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Longford hit back in the 71st minute but were reduced to ten men two minutes later when their goalscorer Barry Ferguson was sent off.
But the 10 men battled on and almost snatched an 89th minute equaliser but Derry keeper, David Forde, pulled off a spectacular save to deny Stephen Paisley.
Things got even worse for Longford after the final whistle when substitute Dessie Baker was red-carded for persistent dissent.
Derry City (4-4-2): Forde; D. Brennan, Hutton, McLaughlin, Brennan; McGlynn, Martyn, Molloy, McCourt (Beckett 56); O'Flynn (Cash 87), Farren.
Longford Town (4-4-2): O'Brien; O'Connor (Gough 60), Ferguson, Paisley, Dillon; Kirby (Martin, 80) Fitzgerald, Byrne, Cronin; Myler (Baker 78 mins.), Keegan.