Derry celebrate after Tam McManus made it 1-1 before half-time
Former Hibernian striker Tam McManus scored his first goal for Derry City to secure a valuable draw away to Skonto Riga in the Europa League.
McManus headed in the crucial equaliser from Mark Farren's cross in the 44th minute to give the Candystripes what could prove to be an vital away goal.
The Latvians had led from the 17th minute through a diving header scored by Igor Kozlovs.
The second leg is at Derry's Brandywell ground on Thursday, 23 July.
Derry made a tentative start and did not get in a real effort until Barry Molloy shot wide from about 25 yards.
Two minutes later they were hit by the Skonto gola as Kozlovs got on the end of a cross from Brazilian Nathan Junior.
The League of Ireland side came into the game more and their improvement was rewarded when McManus, who had played for Derry boss Stephen Kenny at Dunfermline, got the equaliser.
Skonto had started the match as heavy favourites in wet conditions after winning five straight games in their domestic league - but Derry more than deserved their draw.
Before the match their manager Kenny had stressed the importance of emulating the club's success of three years ago when they reached the third qualifying round and scooped a lucrative clash with Paris St Germain.
Now stricken with financial concerns, Kenny must hope his side finish the job at home and get lucky in the draw for the third qualifying round which will include the likes of Lazio and Fulham.
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