Stephen Kenny's assertion that Shamrock Rovers would be involved in the race for the title, proved true at the Brandywell last night.

 

In fact, Rovers produced a determined first half display, passing the ball with great authority and accuracy, but they failed to get past in-form Derry keeper, Ger Doherty, who produced a scintillating display.

 

In what was a nervous opening, both sides had half chances but both failed to take advantage and while Derry saved their best for the final 15 minutes, Mark Farren missed a glorious chance to give the home side the spoils with just 11 minutes remaining.

 

Derry's Tam McManus, making his first league start since signing two months ago, had a header whipped off the line by Rovers Stephen Bradley in the 14th minute.

 

But at the other end, Doherty had to get down smartly to block a Padraig Amond effort from close range three minutes later.

 

Doherty produced the goods yet again in the 22nd minute when he superbly touched a Bradley curling cross around his post as Rovers began to threaten, displaying some decent passing movements.

 

Indeed, Rovers continued to push in the second half and they threatened again in the 58th minute. A penetrating run by Stephen Bradley found Gary Twigg but Doherty again rose to the challenge with a vital block.

 

Kevin Deery drilled a low shot at the target from the right flank but Barry Murphy was alert to the situation and got his body behind the ball.

 

Stephen Gray will be the first to thank his goalkeeper following his mistake in the 64th minute which saw Amond race into a one-on-on situation with Doherty but again the Derry keeper reigned supreme, producing a top drawer save.

 

He home side finished the game in determined fashion and they could have won it in the 79th minute from what proved the best chance of the match.

 

A high ball from defence was flicked on by Thomas Stewart and when Mark Farren raced through the striker sliced the ball wide of the target with only Murphy to beat.

 

In the 82nd minute a low cross from Ger O'Brien screamed across the face of the Rovers goal, no-one able to get a touch and another glorious chance was lost.

 

Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Gray, Hutton, McClean (O'Brien, 67); Deery, Higgins, Martyn (Scullion, 78), Stewart; McManus (Kearney 67), Farren.

 

Shamrock Rovers: Murphy; Flynn, Maguire, Price, Cahill; Bradley, Cameron, Rice, O'Connor; Twigg, Amond (Baker, 71).

 

Referee: Mr. D. Hancock (Dublin).