The Hoops maintained their two point advantage at the summit of the table thanks to a first-half goal from Dessie Baker and a top class defensive display in the second.

After a day of heavy rain the surface in the Brandywell was slippy on top but the Hoops started well and O’Connor’s corner on 5 minutes was just missed by Sives and Delaney had to clear Robinson’s cross.

A Bradley free-kick on 7 minutes found its way to the back post and Amond took a touch before firing his shot against the upright from a tight angle. McGlynn then shot wide following a good break for the home side.

A good intercepting tackle from Price denied McManus a run on goal in the 21^st minute and 6 minutes later the deadlock was broken. Mannus threw the ball out quickly and Rovers broke with O’Connor crossing the ball into the area. The home defence hesitated and Amond pounced to get on the ball and with his back to goal he hooked the ball over Doherty in the Derry goal and Baker gleefully ran on to head the ball into an empty net.

Rovers were comfortable for the remainder of the half but it was a different story on the resumption after the break. Derry came out firing on all cylinders and following free-kick in the 49^th minute Mannus made a fine stop from a McManus header before Gray shot over the bar from inside the box. McManus then headed wide following a corner before Higgins tested Mannus with a shot from 20 yards out.

Derry continued to dominate possession but O’Connor ran at the home defence on 58 minutes but his shot went over the bar. Substitute Martyn shot narrowly wide for the Candystripes as they pressed for an equaliser.

Rovers were happy to soak up the pressure and try hit Derry on the break and Rice was on hand to head away a good cross on 74 minutes. McManus headed over the bar on 79 minutes just before the introduction of Don Cowen who was immediately into the action and it looked like Delaney had tripped him as he attempted a run on goal but the Ref. waved play on.

The home side continued to press forward but on each occasion it was either Sives or Price that continually headed the ball out of the danger area to frustrate the Derry attack. McManus then shot well wide from inside the area following Rice’s defensive header.

Rovers may have lived dangerously in the second half but the solid performance of the Hoops defence meant that the home side never created any clear cut scoring chances. Nevertheless the Rovers travelling support greeted the final whistle, after three minutes of added on time, with a mixture of joy and relief.