THERE was a familiar ring to Finn Harps baptism in the Premier Division which ended in defeat by neighbours Derry City. The North West rivals have met competitively 26 times in the last 10 years, but Harps have yet to record a victory.

Charlie McGeever included five new signings in the Harps team and despite the defeat will be happy enough with their performances. Saturday's new look Harps had managed just one preseason game together following a close season crisis at the club, but they were more than a mash for Derry in the first half.

The visitors, who lost Liam Coyle with a suspected broken elbow in the 25th minute, had to rely on saves from goalkeeper Declan Devine to keep them level at the break.

However, in the second half, Derry upped the tempo and created numerous scoring opportunities. Coyle's replacement, Sean Hargan, broke the deadlock with a header in the 58th minute, but he also missed two chances to add to Derry's lead. Harps best effort in the second half came just two minutes after the Derry goal when Jonathan Speak rattled the bar with a left foot volley.