained lead
But Derry regained the lead in the second half , Michael Rafter stabbing the ball home after Madden set up the chance in the 54th minute. Bohemians huffed and puffed to the end with sub Chris Lyons having their best chance with low shot which whizzed just wide of the target.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, Greacen, S. McEleney, McNamee; Higgins (Molloy, 67), Deery; Griffin (Duffy, 56), Kavanagh (Houston, 71), McEleney; Rafter.
BOHEMIANS: Delaney; Barker, Lopes, C. Byrne, Nangle (Lyons, 76); Moore, Buckley, McEvoy, S. Murray (O'Leary, 87), Devanney (Mulligan, h/t); Scully.
Referee: P Sutton (Clare)