Derry secure second place with Cork victory

Derry City finished the season three points behind champions Shamrock Rovers

Derry City secured second position in the Premier Division with a 1-0 victory over already relegated Cork City at Turners Cross.

Michael Duffy scored the only goal of the game when he nodded home on 33 minutes for his 12th of the campaign.

Both sides were denied by the woodwork with Brian Maher able to divert Sean Maguire's effort onto the crossbar and Duffy's effort being deflected onto the post.

The Candystripes had already guaranteed European football for next season. However, they had to better Shelbourne's result on the final day of the season to seal second position, with Shels drawing 0-0 with St Patricks at Tolka Park.

Lynch seals second place in first year as manager

Derry dominated the opening encounters with Carl Winchester and Duffy having early chances.

Tiernan Lynch's side's persistence paid off, and they broke the deadlock through Duffy after the in-form winger headed Winchester's cross home from an unmarked position.

Gavin Whyte then made Cork keeper Brann produce a great save to divert his on-target effort before Robbie Benson failed to convert Brandon Fleming's cross.

Cork had their best chance to level the game just after the restart, but a superb reaction save from stopper Maher tipped Maguire's shot onto the woodwork.

Duffy would then be denied a second by the crossbar when the busy Brann pushed his powerful effort onto the post.

Lynch's men kept pushing for another goal. However, FAI finalists Cork defended resolutely until the final whistle to deny Derry a more comfortable win.