Derry City 0-0 Limerick FC
Pressure is surely mounting on Derry City boss Peter Hutton following a 0-0 draw against basement boys Limerick in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division at the Brandywell.
The draw means City have now gone 11 league games without a win and the relegation play-off spot looks even more likely.
City did had enough chances in the first half to win the game, but once again they failed to take their chances. More worryingly, they failed to turn up after the break.
The home side should have been in front on nine minutes after a teasing run by Patrick McEleney saw him get away from both Robbie Williams and Aidan Price, but debutant goalkeeper Fred Hall rushed off his line to deny him a certain goal.
In the 30th minute, a teasing Mark Timlin cross found Stephen Dooley, but with only Hall to beat the winger saw his side-footed effort from six yards flash well wide.
Then, a super pass by McEleney released Barry McNamee in on goal, but the midfielder saw his low drive from just inside the box superbly tipped around the post by a fully stretched Hall.
Just before the break another Timlin centre from the left found Dooley at the back post, but he blasted well over the bar.
Just as in last week’s game, the Candystripes struggled after the break and it was the visitors who started to grow in confidence and dominate possession without ever testing Derry goalkeeper Gerard Dohety.
In the closing stages Limerick had strong claims for a penalty when Sean Russell was bundled to the ground by Cornwall, but referee Paul Tuite waved the appeals away.
Derry City: Doherty, Cornwall, McBride, S McEleney, Jarvis; Dooley (Curtis 77), Lowry, McNamee, Timlin; P McEleney (Quigley 80); Curran (Morrison 85).
Limerick FC: Hall, O’Conor, Williams, Price, Tracy; Mann (Agyemang HT), Duggan, Hughes (Lynch 71), Russell, Turner; Clarke.
Referee: Mr Paul Tuite (Dublin).
