ROVER TO YOU

Hoops the only winners as Derry and Bohs draw little Brandywell comfort

- BY SIMON COLLINS

SHAMROCK Rovers emerged the biggest winners at Brandywell as Bohemians came from behind to clinch a share of the spoils against Derry City.

Former York City striker Dipo Akinyemi put Derry ahead on his home debut with a header from Michael Duffy's cross five minutes into first half stoppage time.

That lead didn't last long as Ross Tierney blasted home from James Clarke's cross on 52 minutes to rescue a point for the second placed Dubliners.

Both teams have now played the same amount of games as Rovers who finished the night seven points clear of the Gypsies and eight clear of Derry who meet them in Tallaght in their next outing.

There were reports of clashes between both sets of supporters outside the ground which marred a match between two teams hoping to ignite a title race.

It was the Brandywell pitch which ignited when a flare was thrown over the Southend Park stand during the first half which scorched the artificial surface and caused a lengthy delay in play.

Tiernan Lynch handed a debut to former Hull City fullback Brandon Fleming who was one of three changes from last week's FAI Cup win over Treaty United.