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A Rory Patterson penalty earned Derry City a point against two-from-bottom Bray Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Bray deservedly took the lead just before half-time when Adam Mitchell stooped to net a close-range header.

Patterson scored a 61st-minute penalty after being fouled in the box and then Jake Kelly blasted over from the spot for Bray 12 minutes from time.

Derry had Shaun Kelly sent-off in the 84th minute while Niall Cooney also saw red late on.

The draw means Bray still have not beaten Derry since 2008 but the point helps edge Wanderers away from relegation trouble.

City rested several players as the game at the Carlisle Grounds was taking place five days before Sunday's FAI Cup semi-final against Shamrock Rovers.

Derry have won just two of their last nine in the league, but boss Peter Hutton made no secret of the fact that his focus was the cup clash at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

They had a couple of escapes midway through the first half as Jake Kelly saw his shot strike the crossbar and David Cassidy's effort was palmed away by keeper Gerard Doherty.

Mitchell's opener was the least Bray deserved as they went in search of only a sixth win from their 30 league fixtures this season.

They could have gone into a 2-0 lead early in the second half but Jake Kelly missed a great opportunity.

Patterson's penalty saw Derry avoid defeat but Bray will feel they missed a great chance to bag a rare three points.

Bray's late spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Kelly by keeper Doherty who was perhaps fortunate to get away with a yellow card. Derry's good fortune continued as Kelly blasted over the bar.

Former Limerick defender Shaun Kelly was dismissed in the 83rd minute when his foul on Jake Kelly brought him his second booking.

Bray's Cooney was sent-off for a second yellow card near the end.