Derry City paraded a new striker at the Brandywell on Saturday night, but he failed to make a significant impression as the home side were again frustrated by Longford Town.

In fact, Derry will be glad to have seen the back of the midlanders who have taken a total of seven points from a possible nine in their three encounters this season.

Dominic Sheppard, who played with Glenavon in the Irish League two seasons ago, is expected to remain at the Brandywell until the end of the season.

Derry boss Kevin Mahon was predictably despondent. "I'm frustrated and disappointed. At this stage of the season this result must be viewed as two points dropped as far as we are concerned," he said.

Longford, content to flood their defence, were always dangerous on the break and Shay Zellor missed the proverbial "sitter" in the 39th minute when he burst clear but blasted wide with only Derry goalkeeper Russell Payne to beat.

In the 71st minute, Derry's Darren Kelly sent a ferocious volley crashing off the upright with goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien well beaten.

Derry City: Payne; McCallion, Kelly, Harkin, Hargan; Doherty, Hegarty (McLaughlin, 54), Hutton, McCready; Sheppard (Devlin, 54), Beckett (McCaul, 78).

Longford Town: O'Brien; Murphy, McNally, Smith, W Byrne (Coyle, 75 mins); Zellor, Perth, S Byrne, Gavin (Notaro, 71); O'Connor, N Byrne.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).