Rory Patterson scored the only goal against Bohemians tonight in Dublin
A Rory Patterson early goal earned Derry City victory over Bohemians in Dublin.
It moves the Candystripes closer to SSE Airtricity Premier League leaders Dundalk and second placed Cork City.
Patterson struck in the 10th minute after good work by Conor McCormack.
Gerard Doherty denied Bohs’ Eoin Wearen before half-time but the visitors largely controlled the second period.
Lukas Schubert, McCormack and Barry McNamee missed chances to extend Derry’s lead although Doherty had to deny Bohemians sub Mark Quigley.
After Ismahil Akinade missed the first chance for Bohs in the ninth minute, Patterson hit the winner a minute later as he looped in a shot following McCormack’s cross.
Bohs had the better of the second quarter and Derry defender Niclas Vemmelund and Aaron Barry had to make separate interventions to deny Akinade.
However, Derry largely bossed after the resumption as Schubert fired a great chance straight at Bohs keeper Shane Supple and McCormack also headed over when well placed.
Quigley wasted a chance to level for the Bohs against the run of play as he failed to exploit a weak back-header by failing to loft over Doherty but Derry missed a late opportunity to double their advantage as McCormack volleyed wide.
The win leaves Derry nine points behind leaders Dundalk although Stephen Kenny’s side have a game in hand on the Candystripes.
Derry are now three points behind second-placed Cork.#
But the Leeside club have played two fewer games.
Next up for Derry is away game against Sligo Rovers next Saturday night.
