Patterson on double as Derry sink Harps

RORY PATTERSON’S secondhalf brace saw Derry City pile the misery on relegation-threatened Finn Harps last night.

Patterson struck twice after in-form Ronan Curtis had opened the scoring.

Curtis, just back from playing for the Republic of Ireland U-21s in the scoreless draw with Norway and the 4-0 win over Israel in the last week, broke the deadlock in the 24th minute.

Curtis robbed Damien McNulty of possession and, after surging into the Harps penalty area, the lively attacker slammed past Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher.

In a low-key opening to a derby that had a lot at stake for both clubs, with Derry aiming for Europe and Harps scrapping for survival, it was Derry who had the early edge.

Lukas Schubert was unable to test Gallagher with a headed effort from Ben Doherty’s cross, Patterson saw an effort cannon wildly off a Harps defender, with Doherty again the provider.

Aaron McEneff flashed wide for the hosts and the frustrated visitors had their first attempt late in the half when Danny Morrisey’s shot from the edge of the box deflected wide.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Patterson steered home after Curtis cleverly played across the danger zone.

With Harps still reeling, Patterson nodded home another.