Just seven days removed from their FAI Cup semi-final victory over Bohemians, double-chasing Derry welcomed the Gypsies to the Brandywell with the opportunity to grab hold of a Premier Division title race which has seen all three contenders falter in recent weeks.
In the early stages of Friday’s contest, Michael Duffy almost recreated last week’s cup heroics only to see his free-kick come crashing off the bar.
Minutes later, the home side almost hit the front only for Jordan Flores to somehow divert McMullan’s shot off the line.
Bohs have only lost once on their travels since May and they took the lead against the run of play when Meekison latched on to the end of Pat Kirk’s cross at the back post.
City went in behind but no side has taken more points from their home matches than Ruaidhri Higgins’ team this term.
The deserved equaliser came when top-scorer Hoban got big and powered home a header from Duffy’s corner for his 14th goal of the campaign.
A second wasn’t to be however. McMullan rattling the post with a quarter of an hour to go the closest Derry got to grabbing all three points.
They remain third, three points behind Shelbourne, but with the opportunity to go top on goal difference on Monday night by beating sixth-placed Sligo, who themselves are only four points behind the Candstripes.
