Padraig Amond is challenged by Derry's Kevin Deery

Derry City's hopes of maintaining their Eircom League challenge suffered a major blow when they were beaten at home by Shamrock Rovers on Friday.

Tadgh Purcell scored Rovers' goal eight minutes from time.

Derry bossed possession for most the night and Ciaran Martyn squandered their best chance when he miskicked from pointblank range before half-time.

Mark Farren, Martyn and Niall Maginn all went close for Derry in the second half before Purcell's late winner.

With leaders Bohemians winning 3-0 against Cobh, Derry are now nine points adrift in the table and the Dubliners have two games in hand.

Derry's hopes of earning a European place are also receding as they remain fourth in the table - five points behind second-place St Pat's who also have a game in hand.

Cork are two points ahead of the Candystripes and they also have played a game less than the northerners.