FAI Cup holders Derry City were forced into a third round replay on Foyleside next Tuesday night, as Bluebell United threatened to derail the Brandywell side.

In what proved a poor opening period, Bluebell gave as good as they got. In fact, they probably created the best scoring chance in the 27th minute.

Striker Shane Stritch managed to charge down Barry Molloy’s attempted pass yet, despite finding himself in a one-on-one situation with keeper Ger Doherty the striker appeared to lose his footing and the chance was lost.

Derry’s David McDaid forced Andy McNulty into a low save but the Bluebell keeper played his part when diverting a Rory Patterson free over the bar in the 41st minute.

And McDaid also went close again with a headed effort in the 45th minute following Simon Madden’s cross from the right. Patterson was denied a penalty following the breakfollowing a tackle by Peter Sherlock, referee Paul McLaughlin immediately dismissing the Derry City appeals. Bluebell refused to be intimidated and shots from Mark Rooney and Stritch kept Doherty honest.

At the other end. McNulty did well to block another powerful free from Patterson as the home crowd began to get restless. Derry’s best chance of the match fell to Patterson in the 71st minute but the striker’s header was directed over the crossbar.