SHAMROCK ROVERS maintained their recent run of good form and extended their unbeaten sequence to four games when holding Derry City in the National League Premier Division at the Brandywell last night.

Predictably quality football was the order of the day despite the damp conditions and, in the end a draw was a fair reflection of the play.

Although the first half remained scoreless, both sides had ample opportunities to break the deadlock.

The Dubliners almost opened the scoring in the 18th minute when John Toal's low centre was diverted agonisingly wide of the post by Sean Francis.

The best chance of the opening half, however, fell to Derry's Tom Mohan.

Derry seemed to fall asleep during the opening stages of the second half and Rovers took full advantage.

Tracey was allowed to waltz past three Derry defenders and when his right foot shot was parried by goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd, the alert Karl Gannon was on hand to guide the ball into an unguarded net from close range.

Derry's persistence eventually paid off in the 79th minute and the second of the club's new youngsters was instrumental in the move. Sixteen year old Darren Kelly scampered up the right and his cross was perfectly met by substitute Kevin McKeever whose diving header beat O Neill at his near post.