League of Ireland: Longford Town 1-1 Derry City

Candystripes forward Rory Patterson missed a first-half penalty in Longford

Derry City missed the chance to go level on points with Premier Division leaders Dundalk after being held to a draw by bottom club Longford.

The hosts went ahead on 27 minutes with David O'Sullivan left unmarked to head in from a corner.

City dominated for the rest of the game and Rory Patterson missed a penalty while Dean Jarvis hit the bar.

Patrick McClean levelled with a superb second-half strike before Barry McNamee wasted a late chance to win the game.

Missed opportunity

Derry were punished for a sluggish start by O'Sullivan's opener but they created enough openings to take all three points at City Calling Stadium.

Tristan Hofman hauled down Patterson for the 34th minute penalty but the striker sent his tame spot-kick straight at grateful keeper Paul Skinner.

Jarvis could only find the woodwork from six yards minutes later as a frustrated City went in behind at the break.

Derry dominated the second half by Longford restricted the visitors until substitute McClean popped up with a wonder goal on 73 minutes.

The defender moved up and unleashed a 35-yard thunderbolt which whistled into the top corner.

Derry still had time to find a winner and the best chance fell to McNamee, who scuffed his shot to gift Skinner an easy save.