Ciaran Martyn's 20-yard shot struck the Cork City crossbar

Derry City's relegation worries increased when they could only draw at home to 10-man Cork City in Eircom League on Thursday night.

Kevin Doyle headed Cork into the lead after just five minutes while Michael Holt scored Derry's goal on 62 minutes after the visitors had had a man sent-off.

The result leaves Derry still without a Premier Division victoy for almost four months.

The Candystripes have not taken maximum points since beating Shelbourne back in June.

Since then they have drawn nine, lost theee and had two managerial changes.

In new manager Gavin Dykes' second game in charge, Derry went behind when Doyle headed in from a Colin O'Brien cross.

Derry came fighting back and hit the woodwork three times as luck deserted them in front of goal.

On 39 minutes Ciaran Martyn saw a 20-yard shot strike the crossbar and four minutes into the second half a Sean Hargan header clipped the bar.

Cork, third in the table, were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute when George O'Callaghan was shown a straight red, apparently for dissent.

Ten minutes later Holt also hit the bar but shortly afterwards Holt's shot from just outside the area made it 1-1.

Derry piled forward in seach of a much-needed victory to boost their chances of clawing their way up the Premier Division table.