Gareth McGlynn opened the scoring for Derry at the Brandywell

Derry cruised to victory over Bray in Friday night's Eircom Premier Division encounter at the Brandywell.

Gareth McGlynn headed City ahead after just 20 seconds and Mark Farren flicked the ball over keeper Alan Gough to make it 2-0 on 59 minutes.

Thomas Stewart struck from eight yards two minutes later for his first Candystripes goal on his home debut.

Kevin McHugh rifled in the fourth after 88 minutes as Derry claimed their first league win in three games.

The Candystripes got the perfect start when McGlynn netted from a Stewart cross.

Higgins put Farren through for his clever finish and the goalscorer turned provider by supplying the cross as Stewart got off the mark following his move from Linfield.

Higgins claimed another assist in the fourth goal, with McHugh cutting inside before firing home.

Stephen Kenny's side remain in fourth after Cork City, who lie two points above Derry, earned a 1-0 away win against Finn Harps.

Derry have moved to within four points of leaders St Pat's Athletic but they have played a game more.

Elsewhere, Galway United and Sligo Rovers played out a 1-1 draw and Shamrock Rovers secured a 2-0 away success at UCD.