Derry are derby winners - December 17, 2000
Finn Harps 0 Derry City 1
The Eircom Premier division was as tight as a witch's tights a few weeks ago but it's all becoming clear now. Shels have opened a gap at the top - and flagging Harps have lost their grip on Galway United's coat tails.
Certainly, Derry did themselves a big favour with this north-west derby win and can now look down on their floundering neighbours from a position of relative safety.
But Harps manager Gavin Dykes was merely stating the obvious when he admitted: "We're in bother".
"I need money to try and bring in players," he went on. "I need a striker, a midfielder and maybe a defender."
Harps had the first chance through Paddy McGrenaghan but they were soon in arrears. After 17 minutes, Eamonn Doherty continued his recent run of scoring form when he latched onto Gary Beckett's cross to fire home the winner.
After that it was typical derby fare. Derry were competent rather than dominant, but Harps rarely looked as they could find an equaliser.
Finn Harps: Downey, Bradley, Minnock, Fitzhenry, Dykes, McGrenaghan, Mohan, Tierney, McHugh, Kenny, Harkin
Subs: Speak for McHugh 65, Kelly for McGrenaghan 75
Booked: McHugh
Derry City: Payne, McCallion, Hargan, Hutton, Kelly, Doherty, McLaughlin, Hegarty, Harkin, Beckett, Gallagher
Subs: McIvor for Gallagher 48, McCready for McIvor 80
Goals: Doherty 17
Referee: John Stacey (Athlone)