Derry hold out for vital point

FAI National League, Premier Division/Shamrock Rovers 1; Derry City 1: Shamrock Rovers began their latest tenancy at Tolka Park last night with a draw as, despite a late push, they couldn't overcome struggling Derry City.

Derry, without a league win in four months and in desperate need of the points to climb away from the relegation zone, were dogged in their approach and had chances to win the game. But they will still be pleased with a point after a great rearguard effort in the final 20 minutes.

Rovers had taken the lead as early as the 13th minute when Tony Grant headed home Trevor Molloy's deflected right-wing cross after a misdirected free-kick by Eddie McCallion had put Derry in trouble.

But after the visitors switched their formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 to match the home side, the game turned and Derry drew level in the 30th minute when Ciarán Martyn rifled the ball home from close range after Michael Holt had slipped Gary Beckett's cross into the midfielder's path.

Derry then had two glorious chances to win the game with Tony O'Dowd saving a close-range drive from Billy Clery and later making an outstanding save to thwart Holt after the striker was put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Rovers' late switch to 4-4-2 resulted in their best spell of the game though they failed to create any genuine opportunites with Derry's defence holding firm.

^{SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd; Palmer, Colwell, Deans; Gough, S Grant, Reynolds, Keddy (Fitzpatrick 60), Doyle; T Grant (Haylock 85), Molloy (Robinson 82).}

^{DERRY CITY: Gough; McLaughlin, Hutton, McCallion, Clery; McGlynn, Doherty (Deery 80), Martyn, Holt (Farren 75); Hargan, Beckett (Friars 87).}

^{Referee: I Stokes (Dublin).}