St Patrick's Athletic 1 Derry City 1: A tenacious display from St Patrick's who, despite going behind, again demonstrated the tremendous battling qualities against Derry which have typified their performances to date.
St Patrick's were particularly menacing in their approach with Seán O'Connor and Trevor Molloy causing most of the problems. But despite their early endeavour, Derry scored as early as the sixth minute. Killian Brennan crossed for Barry Molloy who let fly from 25 yards, leaving goalkeeper Barry Ryan stranded.
That lead lifted Derry and Pat McCourt proved a constant threat. His runs carved open the St Patrick's defence on more than one occasion and, not long after the goal, he provided a chance for Stephen O'Flynn but the striker was thwarted by Ryan.
St Patrick's, though, quickly regained their swagger and Molloy's fondness for dropping deep and finding the flanks proved useful. Indeed, he went close to equalising; first hitting the crossbar from distance and then sending a free just over.
His persistence was always likely to reap rewards and 15 minutes into the second period it did. He swung in a free which goalkeeper David Forde appeared to gather safely but he spilled and Paul Keegan poked home the loose ball. John McDonnell's men could have secured it late on but Molloy cleared Dave Mulcahy's header off the line.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; Murphy, Brennan, Maguire, Frost; Fitzpatrick, Foley, Mulcahy, O'Connor; Keegan, Molloy. Subs: Quigley for Fitzpatrick (half-time), Reilly for O'Connor (86 mins).
DERRY CITY: Forde; McCallion, Hutton, Oman, Hargan; Molloy; Brennan, Martyn, McCourt; O'Flynn, McHugh. Subs: Beckett for O'Flynn (71 mins), Farren for McHugh (78 mins), Cash for McCourt (89 mins).
Referee: P Tuite (Dublin)
