Derry City manager Peter Hutton admitted his team were poor after a shocking 2-0 home defeat to Galway United.
But most fans at the Brandywell will have gone home knowing there are more important things in life – with fans raising more than £9,000 tonight for former City stalwart Mark Farren.
Pauric Cunningham’s 24th minute opener after Gerard Doherty’s goalkeeping error was followed up by a second goal just three minutes later thanks to Jake Keegan’s powerful close-range header.
And City can’t complain – they were second best on the night.
On 18 minutes the Derry fans stood up and sung Mark Farren’s name as they showed their support for the club’s all-time leading marks man.
Former team-mate James McClean sat beside Farren throughout the game as fans raised money to help the star in his battle with cancer.
Doherty had to go off – he had been a doubt before the match.
Cillian Morrison had a chance to reduce the deficit at the start of the second half but his drive from just inside the box was straight at Gleeson.
Derry’s night of bad luck continued on 72 minutes when substitute keeper Patton collided with Gary Shanahan and both players had to leave the pitch on stretchers.
Anthony Elding became the third keeper of the evening for City and managed a fine save with eight minutes left from Padraic Cunningham, saving the Candystripes more blushes.
A minute later Morrison had a super chance to pull one back, but his close-range header was straight at Gleeson.
It was a night to forget football though; and a night to help a great footballer.
Derry City: Gerard Doherty (Shaun Patton 35 Ryan Curran 72), Shaun Kelly, Ryan McBride, Shane McEleney, Aaron Barry; Josh Daniels (Ronan Curtis 58), Philip Lowry, Barry McNamee, Mark Timlin; Cillian Morrison, Anthony Elding.
Galway United: Connor Gleeson, Cormac Raferty, Paul Sinnott, Stephen Walsh, Colm Horgan; Gary Shanahan (Antoine O Laoi 72), David O’Leary, Ryan Connolly, Jake Keegan; Enda Curran, Padraic Cunningham.
Referee: Mr Rob Rogers (Dublin).
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