Derry City moved a step close to European football following a comfortable 2-0 Airtricity Premier Division victory over basement club Galway United at the Brandywell.
And while the eventual scoreline does not adequately reflect Derry’s dominance of the game, the result sees the Candystripes shake off last week’s disappointing defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
Now four points clear of St Patrick’s Athletic, who they face next Friday night at Inchicore, Stephen Kenny’s side totally dominated this affair.
And, if the truth be told, they really could have doubled that scoreline but for wayward shooting and the alertness of Galway keeper Conor Winn.
The home side bossed the ball throughout and excepting a long range Alan Murphy shot, Derry keeper Gerard Doherty, was never seriously extended.
The Candystripes broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Patrick McEleney took full advantage of hesitancy in the Galway defence.
Centre-half Eric Browne failed to adequately clear his lines and McEleney nipped in to gain possession before gleefully guiding the ball home.
The home side totally dominated the scoring chances and while they constantly threatened the visiting goal, the Galway keeper produced a series of fine saves.
Indeed, Conor Winn blocked goalbound efforts from Eamon Zayed (twice), McEleney and Kevin Deery while David McDaid was particularly unlucky to see his chip strike the upright.
Derry, however, did eventually double their lead in the 33rd minute when, following a Stephen McLaughlin corner, Danny Lafferty headed the ball firmly home.
Deery went close to increasing Derry’s lead in the 59th minute, his header just missing the target.
But Zayed really should have ended the game as a contest in the 61st minute.
The league’s top scorer was played into a one-on-one situation with Winn, but the keeper had the final say when getting a block on the Derry striker’s shot.
Zayed, however, did make the game safe when netting his 22nd league goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 79th minute.
Galway centre-half Steven Walsh handled a high ball when inside the area and the referee, Tom Connolly, pointed to the spot.
The biggest cheer of the night heard in the 90th minute when Derry substitute Mark Farren netted with a cheeky back flick from close range.
Farren who has returned to training following brain surgery last December, certainly celebrated his strike which moves him to within four goals of Liam Coyle’s all time Derry City record of 512 strikes.
Derry City: Gerard Doherty; Ruairi Harkin, Stewart Greacen, Shane McEleney (Ryan McBride, h-t), Danny Lafferty; Patrick McEleney (Mark Farren, 84) Barry Molloy, Kevin Deery (James Henry (80), Stephen McLaughlin; David McDaid, Eamon Zayed.
Galway United: Conor Winn; Sean Kelly (Rory Gartlan, 80), Paul Sinnott, Eric Browne, Steven Walsh; Eduardo Silvera (Mikey Gilmour, 66), Bobby Ryan, Alan Murphy, Gary Kelly, Oscar Sibanda; Ronan Caldwell (Dara Dougan, 80).
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin)
