Drogheda United...(0) 0
Derry City...(0) 0
Derry City's title hopes all but came to an end, after a disappointing score-less draw at Drogheda United.
Boss Ruaidhrí Higgins described the encounter as a 'must win' game for his side in his pre-match press conference this week and while they had the chances, particularly in the second half, they were unable to get that crucial goal.
The point means the Candy Stripes now sit four points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, but the Dubliners have a match in hand and now look a sure thing to clinch their fourth Premier Division title in a row.
Not for the first time this season, the Foylesiders failed to capitalise when they had a chance to put pressure on Stephen Bradley's men and this disappointing scoreless draw at Weavers Park, all but won them the top flight prize.
While the home side went into the game with nothing to really play for, that didn't dampen the spirits of the United faithful, who got right behind their team from the first whistle.
City created the first opening on 19 minutes as Sadou Diallo's ball over the top released Paul McMullan. The Scotsman's first touch slightly pushed him wide, but his low strike from the right-hand angle of the box was parried away by Drogs keeper Andrew Wogan.
Wogan was called into action again minutes later, this time he easily gathered Diallo's 20 yard effort.
Soon after, Adam Foley showed neat skill on the edge of the box to skip away from Diallo, before his curling strike was comfortably saved by City net-minder Brian Maher.
Wogan made a smart save on 42 minutes, diving low down to his near post to scoop away Daniel Mullen's close range shot, after the striker diverted Michael Duffy's near post cross goalwards.
Mullen missed the best chance of the encounter on 50 minutes as McMullan's right wing centre found the striker unmarked around the penalty spot, but the ex-Dundee front man volleyed well wide.
Soon after, City had another half-chance, this time McMullan's cushioned lay-off found Will Patching on the edge of the box, but his attempted lob over the back tracking Wogan, sailed over the bar.
To their credit, after the shaky start after the break, the home side went close themselves just after the hour mark, but Kyle Robinson's curling left-footed strike from the edge of the box whistled just past Maher's right-hand post.
A slick counter attack by the Brandywell men ended with Duffy's left wing cross to the back post found McMullan, but the winger was unable to get his header on target.
Substitute Sam Todd had a superb chance on 62 minutes, as Patching's left wing free-kick to the back post found the ex-Finn Harps man, but with his first touch, his header was kept out by a diving Wogan.
Mullen missed another glorious chance four minutes later, this time the striker headed over, after Cameron Dummigan's right wing centre had picked him out inside the box.
Wogan made a top drawer save on 71 minutes, as the visitors started to put their foot down in search of that all-important breakthrough goal, this time Diallo's low shot was outstandingly gathered by 17-year-old shot-stopper.
Moments later, Higgins made a double switch in an attempt to change things up as strikers Cian Kavanagh and Jamie McGonigle replaced Mullen and Duffy and then, on 77 minutes, skipper Patrick McEleney and Brandon Kavanagh came on for Diallo and Adam O'Reilly.
On 83 minutes, McEleney's clever through ball released McGonigle down the left, but after getting some space on the edge of the box, his left-footed effort hit the side netting.
Deep into stoppage time, a teasing McMullan cross from the right found Cian Kavanagh at the back post, but his header was straight at Wogan.
Late on, Conor Keeley, who was cautioned earlier, was rightfully dismissed after picking up a second yellow card when he pulled down Cian Kavanagh, after the City striker had raced in behind him.
Drogheda United: Wogan, Weir, Kane, Keeley, Markey, Deegan, Robinson (Wade Slater 72), Foley (Noone 82) , O'Brien, Heeney, Davis (Leddy 77).
Derry City: Maher, Dummigan, S McEleney, McJannet (Todd 60), Doherty; Diallo (P McEleney 77), O'Reilly (B Kavanagh 77), Patching; Duffy (C Kavanagh 72), Mullen (McGonigle 72), McMullan.
Referee: Kevin O'Sullivan (Cork)
