Standing ovation for Derry's Mullen as brace earns victory over Pat's

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Derry City 3 St Patrick's Athletic 1

DANNY Mullen earned a standing ovation following his brilliant brace of goals at the Brandywell against St. Patrick's Athletic.

The striker, who has enjoyed a decent run of good form of late, saw Derry bounce back following Friday night's disappointing home defeat against Shamrock Rovers.

The much welcomed win eases the pressure on team boss, Ruaidhri Higgins, who now prepares for back-to-back trips on the road to Waterford and Galway.

In what proved a lively game with sides making two changes from last weekend's games, this match turned in Derry's favour in the second half having held a 1-0 lead at the break.

That said, St. Pat's opened on the front foot and their energetic start fashioned the first chance of the game.

Teenage striker Mason Melia got his head to a cross from the left but the ball was directed into the welcoming hands of home keeper Brian Maher.

However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock during their first attack in the 16th minute.

Right winger Paul McMullan floated a deep cross into the path of Ben Doherty and his curling delivery back into the penalty area was met by Danny Mullen who gleefully smashed a low volley into the St. Pat's net from close range.

Despite having fallen behind, the Dubliners always remained a threat, especially, on the counter with former Candystripe Brandon Kavanagh enjoying a busy performance in the centre of the park.

And in the 41st minute Kavanagh went close to getting rewarded for his efforts but his goal bound shot was turned around his upright by Brian Maher at the expense of a corner.

Following the change of ends Derry doubled their lead when Pat Hoban netted his eighth goal of the season