In a dramatic finish at Celtic Park, substitute Kevin Dos Santos announced himself to the Derry City faithful with a stoppage-time equalizer, snatching a 1-1 draw against Galway United in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The match looked destined to be a frustrating one for the Candystripes, who trailed at the break after a cruel own goal from James Clarke. The defender's unfortunate deflection off a Francely Lomboto header left goalkeeper Eddie Beach with no chance, handing the Tribesmen a deserved lead after a first half that was short on quality but long on tension.

Derry, playing their second of five "home" matches at the GAA ground while a new hybrid pitch is installed at their traditional Brandywell base, struggled to find their rhythm early on. Patrick McClean's header from a long throw was the only effort of note in the opening 20 minutes, easily gathered by Galway keeper Evan Watts. The visitors continued to cause problems with direct balls over the top, and Lomboto was denied a opener by a sharp save from Beach.

Just when it seemed the home side might rue their missed chances, substitute Dos Santos produced a moment of magic in the 91st minute. The forward curled home a beautiful finish for his first goal in Derry colors, sparking wild celebrations among the home support. The Candystripes almost completed a remarkable turnaround in the dying seconds, but Michael Duffy headed Henry Rylah's cross wide at the back post.

The result extends Derry's unbeaten run to six matches, though Tiernan Lynch's side remain fifth in the table after dropping more points on home soil. For Galway, the draw keeps them unbeaten in three and sitting seventh, two points clear of the relegation zone.

Derry City will look to build on this late show when they travel to Drogheda United next, while Galway host champions Shamrock Rovers in a stern test of their recent resilience.