Derry City recovered from their midweek European disappointment when they carved out a hard-earned win over a disappointing Limerick FC at Thomond Park last night.
Played in very trying conditions with thunder, lightning and sunshine at various stages, it was obvious goals would be at a premium. Just when it seemed neither goalkeeper would be beaten the visitors struck. David McDaid was a super-sub for Derry 21 minutes from the end after coming on in the 50th minute in place of Michael Rafter and from close range he beat Barry Ryan.
Limerick had a couple of claims for penalties turned down but five minutes before the break referee Paul McLaughlin finally pointed to the spot – but it went to Derry after Simon Madden was deemed to have been fouled which led to two Limerick players being yellow carded.
Penalty save
However, goalkeeper Barry Ryan superbly dived to his left to block Rafter's kick. Nine minutes earlier Limerick fans in the crowd of more than 1,000 screamed for a penalty when Shaun Kelly seemed to be fouled in the area.
Just on half-time a free by Kelly gave Craig Curran a chance to put Limerick in front but the striker headed straight at Gerard Doherty.
The deadlock was finally broken after 69 minutes when McDaid grabbed the winner.
LIMERICK FC: Ryan, Kelly, O'Callaghan, Williams, Gamble, Galbraith, Bradley, Bossekota, O'Leary, Tracey, Curran. Subs used: Feeney, Sheedy, Nzuzi.
DERRY CITY: Doherty, McBride, Madden, Deery, Osborne, Kavanagh, Higgins, Duffy, McEleney, McNamee, Rafter. Subs used: McDaid, Heuston, Patterson.
Referee: P McLaughlin
