Gavin Dykes hopes to keep his Derry City team in the top flight

The chances of an all-North West Eircom League promotion relegation play-off final between Derry City and Finn Harps increased after the Donegal club defeated Bray 1-0 on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the afternoon, Premier Division Derry drew 0-0 in Limerick in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals.

Limerick City, who finished fourth in the First Division, earned a goal-less draw at the Pike Rovers ground on Wednesday afternoon.

Derry had been hoping to build up a first leg advantage but, with home advantage in Saturday's return meeting, they will still be favourites to reach the final.

Limerick, unbeaten in 13 games, had the best of the first half chances with Derry keeper Alan Gough foiling Stephen O'Flynn on two occasions and skipper Pat Purcell heading into the side-netting.

Derry had an opening in the 15th minute but Mark Farren was thwarted by Limerick keeper John Healy.

During the game, Peter Hutton, Gary Beckett and Ciaran Martyn picked up knocks but all three are expected to be fit for Saturday's second leg at the Brandywell.

Derry boss Gavin Dykes was reasonably satisfield with the result.

"No disrespect to Limerick but the pitch wasn't the best and it was difficult to play any football," said Dykes.

"But we know what we have to do know. We got to win the football match and it's as straightforward as that".

In the other semi-final, an early goal from Damien Whitehead gives Harps a slender advantage going into Saturday's second leg at the Carlisle Grounds.

Eircom League promotion/relegation play-offs

Semi-finals first legs (Wednesday)
Finn Harps 1-0 Bray Wanderers
Limerick 0-0 Derry City

Semi-finals second legs (Saturday)
Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps (1945)
Derry City v Limerick (1930)

Final first leg (10 December)
Finn Harps/Bray Wanderers v Limerick/Derry City