League of Ireland Premier Division: Derry City 0-2 Finn Harps

Substitute BJ Banda scored the first of Finn Harps' two goals against Derry City

Derry City suffered a third straight league defeat as they went down 2-0 to derby rivals Finn Harps at Maginn Park.

Substitute BJ Banda scored the opener in first-half injury-time, his shot taking a deflection off Ryan Barry and going over the head of Ger Doherty.

Doherty denied Banda a second after the break, while Mark Timlin pulled his shot wide for Derry, before Michael Funston found the net after 81 minutes.

Harps move to within a point of Derry in the league after their third win.

Ronan Curtis squandered an early chance for the Candystripes but he shot wide when well placed.

At the other end, ex-Derry winger Pat McCourt flashed an effort wide of the posts, before Aaron McEneff saw his drive tipped over by Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher.

Banda broke the deadlock when McCourt ghosted past a couple of players, then passe to Banda, who swivelled on the edge of the box, made space for himself, and fired past Doherty with the aid of a deflection.

Funston's goal nine minutes from time ensured the three points which saw his side move up to sixth position in the table.

The Ballybofey man bundled the loose ball home from close range after Banda's initial strike was pushed out by Doherty.

Derry remain fourth, but are now six points behind Dundalk and Bray Wanderers above them, their promising start to the season having fallen away.