Derry City 1 Bohemians 0:DECLAN DEVINE may have got his managerial career off to a winning start at the Brandywell last night, but the new Derry manager will believe his side should have defeated Bohemians by a heavier margin.

The defining moment centred on the dismissal of Bohs central midfielder, Adam Martin, for a tackle on Derry’s Stephen McLaughlin one minute before the break.

Referee Neil Doyle produced a red card, with defender Evan McMillan also receiving a caution for his protestations at the decision.

The home side may have dominated the scoring chances but they failed to take advantage. David McDaid brought the best out of Bohemians goalkeeper, Craig Sexton, after four minutes when set up by striking partner Rory Patterson.

Centre-back Stewart Greacen headed wide of the target following a Dermot McCaffrey cross in the 17th minute.

The best scoring chance of the half arrived in the 39th minute when the home side really should have broken the deadlock. Sexton was forced to head a high back-pass clear and when the ball fell for McDaid, the diminutive Derry striker directed his header wide of the open goal when he should have done better.

The dismissal of Martin saw Bohemians withdraw striker Keith Ward for the second half but the home side scuttled that tactic when breaking the deadlock within three minutes of the re-start. A Shane Madden cross from the right in the 49th minute found the head of Stephen McLaughlin and he guided the ball home from 14 yards.

The home side dominated possession afterwards but failed to get a second goal which would have ensured a much more comfortable finish.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, Greacen, S McEleney, McCaffrey; P McEleney, Molloy, Higgins, McLaughlin; Patterson, McDaid, (Farren, 71 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Sexton; Pender, Heary, McMillen, Byrne (O’Connor, 52); Moore, Martin, Joyce (Wilson, 68 mins), McMahon; Ward (Lopez, 45 mins), Corcoran.

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin)