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College climb as Derry lose another

Friday 20th April 2007, 10:59 pm

Derry City's abysmal start to the eircom League of Ireland season continued tonight as UCD left the Brandywell with all three points following a 1-0 win. Derry have now lost seven of their last nine games and their fourth league loss equals the number they lost from thirty league games last season.

UCD climbed above their hosts following substitute Timmy Purcell's late goal. However, the Students had at least their fair share of the game with Derry lucky not to concede in the early going.

Pat Jennings was retained in the City goal and he did well to save first from Alan Mahon, who headed straight at him from a good position, and then Paul Byrne. Jennings did superbly to tip over from the Students' header at goal.

As if Derry haven't had enough problems this season, they lost Kevin Deery to injury before half-time with Pat McCourt replacing him.

McCourt created Derry's best chance of the first half but missed the target on the stroke of half-time.

The Candystripes took control of the game before the hour mark but struggled to create chances despite superior possession. Ken Oman went close after the hour but chances were not common in the second period.

The only goal of the game arrived on 82 minutes when Purcell turned the ball home after Conor Sammon saw his shot initially saved by Jennings.

Substitute Peter Hynes twice went close for Derry in the latter stages but UCD secured a famous win to leave Derry ten points behind leaders Drogheda.

Derry City : Jennings, Rogers, Oman (Hynes 84), Hutton, Hargan, Deery (McCourt 36), Molloy, Higgins, Brennan (Moore 65), Farren, McHugh.
UCD : Gregg, Mahon, Kenna, McNally, Bermingham, C Byrne (Purcell 76), McFaul (Finn 61), Crowley, Doyle, Sammon, P Byrne (McDonnell 85).