DERRY CITY dropped two valuable points at the Brandywell on Saturday night against struggling Home Farm/Everton but the result now sees second placed Bohemians narrow the gap at the top to five points with nine games remaining.
But it could have been much worse for the league leaders. One goal in arrears, Derry failed miserably to break down Farm's stubborn defence until nine minutes from time when right winger Tom Mohan enjoyed a significant slice of luck.
The ball broke into his path following a corner and while he appeared to chip to the back post from a narrow angle, the galeforce wind helped curl the ball into the net.
It was a goal the home side thoroughly deserved as they had more or less dominated since the break but Home Farm's opener brought severe criticism from the Derry manager, Felix Healy, afterwards.
The Dubliners broke the deadlock controversially after 24 minutes. Tom McAuley broke on the left and as he approached the penalty area, a linesman appeared to signal the referee for an infringement and match official, John Feighery, pointed immediately to the spot.
Richie Purdy was adjudged to have pushed the Home Farm winger but, following vehement protests, John Coady hammered the ball home giving goalkeeper, Tony O'Dowd no chance.
"It was never a penalty. It was a disgraceful decision and one which cost us dearly," said Healy.
"Obviously we're very disappointed at dropping two points against a team which has more or less been relegated, but these things happen and they usually balance out over the season," he added.
Home Farm manager Dermot Keely agreed that the penalty was a strange decision. "At best I thought we might have been awarded an indirect free for obstruction. I have to be honest and say it wasn't a penalty, but I'm not complaining," he declared.
"However, their equaliser was a complete fluke and, in the end, it was a fair result. Derry certainly didn't deserve to win the match.
Keely remained confident that the Northern side would go on to win the league title. "The ball is in their court. They don't have to depend on any other team doing them favours. Defensively Derry are very strong and it's worth remembering that they do not have to go to Bohemians and Shelbourne and win. They are quite capable of going to Dublin and avoiding defeat," he added.
