Derry City 0, St Patrick's Athletic 0

Derry City's young winger Michael Duffy would have been hailed a hero at the Brandywell last night, but his 93rd-minute shot was blocked by St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper, Brendan Clarke, to ensure that the spoils would be shared.

And on a night when there will have been no complaints at the quality of the pitch, the point will have been warmly welcomed on Foyleside after what was a closely-contested affair.

But, if the truth be told, Derry were fortunate not to concede a penalty in the 12th minute after Ryan McBride appeared to haul Christy Fagan to the ground but the referee, Paul McLaughlin, was not impressed and waved play on.

With both sides having displayed great endeavour throughout the game, Derry bossed the possession during the early stages of the second half after Chris Forrester had warmed the palms of Ger Doherty twice during the opening period.

However, the best chance of the match feel to striker Rory Patterson with 10 minutes remaining,

Mark Stewart gained possession on the right and his low cross dropped perfectly into the Derry striker’s path but he ballooned the ball high over the crossbar.

Christy Fagan watched his volley skim the crossbar one minute later as both sides went all out for the winner, with young Duffy’s last-gasp effort pushed wide by keeper Clarke.