Derry City received a massive boost for tonight's high profile visit of Glasgow Celtic when they defeated Finn Harps in this north-west derby at the Brandywell on Saturday night.
Commenting on the victory, Brandywell manager, Kevin Mahon said: "Overall, we defended very well and Liam Coyle was a constant thorn in their defence. We created scoring chances and, thankfully, we took advantage."
For Finn Harps, defeat was devastating for under-pressure manager, Gavin Dykes. And he openly admitted that if things don't turn around soon, he could well be looking for another job.
Harps struck the first blow in the 28th minute. A defensive error by Darren Kelly allowed Alec Nesovic to intercept a back pass and when he drilled the ball across the face of the Derry goal, Harps' Swedish recruit, Kemo Avidu, pounced to guide it home.
Derry battled back and deservedly levelled matters one minute before the break. Kelly atoned for his early error when he headed the ball forward, Gary Beckett flicked it on and Paddy McLaughlin drove a powerful right foot shot high into the net.
The home side moved into the driving seat in the 56th minute when Beckett's glancing header found the net off the body of a Harps defender.
The match was over as a contest in the 78th minute following a superb Derry move. Coyle controlled John Connolly's long kick-out and his cheeky back-heel saw Beckett play in the advancing Eamon Doherty who gleefully guided the ball home.
DERRY CITY: Connolly; Harkin, Hutton, Kelly; McCallion, McLaughlin, Hegarty, Doherty, Hargan; Coyle, Beckett. Subs: Quigley for Harkin (87 mins).
FINN HARPS: Downey; Boyle, O'Hanlon, Minnock; Kenny, Mohan, Tierney, Harkin, McGrenaghan; Nesovic, Avidu. Subs: Bradley for Tierney (59 mins), Kelly for Kenny (80 mins).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
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