And Kenna's side thoroughly deserved their share of the spoils as Derry appear to have lost their scoring touch in front goal.

That said, it was clear from an early juncture that Galway did not travel to Foyleside to defend given their basement position in the league. Indeed, having operated a 4-4-2 formation, the 'Tribesman' could have nicked the points had striker, Vinnie Faherty, taken advantage of a glorious chance just before the hour.

Derry huffed and puffed but, in truth, it was not until team boss, Stephen Kenny, introduced substitutes Paddy McCourt, Conor Sammon and Gareth McGlynn, before they made any serious impact on the game.

After what proved a bitterly disappointing first half, neither side went close to scoring and of the half chances that had been created, it was Galway who really should have broken the deadlock.

In the 11th minute, former Derry striker, Stephen O'Flynn, did well to work his way into the danger area but when the opportunity presented itself, the Cork man screwed the ball wide of the target when he really should have done better.

Derry keeper, Gerard Doherty, pulled off an excellent save in the 62nd minute to deny Derek O'Brien as the 'Candy Stripes' failed to get to grips with the game.

But the introduction of McCourt and Sammon, within a five minute period after the hour, started to see the pendulum swing in favour of the home side.

A magnificent Ruaidhri Higgins cross found Mark Farren in the 73rd minute but his shot, from point blank range, was superbly blocked and saved by Galway keeper, Gary Rogers.

A third Derry substitute, Gareth McGlynn, forced Rogers into another save minutes later as the home side began to get on top.

In the 78th minute a shot by Sammon from eight yards was blocked by Rogers and when the Derry striker miss-kicked the rebound, McCourt lashed the ball agonisingly wide of the upright.

Derry City, therefore, have failed to win in their last four games and, just as importantly, have failed to score as Friday night's result was their second scoreless draw in consecutive home matches.

Derry City – Doherty; McCallion, Delaney, Hutton, Gray; McGinn, Molloy (McGlynn, 75), Higgins, Morrison (McCourt, 60); Farren, McHugh (Sammon, 65).

Galway Utd – Rogers; Nootimeer, Charles, Fitzgerald, McCullock; O'Shea, Deegan, Russell, O'Brien (Fenn, 74); Faherty (Leech, 84), O'Flynn (Glynn, 82).

Referee – Mr. D. McKeon (Dublin).