These are delightful times for Derry City, while Galway United's plight can certainly be classed as gruesome so this Terryland Park affair didn't surprise.

 

On a day in which Derry accepted a bid from Sunderland for winger James McClean the Candystripes possessed enough class to earn a convincing win in the west.

 

It was Galway's 20^th loss in a row and even though there was no shortage of determination in Galway's play they lacked the ability to hurt Derry.

 

Unsurprisingly it was Derry who looked the more assured outfit early on and the Candystripes could have taken a second minute lead.

 

Kevin Deery's cross from the right was sharp, Stephen McLaughlin made a firm headed connection, but Galway custodian Conor Winn saved.

 

Derry went close again seconds later when Patrick McEleney raced clear, but Winn made a splendid stop to keep Galway on terms.

 

But the Candystripes bright start was rewarded in the 11^th minute when they took a deserved lead courtesy of an Eamon Zayed penalty.

 

Bobby Ryan made an unnecessary foul on Deery in the area, and Zayed rolled the spot kick into the bottom right hand corner.

 

Derry were ruling affairs and came close to nicking a second, but left full Emmett Friars drilled wide following a smart run deep into Galway territory.

 

The second goal did arrive four minutes before the break when McEleney's smart footwork created space for Zayed, who provided an opportunistic headed finish.

 

Derry, though, regained the initiative in the 75^th minute when they filched the insurance goal as Zayed turned provider.

 

The free scoring attacker selflessly rolled the ball back for McEleney, who was able to provide a slide-rule finish beyond Winn's despairing lunge. 

 

Galway United: Winn; Preston-Kelly, Browne, Gaughan, Walsh; Kim, Sinnott, G Kelly, Ryan (Gilmore 55);Murphy, Caldwell (Collins 51). 

 

Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Greacen, S McEleney, Friars; Deery (Harkin 78), Higgins, Molloy, McLaughlin; P McEleney (McDaid 80), Zayed. 

 

Referee: N Doyle (Dublin).