Derry City returned to winning ways as the Candystripes maintained their scoring spree against UCD this season, tonight’s outcome seeing them score a fantastic six.

A dominant Derry City start saw Will Patching whistle an effort wide before they made an early breakthrough immediately after.

It was originated down the left, a driving Ben Doherty finding Michael Duffy who drove a belting cross into the area, which was met by a thumping finish from forward, Danny Mullen, a sweet strike for his third of the season.

The hosts though slowed the pace of their attacking play down but with Daniel Norris plugging a lone fight up front for UCD, Derry had the next half-chance, Patching blazing a free kick high and over.

As the students sniffed opportunity, Adam Verdon conducted their brightest move, combining with the scampering Sean Brennan, who blasted a shot over Brian Maher’s bar.

Kian Moore then had to beat his best, a scooped Mullen pass carving UCD open and met by a flying, diving header by Duffy, Moore reacting athletically to palm it out of harm’s way.

Any hopes Andy Myler’s men had of snatching something took a severe blow straight into the second half as Derry pounced instantly after the break, another fast start doubling their advantage.

Paul McMullan instigated it by winning the ball high up, cooly finding Patching in space on the D who smacked a stupendous strike over Moore and into the top corner.

It soon got worse for Myler and co as Derry trebled their lead, set piece carnage caused from a corner which Moore struggled to claim and home captain, Cameron McJannet was on hand to bundle home from close range.

Substitute, Jamie McGonigle almost got in on the scoring action only to see Moore deny him.

Derry’s bench did though, come good nineteen minutes from the end as fellow replacement, Brandon Kavanagh, planted a firm header home from McMullan’s lovely delivery, the Brandywell locals boisterous with the knowledge of a secure three points.

Number five only served to improve the mood, Duffy’s diving header extending UCD’s woe.

Moore denied another replacement, Jordan McEneff, the Candystripes relentless as they hunted down more goals.

Proceedings did, though, get worse for the beleaguered visitors, Jack Keaney, himself on as a substitute shown his second yellow card for tussling with Cian Kavanagh, and early bath for Keaney as UCD’s night darkened further.

Late on, McGonigle made it a magical six, the striker cutting inside from the left and rifling an unstoppable effort into the far corner for their biggest win over the students this season.

Next, Derry travel to Weavers Park to face Drogheda United next Friday night (7:45pm KO) with UCD back at Belfield hosting Bohemians, the week after in a rescheduled fixture.