A FIVE-STAR performance by Derry City striker Liam Coyle saw the Northern side open up a seven-point lead at the top of the National League Premier Division following this very comfortable victory over UCD at the Brandywell last night.

Coyle, who netted twice against Home Farm-Everton on Saturday night at this venue, opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he headed a James Keddy corner to the net from close range.

Five minutes later the home side increased their advantage when central defender Paul Curran scored after a Peter Hutton shot had been deflected into his path. And Derry effectively ended this game as a contest in the 17th minute when Sean Hargan hammered the ball home after Coyle had put him through.

Derry's skipper Peter Hutton ended the rout with a double blast in the 80th and 81st minutes with two superbly-taken solo goals.