Honours even between Derry City and St Pat's

James McClean returned from injury to make his 100th Derry City appearance

Derry City were held to a goalless draw by St Patrick's Athletic in their League of Ireland Premier Division clash at Celtic Park.

The Candystripes have now drawn nine of their 18 league matches so far this season. as their winless run extends to five matches.

Boos from some sections of the home support greeted the sounding of the referee's whistle at the end of the game.

Tiernan Lynch was able to avail of James McClean for the first time in six weeks. after he recovered from a hip problem to make his 100th appearance for his hometown club.

Former Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce also made the Derry bench for the first time this season,. the home side were without Michael Duffy due to injury.

Derry City stay sixth in the table. are just two points above the relegation play-off spot, while St Pat's stay second trailing the league leaders Shamrock Rovers by two points.

The only first half chance of note fell to the home side with Adam O'Reilly threading Kevin Dos Santos through on goal,. Ghana international Joesph Anang helped his bid for a World Cup call-up with a superb stop.

Despite a series of corners, Derry failed to capitalise on their dominance with the sides scoreless at the break.

Kian Leavy was a constant threat for the visitors down the right hand side. with his cross narrowly evading Ryan Edmondson at the back post for a tap-in.

The Candystripes should have taken the lead early in the second stanza. O'Reilly burned past Luke Turner before dinking the ball towards James Olayinka who fluffed his lines inside the area when he really ought to have scored.

Eddie Beach in the home goal was a virtual spectator until the 75th minute when he was called into action to make a smart save to deny Leavy.

Both sides went in search of a late winning goal with Conor Barr defending well as Barry Baggley looked in, before O'Reilly's long ball found Henry Rylah. his effort from a narrow angle was well matched by Anang.

Tiernan Lynch's side could have snatched a victory with almost the last play of the game.

Barry Cotter's long throw caused havoc inside the area,. Rylah could not make a clean contact as they ball bounced into the hands of Anang, as both sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Derry City are back in action on Monday night when they welcome Shelbourne to Celtic Park. while St Pat's travel to champions Shamrock Rovers next.

Derry City:Beach, Cotter, Barr, Stott, Fleming, Dummigan (Markey 73), O'Reilly, Olayinka, J McClean (Rylah 61), Dos Santos, Clarke (Thomas 81).

Subs not used:Callister, Akinyemi, Doherty, Bannon, L Boyce, Downey.

St Patrick's Athletic:Anang. Redmond, Grivosti, Turner, Brown (Baggley 59), Forrester (Palmer 72), Lennon, Nugent, Leavy, Edmondson (Keena 81), Elbouzedi (Breslin 59).

Subs not used:Rogers, McClelland, R Boyce, Mata, Nzingo.