Derry’s best chance had fallen to Sean Hargan, when his long range thunderbolt took a vicious spin off Jim Gannon and seemed destined for the net only for Steve Williams to scramble a save. Shelbourne, who took a few days’ break in the north west of the country as preparation for this fixture, allowed City forward Gary Beckett too much latitude in the second period. Beckett, who has netted in each of Derry’s last three games, turned provider.
Gareth McGlynn opened the scoring on 66 minutes, steering a low shot past Williams. And just four minutes later, Ciaran Martyn strengthened the City advantage and effectively sealed the win, latching onto a through ball from the quick-footed Beckett. That precious goal sees the Candystripes rise to third in the table.
At the Pike Rovers Sports Ground, Limerick gained their fifth win of the season, with a hard fought 2-1 victory over high-flying Kildare County in the First Division. A spot kick from Derek McCarthy in the 66th minute stretched the home side back into a lead, which they had taken as early as the eighth minute through Gareth Cooney. Kildare had levelled matters through a goal from former Bray Wanderers’ midfielder Barry O’Connor on 15 minutes. In the night’s early season six-pointer between 10th placed Athlone Town and Monaghan United (11th), the northern side emerged victorious, 3-0 in controversial fashion at Century Homes Park.
A goal from David O’Brien in the opening half was added to by a brace either side of the break from free-scoring Trevor Vaughan, the second a penalty. Proceedings were interrupted for a time as a clearly upset Athlone boss Jimmy Greene was sent from the bench whilst Town midfielder Ronan Frawley also received his marching orders.