Derry City 2-1 Dundalk FC: Report

Dundalk FC came away empty-handed from the Ryan McBride Stadium as in-form Derry City secured a 2-1 victory on Friday night.

The Lilywhites more than played their part in an entertaining contest and will feel unfortunate not to have taken something from the game after creating a number of chances and pushing the hosts all the way during a tense finish.

Derry took the lead after 12 minutes through James Clarke following a scrappy incident inside the Dundalk penalty area. After Ellis Chapman's effort was blocked on the line by Egor Vassenin, the ball rebounded kindly for Clarke, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range.

Despite falling behind, Dundalk responded well. Enda Minogue made an excellent save to deny Brandon Fleming soon afterwards, while Adam O'Reilly flashed an effort over the crossbar as Derry looked to build on their advantage.

The visitors gradually grew into the game and fashioned several opportunities before the break. Aodh Dervin tested Brian Maher from distance, while Tom Grivosti, Ronan Teahan and Trevor Clarke all threatened as Dundalk looked for a leveller. Teahan in particular was denied by a crucial last-ditch intervention from Cameron Dummigan after finding space in the area.

Derry remained dangerous after half-time and Minogue was called upon again on the hour mark when he comfortably saved from Clarke after neat play involving Chapman.

The hosts doubled their lead on 71 minutes with the standout moment of the evening. A slick passing move involving Darragh Markey and Darragh Burns ended with Michael Duffy collecting the ball inside the box before firing a precise low finish beyond Minogue. The strike continued the winger's remarkable recent scoring run.

To their credit, Dundalk refused to fold. Substitute Shane Tracey reduced the deficit nine minutes later with a superb curling effort from the edge of the area that left Maher with no chance and set up a nervy conclusion.

The Lilywhites pressed for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Derry held firm to claim the points. While defeat was a disappointing outcome, Dundalk can take positives from a competitive performance in which they matched the hosts for long spells and remained a threat right to the final whistle.

Dundalk: Enda Minogue; Bobby Burns, Egor Vassenin (Rob Cornwall 56), Tom Grivosti, Tyreke Wilson (Harvey Warren 69); Keith Buckley (Shane Tracey 69), Aodh Dervin, Daryl Horgan, Trevor Clarke (Cian Dillon 69), Ronan Teahan; Declan McDaid (Harry Groome 56).