Derry City held to 1-1 draw by St Pat's at Brandywell

Rory Patterson had put the Candystripes into the driving seat with a well taken 10th minute strike – his 10th goal of the season.

However, Saints midfielder Tracey’s 24 minute goal cancelled out that strike as St Pat’s secured a share of the spoils.

Lucas Schubert struck the crossbar for the home side while Gerard Doherty made three fantastic saves to deny Christy Fagan, Sean Hoare and Billy Dennehy.

The home side were warming to the occasion and broke the deadlock on 10 minutes following a sublime move. Barry McNamee unlocked the Saint’s defence with a beautifully crafted pass and Patterson drilled the ball into the far corner.

St Pat’s came so close to hitting back 60 seconds later after a mistake by Derry’s makeshift centre half, Harry Monaghan but Billy Dennehy sent his low shot the wrong side of the post.

Derry’s Austrian midfielder, Schubert then struck the underside of the crossbar with a well executed strike after a neat back-heel by Daniels.

McEneff needlessly gave away possession just inside the Saints half on 24 minutes and when Mark Timlin raced through on the break, the ex-Derry City man found Tracey in space and he buried his shot low past Gerard Doherty.

Derry’s first attempt on goal in the second half arrived on 68 minutes when McNamee’s skimmed his strike narrowly past the post.

And McEneff also came close for the Candystripes two minutes later when his drilled effort bounced in front of Clarke and went just wide of the target.

Billy Dennehy was played through on goal by substitute, Graham Kelly but Doherty stood tall and saved bravely to deny the Saints attacker from close range.

Monaghan was presented with a glorious chance to clinch victory in the final minute of injury time but his powerful header from Curtis’ corner was wide of the target.

Derry City: G. Doherty; C. McDermott, N. Vemmelund, H. Monaghan, D. Jarvis; L. Schubert (N. Boyle 61), C. McCormack, A. McEneff, J. Daniels (R. Curtis 69); B. McNamee (B. Doherty 86); R. Patterson; Subs Not Used - S. Patton, R. Holden, S. Todd, K. Ward.

St Pat’s: B. Clarke, G. O’Brien, D. Dennehy, S. Hoare, I. Bermingham; C. Byrne (S. Kinsella 69), D. Cawley (G. Kelly 19), K. Tracey (S. Verdon 81) , M. Timlin; B. Dennehy; C. Fagan; Subs Not Used - C. O’Malley, D. Corcoran, L. Desmond, M. Barker.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).