Stephen Kenny's Derry are battling for a third-place finish in the league

Derry City's hopes of qualifying for Europe achieved another blow as they were beaten at home by League of Ireland leaders Shamrock Rovers.

The Candystripes deserved something from the game as Dessie Baker's first-half winner looked offside and Derry bossed the second half.

Rovers hit the woodwork early on and Baker nodded the goal in the 28th minute as Derry's defenders hesitated.

Stephen Gray wasted a glorious chance in the second half as Derry dominated.

Tam McManus also headed inches over on two occasions while Derry had a penalty claim for handball waved away.

Derry had plenty of possession in the first half but Michael O'Neill's Rovers had all the end product as the home side were unable to threaten in the final third.

The home team improved considerably in the second half and Gray missed a sitter in the 48th minute after Alan Mannus had pushed out McManus' firm header.

The only good news on the night for Derry was word of Cork's surprise 3-2 defeat in Bray which keeps the Candystripes just two points between the third-placed outfit.

Rovers' win keeps them two points ahead of long-time leaders Bohemians with five rounds of games remaining.

Cork moved into the final European spot in the table by beating Derry 2-0 at Turner's Cross on Tuesday night.

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