Michael Duffy winner downs Bohemians and brings Derry City closer to summit

Derry City returned to winning ways thanks to substitute Michael Duffy's late winner to see off a battling Bohemians side at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Having drawn their previous two games, Ruaidhrí Higgins' side just about did enough to secure the points, thanks to Duffy's 85th minute goal.

The 1-0 victory moved the Red and White Army just a point behind leaders Shelbourne, who managed a fourth draw in five games against Drogheda United.

Bohs were inches away from taking an 18th minute lead as James McManus' right wing centre found James Akintunde, but the former City striker was disappointed that his powerful header, which had Brian Maher beaten, came back off the post.

Akintunde missed a glorious chance on 28 minutes this time the Londoner blasted over with the goal at his mercy, after Dayle Rooney's cross had fallen perfectly to him inside the six yard box.

Five minutes before the break Derry created a good opening as Daniel Kelly's left wing cross found Ben Doherty at the back post, but his cross-cum-shot, which was well off target, just flashed in front of an unmarked Paul McMullan, who was free inside the six yard box.

Just after the hour mark, the disappointing affair was sparked into life, as Declan McDaid went close twice in quick succession, his first long range shot was parried away by Maher and the Dublin net-minder made another top save diving a full stretch to keep the follow-up strike away.

Bohs created a half-chance on 70 minutes as centre-back Aboubacar Keita saw his close range shot bravely blocked by Ciaran Coll.

Derry should have won it in the closing stages as Adam O'Reilly's cross took a deflection right into Will Patching's path, but the midfielder's close range shot fizzed just wide.

The