Derry City earn welcome win over Longford Town

Derry finally put the game to bed in the 77th minute, McEleney threading through the flawless pass for Timlin to net his fourth goal in two games after the one-on-one situation with Hunt.

It was a hugely impressive performance from Hutton’s men and the inclusion of debutante Conor McCormack – City’s new signing from St Patrick’s Athletic – no doubt gave them a much needed lift.

Longford, seven points better off than Derry and in sixth place, come to the Brandywell seeking a first win in four.

Derry’s persistence was rewarded with a second goal in the 20th minute, thanks to a fine strike by Mark Timlin.

Longford’s only chance in the opening half fell to Kaleem Simon in the 33rd minute, the winger heading Pat Sullivan’s free into the welcoming hands of Doherty.

Timlin was inches away from City’s third on 50 minutes but his tremendously hit free-kick from the left side of the box, which had Hunt beaten, smacked against the post.

And Dooley somehow missed a glorious chance to seal the victory on 73 minute when he got onto the end of Timlin’s inviting cross but he somehow struck Martin Deady on the line with the goal at his mercy.

Hunt had to make a smart save on 80 minutes when City substitute Cillian Morrison got in behind the Town defence, but his low strike was saved by the keeper.

The versatile McCormack, 25, joins recent arrivals Mark Quigley and Rob Cornwall at the Brandywell.