In perfect conditions in Cockhill, the home side got back to winning ways against a committed Derry side.
Cockhill Celtic 2 Derry City Reserves 0
Cockhill started at a high tempo and took the game to Derry in the opening exchanges.
Within two minutes, it took a fine reflex save from Daniel Houghton to deny Laurence Toland from close range. Cockhill were on top but reliant on set pieces.
Derry came into the game midway through the half. An Odhran Kennedy cross found Ronan McKinlay but his scuffed effort was easily dealt with by Lee McCarron.
On 21 minutes a Derry corner found Kennedy whose cross was headed over by Dylan Devine.
On 24 minutes Cockhill took the lead. Paul McDermott was impeded as he advanced into the Derry box and Gerry Gill converted from the spot with the minimum of fuss.
Derry’s best effort of the half came on 39mins. Good hold up play from Devine released Adrian Delap. His well struck effort well held by McCarron.
Cockhill started the second half on the front foot and had the first chance on 48 minutes.
Paul McDermott again an attacking threat from full back, his cross evaded all forwards and was hit wide on the stretch by the arriving Lee McColgan.
On 57 minutes, Cockhill made it 2-0. Brendan McLaughlin made ground on the left. He cut inside and his pass found James Bradley who slotted home from 15 yards.
Cockhill were on top now and could have added a third on a number of occasions.
On 73 minutes, great control from Marty Doherty released Brendan McLaughlin who fired straight at Houghton.
The Derry keeper had to be at his best again on 81 minutes when he tipped round a Bart Wesolowski effort after good interplay involving Doherty and fellow substitute Mark Moran.
Derry were still in the game and forced the last chance of the game when a Jack Malone cross found Kennedy whose acrobatic effort was well saved by McCarron.
