Irish Premier Division: Derry City 3-0 Finn Harps

Rory Patterson's second-half double sealed victory for Derry City

Rory Patterson was on target twice and Ronan Curtis once as Derry City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over relegation threatened Finn Harps at Maginn Park.

Curtis drove home a left-foot shot in the 24th minute, before Patterson stroked the ball into an empty net on 56 and headed in four minutes later.

Derry appear set to secure a European place while their struggling derby rivals look destined for the drop.

The Candystripes face a Cork side who need a point for the title on Monday.

Leaders Cork are six ahead of nearest challengers Dundalk after a 0-0 draw against Bohemians on Friday night.

Derry's final two fixtures of the campaign are away to Sligo Rovers on 21 October and home to St Patrick's Athletic on 27 October.

Kenny Shiels' men lie fourth, six ahead of Bray Wanderers, while Harps are in a lowly 11th, five points clear of safety.

Three teams will be relegated from the top flight this term as the League of Ireland prepare to introduce a 10-team Premier Division next season.

Curtis set the ball rolling for the hosts when he won the ball, ran into the box and dispatched a left-foot shot under the body of Ciaran Gallagher and in at the far post for his ninth goal of the season.

Curtis turned provider for the second goal, laying the ball off for former Linfield and Glentoran forward Patterson to grab his first of the night.

Patterson's low header from an inch-perfect left-wing cross by Ben Doherty four minutes later gave the scoreline an even more convincing look.

Derry's triumph brings to an end a run of three successive wins by the away team in the derby encounters between the sides.