A Damien Brennan strike two minutes from time helped Derry City rallied despite the odds at Finn Park tonight to claim the outright lead at the top of the eircom Premier League.
Newly crowned Player of the Month and Derry captain Peter Hutton missed two first half penalties before Barry Molloy received his marching orders to leave the Stephen Kenny's side with a real battle on their hands to maintain their momentum in pursuit of Cork City.
Derry are no three points ahead of the Leesiders having played two more games than Damien Richardson's men.
Shelbourne remained in pursuit of the top two with a one nil win over St Patrick's Athletic, thanks to a 74th minute Gary O'Neil strike.
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Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers drew 0-0 at United Park.