Derry City accepted a bid for star winger James McClean from Sunderland and then earned an easy win over Galway United at Terryland Park.

The Candystripes were in control from the outset and Eamon Zayed converted an 11th-minute penalty after Bobby Ryan had fouled Kevin Deery.

Zayed added a second four minutes before the break, heading home a sublime Patrick McEleney cross.

McEleney sealed the deal in the 75th minute with a delightful goal after a Zayed pass created the opening.

Unsurprisingly, it was Derry who looked the more assured outfit early on and the Candystripes could have taken a second-minute lead.

Kevin Deery's cross from the right was sharp, Stephen McLaughlin made a firm headed connection, but Galway custodian Conor Winn saved.

Derry went close again seconds later when Patrick McEleney raced clear, but Winn made a splendid stop to keep Galway on terms.

But the Candystripes bright start was rewarded in the 11th minute when they took a deserved lead courtesy of an Eamon Zayed penalty.

Bobby Ryan made an unnecessary foul on Deery in the area, and Zayed rolled the spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner.

Derry were ruling affairs and came close to nicking a second, but wing-back Emmett Friars drilled wide following a smart run deep into Galway territory.

The second goal did arrive four minutes before the break when McEleney's smart footwork created space for Zayed, who provided an opportunistic headed finish.

Derry, though, regained the initiative in the 75th minute when they filched the insurance goal as Zayed turned provider.

The free scoring attacker selflessly rolled the ball back for McEleney, who was able to provide a slide-rule finish beyond Winn's despairing lunge.

Galway United: Winn; Preston-Kelly, Browne, Gaughan, Walsh; Kim, Sinnott, G Kelly, Ryan (Gilmore, 55);Murphy, Caldwell (Collins, 51).

Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Greacen, S McEleney, Friars; Deery (Harkin, 78), Higgins, Molloy, McLaughlin; P (McDaid, 80), Zayed.

Referee: N Doyle (Dublin).