DERRY CITY reaped the benefit of two defensive calamities at the Brandywell to climb  onto the summit of the Premier Division table with victory over St Patrick's Athletic.

And while it was a deserved victory for Stephen Kenny's men who maintained their title challenge with this win, Pete Mahon will be devastated with the result, Brian Shortall and Dave Mulcahy considered the villains of the piece having been credited with own goals.

So, on a night that James McClean waved his goodbyes to the Brandywell Faithful at half-time before returning to Sunderland the following morning, Derry enjoyed what could prove a significant weekend.

The league’s top marksman, Eamon Zayed, tested Pat’s reserve keeper, Chris Bennion while Danny North weaved his way into the box at the other end only to be denied by Shane McEleney during the early stages.

However, the best chance of the opening period fell to the home side following a classic counter-attack in the 16^th minute.

Patrick McEleney sent Kevin Deery scampering up the right flank and his low delivery was diverted agonisingly wide of the post by the inrushing Zayed from point blank range.

St Pat’s gave Derry a scare on the hour when a low pass-cum-shot from David McMillan sailed narrowly wide of the post with keeper, Gerard Doherty, appearing to be flat-footed.

McLaughlin set the excellent Barry Molloy up for a chance three minutes later but the low effort was easily dealt with by Bennion as the Candystripes continued to dominate the possession.

Derry’s pressure finally paid off in the 71^st minute and it appeared to be something of a bizarre goal.

A deep cross from Daniel Lafferty saw Zayed and Shortall challenge for the high ball and when the Pat’s centre-half attempted to chest it back to the advancing Bennion, the ball found its way past the startled keeper much to the delight of the home lot.

But St Pat’s squandered what was a glorious chance to restore equality five minutes later.

The ball was punted up the middle before the lively Danny North raced clear and as Ger Doherty advanced the Pat’s striker successfully lobbed him but the ball failed to find the target must to the disgust of the visiting bench.

Deery forced Bennion into a good save in the 81^st minute before St. Pat’s added to their own downfall.

A Deery corner was floated into the area before the unfortunate David Mulcahy poked it into his own net to send the home fans home in delight.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion, S. McEleney, Greacen, Lafferty; Deery, Molloy, Higgins, McLaughlin; P. McEleney, Zayed.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Bennion; Pender, E McMillan, Shorthall, Bermingham (Kenna, 82); Kavanagh (O'Connor), O’Donnell (Crowley, 82), Mulcahy, Doyle; North, D. McMillan.

Referee- D. McKeon (Dublin)