The dismissal of Derry City substitute, Stephen O'Flynn, threatned to spoil the Candystripes party at a balmy Brandywell tonight as City beat Longford Town 1-0.
O'Flynn was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball altercation with Alan Murphy, while the Longford player received a yellow card.
Up until that point Stephen Kenny's men had totally dominated this affair and really should have enjoyed a healthy half-time lead.
Showing no signs of a hangover from their heroics in Gothenburg last Thursday, Derry broke the deadlock in the 14th minute.
The club's hero in Sweden, Sean Hargan, flashed a low cross into the danger area before Longford defender, Stephen Paisley, diverted the ball into his own net.
Kevin McHugh, Barry Molloy and O'Flynn really should have added to that lead but wasted clear-cut chances.
The sending-off saw the pendulum swing Longford's way as they forced their way forward but one just one Dessie Baker effort went close in the 76th minute.
Derry held out to extend their unbeaten run at the Brandywell this season.
Derry City: Forde; McCallion, Kelly, McChrystal, Hargan; Deery (Martyn, 80 mins.), Higgins, Molloy, Brennan (O'Flynn, 29 mins.); Beckett, McHugh (Farren, 66 mins.)
Longford Town: Dempsey; Murphy (Byrne, 72 mins.), O'Connor, Paisley (Gough, 61 mins.), Prunty; Kirby, Fitzgerald, J. Martin, Cronin (Reilly, 86 mins.); R. Martin, Baker.
Referee: Mr. H. Whoriskey (Meath).
