Report: Derry City 2-2 Dundalk FC

Dundalk were denied a famous opening day victory at the death when Derry grabbed at 97th minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

Dundalk produced a magnificently gritty and positive display, twice going into the lead thanks to goals from Eoin Kenny and Gbemi Arubi. However, with Dundalk defending resolutely and going close to extending their lead, referee Declan Toland judged that Rob Cornwall had fouled Dipo Akinyemi, and Michael Duffy made no mistake with the penalty.

The visitors struck first in the first half and did so in style. Eoin Kenny bent a superb 20-yard effort beyond Shea Callister to put Dundalk in front.

Dundalk almost doubled their advantage on 29 minutes when ex-City forward Danny Mullen met a cross and steered a header back across goal, but Callister produced an outstanding full-stretch save to keep Derry within touching distance.

Derry emerged with greater purpose after the interval and were level within four minutes of the restart. Darragh Markey initially appeared to have done the damage with a lob that beat Conor Kearns, only for Mullen to clear off the line. But Derry made the corner count: James McClean delivered and brother Patrick rose to head home.

The pendulum swung again on 64 minutes, and this time Dundalk capitalised on a moment of hesitation in the Derry back line. Daryl Horgan’s quick throw caught City cold, and substitute Gbemi Arubi showed sharp control before drilling a wonderful low finish past Callister to restore Dundalk’s lead. Dundalk almost extended their lead when Danny Mullen hit the post after 83 minutes.

As Derry pushed for a response, the game looked set to drift towards an away win — until the frantic late moments in injury time. After Duffy had hit the post with a direct free-kick, the ball was returned into the box and in the ensuring scramble in the Dundalk area deep into stoppage time, Toland pointed to the spot and Duffy stepped up to send Kearns the wrong way.

Derry City: Shea Callister, Adam O’Reilly, Patrick McClean, Rob Slevin, Brandon Fleming, James McClean, Carl Winchester, James Clarke (Dipo Akinyemi 74’), Darragh Markey, Josh Thomas (Henry Rylah 90’), Michael Duffy.

Dundalk: Conor Kearns, JR Wilson, Bobby Burns, Mayowa Animasahun (Vincent Leonard 45’), Rob Cornwall, Keith Buckley (Ronan Teahan 62’), Aodh Dervin, Declan McDaid (Gbemi Arubi 62’), Danny Mullen, Daryl Horgan, Eoin Kenny (Tyreke Wilson 83’).

Referee: Declan Toland.

All Photos: Gerry Scully