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Derry City ended their scoring drought but still could not beat UCD as Friday night's Premier Division game finished 1-1 at the Brandywell.

The Candystripes scored their first goal in 305 minutes through Michael Duffy's header just before half time.

It cancelled out a brilliant chip by UCD's Robbie Benson after 35 minutes.

Derry's Patrick McEleney had a penalty saved after eleven minutes and the home side were booed off after slipping to a disappointing third draw in a row.

Derry should have ended their scoring drought when McEleney won the early penalty after a rash tackle by James Kavanagh, but his spot kick was tipped over the bar by UCD goalkeeper Conor O'Donnell.

Derry were on top before Robbie Benson scored a superb goal for UCD against the run of play.

The UCD captain easily ran past Jon Paul McGovern and chipped motionless Derry goalkeeper Gerard Doherty from 18 yards.

Derry responded well to the setback and grabbed an equalizer on the stroke of half time.

Michael Duffy's downward back post header from McGovern's cross was Derry's first goal in 305 minutes of football.

The home side survived a real scare three minutes after the interval when Benson rounded the goalkeeper but his shot from an acute angle hit the outside of the post.

Chris Mulhall had the ball in the net for the visitors in the 55th minute but it was ruled out for offside.

UCD's confidence grew in the second half and Samir Belhout missed a glorious chance to snatch all three points for the students who remain second from bottom in the Premier Division.

The striker was through one-on-one with Doherty but lifted his shot over the crossbar, allowing the home side to hang on for a share of the spoils.