Derry stun leaders Bohemians

LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION Derry City 3 Bohemians 2: DERRY CITY moved back into the race for the Premier Division title following a superb defeat of leaders, Bohemains, at a packed Brandywell last night.

Derry's victory will also be warmly welcomed on Leeside as Cork City could move onto the summit with a victory over St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park this evening.

Having conceded just two goals after the opening quarter of the season, Bohemians were hit with a three goal blast in the second half having entered the break winning 1-0.

After a mediocre display in the opening period, Derry sparked to life after the break with two goals within the space of three minutes and Bohemians were in trouble.

Midfielder Paul Keegan had given the visitors the breakthrough with a 17th minute snap-shot through a crowd of players, the ball finding its way to the net between the legs of Derry goalkeeper, Gerard Doherty.

And the Dubliners deserved that lead having passed the ball around so well and appearing particularly strong at the back with Jason McGuinness totally dominant in the air.

However, following the change of ends, Derry's high-tempo approach reaped immediate dividends.

In the 50th minute a swift Derry move on the right saw Kevin Deery find the overlapping Eddie McCallion and his low cross was driven into the net by Thomas Stewart.

That goal brought the Brandywell to life and within three minutes, the home side had moved into the driving seat.

In the 53rd minute another Deery pass sent the lively Mark Farren scampering clear and his low shot from just inside the 18 yards area beat Brian Murphy at his near post.

Sensationally, Derry made it 3-1 in the 74th minute when Ciaran Martyn set-up the unmarked Barry Molloy and he drove the ball into the net to send the home crowd wild, bringing noise levels to crescendo point at the Foyleside venue.

But Bohemians refused to give up the ghost and in the 79th minute the league leaders blew the game wide open again with their second goal.

Anto Murphy was introduced at the expense of Graham Carey and netted with his first touch after fellow substitute Neale Fenn had delivered the perfect pass.

Both sides battled until the end as Derry held out to maintain their impressive record over Bohemians in recent seasons.

Derry manager Stephen Kenny will be particularly satisfied with the victory as it gets his team back into the mix, just two points behind the leaders.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion, McChrystal, Hutton, Gray; Deery (Higgins, 81 mins), Molloy, Martyn, Stewart; Morrow (McManus, 87 mins), Farren (McClean, 93 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Murphy; Shelley, McGuinness, Heary, Powell; Brennan, Keegan, Cronin, Carey (Murphy, 78 mins); Byrne (Rossiter, 84 mins), Crowe (Fenn, 69 mins).

Referee: D McKeon(Dublin).