EIRCOM LEAGUE PLAY-OFF First leg: Finn Harps 0-0 Derry City Second leg: Derry City v Finn Harps, Saturday, 13 December 1930GMT

Derry City boss Gavin Dykes declared himself content with Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Finn Harps in the Eircom League play-off.

The Candystripes now appear to have a slight edge over their north-west rivals ahead of Saturday's second leg at the Brandywell.

Derry were on the backfoot for the majority of the contest but boss Dykes pointed out that his side were without the influential Ciaran Martyn and Michael Holt.

"Ciaran Martyn has been absolutely outstanding for us in recent weeks and Michael Holt is an important player also and it will boost us to have them back on Saturday," said Dykes.

"I was quite happy with the display.

"We've only conceded one goal in six games.

"Full credit to the lads. They worked very, very hard and Finn Park is a difficult place to come to.

"There was a lot of hype about the game but people have got to remember that this is a relegation battle - not a cup final.

"We're quite happy with the first leg result and we'll go back to the Brandywell and hopefully finish the job on Saturday".

In sudden-death the underdog has a marvellous chance Finn Harps boss Noel King

Finn Harps boss Noel King insisted he was far from unhappy with the result despite his team's failure to turn possession into goals.

"The most important thing is to win the overall tie," said the Dubliner.

"The game starts again and I'm so pleased that it's now a sudden-death situation because in sudden-death, the underdog has a marvellous chance".

Despite the huge expectation in the north-west, King insists he will remain relaxed ahead of the second leg.

"It's fantastic for football. The north-west is alive with football at the moment and I hope the FAI were at the game and taking in the occasion.

"There's so many more great local derbies around the country that could be of huge benefit to the Eircom League.

"The officials need to look at the 10-team league thing which has had its time".

In the event of sides being level on aggregate score at the end of normal time in the second leg, two periods of extra-time, each consisting of 15 minutes, will be played.

If the sides are still level after extra-time, penalty kicks will decide the tie.