League of Ireland Premier Division: Derry City 0-0 Cork City

Steven Beattie and Patrick McClean in aerial action at the Brandywell

Second-placed Derry City remain one point ahead of Cork City in the Premier Division standings after a goal-less draw between the sides on Monday night.

Neither team looked likely to break the deadlock in an uninspiring match at the Brandywell, in which goalmouth action and clearcut chances were at a premium.

Rory Patterson twice went close for Derry, with Sean Maguire and Garry Buckley having opportunities for Cork.

John Caulfield's side have three games in hand over the Candystripes.

Derry had suffered just one league defeat in nine outings since losing 2-1 to Cork the last time the clubs met in May at Turner's Cross.

That was a 5-0 hammering by leaders Dundalk at the start of July.

Derry won two of previous meetings

Kenny Shiels' men beat Cork in the first encounter of the campaign between the sides and also saw off their opponents in the EA Sports Cup, before Cork exacted a degree of revenge with that one-goal victory on 13 May.

Derry were beginning their final series of league games but the match lacked intensity from the start, as the hosts looked tired from their exertions in a 5-0 thumping of derby rivals Finn Harps on Friday night.

Ryan McBride was named in the starting line-up despite injury concerns over the defender, but his involvement did not last long as the skipper was forced to retire hurt early on.

After a tepid first half, Derry began the second half in brighter fashion as Patterson's long-range shot flew just wide of Mark McNulty's post.

Maguire and Buckley carved out late opportunities for Cork, but the former shot over the bar and the latter fired straight into the arms of Ger Doherty.

Derry are away to Bohemians in an FAI Cup tie on Friday night.