Derry City dominated this Eircom League Cup semi-final at The Brandywell last night, but their failure to convert a plethora of clear-cut scoring opportunities kept First Division representatives Bray Wanderers in the game until the finish. After opening up a deserved two-goal lead, the home side conceded a soft goal in the 45th minute to keep Bray's interest in the game very much alive.

Derry midfielder Eamonn Doherty proved his side's most effective attacking option in the first half, going close on no less than three occasions, and it was fitting that he broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Gary Beckett worked his way to the byline and when the striker successfully cut the ball back across the face of goal, an unmarked Doherty gleefully steered the ball home from 12 yards. Derry deservedly doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when new striker Vill Powell forced Bray goalkeeper John Walsh into a spectacular save. However, the rebound dropped perfectly into the path of the advancing Johnny McIvor and he found the net from close range. The home side appeared to take their foot off the pedal and they conceded a particularly soft goal on the stroke of half-time. Bray's top scorer Kieran O'Brien gained possession on the left and his precise cross into the danger area was headed firmly home by midfielder Stephen Fox.

After the break, Derry continued to force Bray on to the back foot but Powell, Beckett and Andy Moran all squandered opportunities to regain a two-goal cushion for the home side. The win will lift some of the gloom in Derry after mediocre performances.