Derry City got their season up and running thanks to second half goals from Stephen Mallon and Walter Figueira, sealed their win over Bohemians.

Winger Mallon, who was superb all night and his goal capped off a terrific man of the match display.

Prior to kick-off Derry had to change into the away kit, as referee Derek Tomney felt the club's traditional Candy Stripes home jersey clashed with the Gypsies away jersey.

A Jamie McDonagh free-kick on 22 minutes found Ally Gilchrist, but the big defender, who was playing in left-back this evening, saw his glancing header flash just wide.

Bohs keeper Stephen McGuinness was called into action minutes later as the impressive Mallon, saw his low curling free-kick from the right hand side, saved at the second attempt.

Moments later McDonagh raced clear down the right before seeing his left footed cross find Tim Nilsen, but the frontman was unable to turn the ball home from close range.

Bohs with their first real chance came on 42 minutes as Daniel Mandroiu picked up a loose ball before running at the Derry defence and his cut-back found JJ Lunney, but the midfielder's side footed strike, which had Peter Cherrie beaten, flashed just wide.

Derry had to make a change on 49 minutes as Walter Figueira replaced the injury Gilchrist.

Bohs thought they had taken the lead six minutes later as Ward’s clever flick over an out-rushing Cherrie, was superbly cleared off the line by the back-tracking Danny Lupano, the big centre-back over head kicked the ball away from the unguarded net.

Derry took the lead on 64 minutes in sublime fashion as man of the match Mallon cut in from the left and raced into the Bohs penalty box, before his well hit drive flew high into the net giving McGuinness no chance.

Deep into stoppage time City caught Bohs on the counter-attack as Figueira calmly chipped home past McGuinness, after substitute Adam Liddle had created the clear-cut opening.

Derry City: Peter Cherrie, Colm Horgan, Eoin Toal, Danny Lupano, Ally Gilchrist (Walter Figueira 49); Conor McCormack, Conor Clifford (Ciaron Harkin 62), Jack Malone; Jamie McDonagh, Tim Nilsen (Adam Liddle 69), Stephen Mallon.

Bohemians: Stephen McGuinness, Michael Barker, Dan Casey, Rob Cornwall, Anthony Breslin; Keith Ward (Luke Wade-Slater 84), JJ Lunney, Keith Buckey, Kris Twardek (Daniel Grant 68); Daniel Mandroiu; Glen McAley (Andre Wright 76).

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)