A BRILLIANT 35-YARD free kick from Patrick McEleney gave Derry a 1-0 win over Athlone Town and helped moved the Candystripes into sixth place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier division today.
The game’s only goal came mid-way through an even first half after an soft free kick was awarded to Derry.
Though Athlone ‘keeper Paul Skinner managed to get a hand to the wonder-strike, he couldn’t stop it from nestling in his top corner.
The home side had plenty of chances to level – Derek Prendergast’s header hitting the upright – but Gerard Doherty remained unbeaten in the Derry goal and pulled off a great save from Sean Brennan to ensure all three points would be heading north.
The loss means Athlone remain six points adrift of UCD at the foot of the table while Derry prepare for the second leg of their Europa League tie with Aberystwyth Town on Thursday protecting a 4-0 lead.
