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Burnley enjoyed good support, with plenty of Claret shirts dotted around the ground. As the teams were introduced, the largest cheer was reserved for Woods, the former Northern Ireland sprinter who abandoned athletics for the Premier League.
The 1-0 win was no more than Derry deserved, the squad effectively an all-star team made up of the county's finest youth footballers.
Playing in front of their home crowd at the Limavady Showgrounds in Co Derry, the boys from the Oak Leaf county could have won by even more had their finishing not let them down time and time again.
Burnley appeared more comfortable on the ball in the early exchanges, passing and moving well while Derry seemed content hoofing the ball over the top for the lively Robbie Hume to chase.
Hume's pace caused the Clarets problems in the first half, the striker having a goal bound effort well blocked in the twentieth minute. Moments later he cut inside and shot wide.
Most of Burnley's chances were created by captain Dom Knowles. A fantastic run and cut back failed to pick out any of the advancing forwards while in the next attack his cross was headed onto the post by a Derry defender.Both sides had a chance to take the lead just before half time. Derry captain Aaron Canning had a shot blocked while the Clarets' Joe Jackson shot narrowly wide.
Burnley enjoyed a better start to the second half but soon Derry and Hume again started to dominate, although the forward wasted three good opportunities.
The Clarets' Jake McEneaney looked good coming forward from defence and midfielder David Lynch had a long range, on-target effort spectacularly saved by Derry keeper Martin Healey with just five minutes remaining.
Into the last minute and calamity. Burnley's keeper, Canadian trialist Matthews, threw the ball straight to the feet of Curran who broke into the box. Despite being put under pressure by his keeper, Woods used his pace to get in position for a challenge and appeared to have won the ball.
The striker, however, was also brought down and the referee awarded a spot kick.
Having pointed to the spot, a sending off was inevitable. Woods had been booked earlier although he was shown a straight red. He made his way off, his head held high, to loud applause and cheering from a large contingent of family and friends who felt the punishment was harsh.
There was little time for Burnley to respond, so they must now win against Trudovye Rezervy in Coleraine tomorrow, otherwise their hopes of Milk Cup silverware will evaporate.