91Èȱ¬

Derry City failed to secure a seventh successive Premier Division win as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night.

A win would have taken Declan Devine's men to the top of the table but they will not be too disappointed with the point at Richmond Park.

Conan Byrne scored for St Pat's on 22 minutes after a move involving Chris Forester and John Brennan.

Michael Rafter fired in the equaliser in the 38th minute.

The Derry striker pounced to score at the second attempt after Barry McNamee's ball in from the right.

McNamee was involved in a big talking point in the second half when Derry felt he was unfairly bundled over in the penalty area.

But referee Padraig Sutton ruled it was not a spot-kick - and instead booked the Derry midfielder for diving.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Stephen Kenny's Dundalk beat Cork City 2-0, Bohemians edged Bray Wanderers 3-2 and UCD had a 2-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers.

Leaders Sligo, a point ahead of Derry, are at home to Drogheda on Saturday night with Limerick taking on Shelbourne.