Report: Dundalk FC 2-2 Derry City

Dundalk FC produced another spirited display at Oriel Park on Friday night, coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Derry City in difficult conditions.

With a strong wind and persistent rain making life awkward for both sides, it was Dundalk who settled first and created the opening chance in the fourth minute. JR Wilson delivered from the right and Keith Buckley met it at a narrow angle, but his header drifted over the bar.

The hosts continued to threaten and went close again three minutes later when Declan McDaid forced Eddie Beach, into a good low save after excellent approach play from Eoin Kenny and Gbemi Arubi.

Derry gradually worked their way into the contest and took the lead in the 14th minute. Ben Doherty got to the byline and cut the ball back into the six-yard box, where James Clarke was on hand to apply the finish.

Dundalk looked to respond immediately and Tyreke Wilson fired over the bar in the 17th minute, before Beach had to be at his best again midway through the half. From a corner by Burns, Mayowa Animasahun rose well to meet the delivery, but Beach produced a superb fingertip save to turn the header over the crossbar.

The game remained fiercely contested, with both sides battling hard in the poor conditions, before Dundalk found a deserved equaliser in spectacular style in the 36th minute. The ball broke to Tyreke Wilson around 25 yards from goal and he struck a superb left-footed effort low into the bottom corner, leaving Beach with no chance.

That scoreline did not last until the break, however, as Derry regained the lead in unfortunate circumstances for the home side. Doherty's free-kick from 25 yards was initially blocked, but then his follow up effort from the rebound deflected off Afolabi Akinyemi and gave Minogue no chance.

Dundalk began the second half with purpose and nearly found another equaliser six minutes after the restart. Groome picked out Kenny, but his effort was bravely blocked by two Derry defenders throwing themselves in the way.

Beach was called into action again in the 53rd minute, doing well to block a shot from Harvey Warren, before Dundalk came close once more four minutes later. After a deep cross from McDaid caused problems in the box, Tyreke Wilson had an opportunity from eight yards, but he fired over during the ensuing scramble.

The second half was a hard-fought affair, with the referee kept busy as the intensity never dropped. Dundalk saw plenty of the ball in and around the Derry penalty area, but the visitors remained stubborn in defence.

Arubi threatened in the 75th minute when he met a McDaid free-kick with a header, but Beach was well placed to gather.

Five minutes later, Dundalk got the equaliser their play deserved. Tyreke Wilson delivered an excellent cross and Ronan Teahan powered home a header that flew low beyond Beach’s despairing dive to make it 2-2.

Dundalk continued to push for a winner and almost found one in the 86th minute. Good combination play between Arubi and Teahan created an opening for Kenny on the edge of the box, but his effort clipped the outside of the post.

After Derry survived further scrambles in the box, Dundalk had to settle for a point, but there was plenty to admire in another committed and entertaining performance at Oriel Park.

Dundalk: Minogue; JR Wilson, Animasahun, Warren, T Wilson; Burns (Dervin 60), Buckley (Teahan 60); McDaid, Groome (Tracey 60), Kenny; Arubi.

Derry City: Beach; Barr, Stott, Slevin (Dummigan 55); Cotter (Dos Santos), O’Reilly (J McClean 60), Winchester, Doherty, Fleming; Clarke (Olayinka 60); Akinyemi (Thomas 73).

Referee: Paul Norton.

All Photos: Gerry Scully