DUNDALK STAY ON COURSE

DUNDALK took a major step towards defending their league title when taking full advantage of Cork City’s slip-up. Now seven points clear of the Leesiders, Dundalk netted their goals at vital stages of their game at the Brandywell. Ciarán Kilduff’s opening goal arrived just seconds before the half-time whistle, while Dave McMillan’s clincher was netted in the 87th minute. And Derry’s hopes were certainly not helped when Conor McCormack was red carded in the 23rd minute following what appeared an over-robust challenge of Dundalk full-back Seán Gannon. Having voiced his objections to referee Rob Harvey’s decision, Derry’s assistant manager Paul Hegarty was ejected from the dugout. Having failed to adequately clear their lines in the 49th minute Dane Massey made the home side pay as he played Kilduff into a one-on-one situation with keeper, Ger Doherty, and the Dundalk striker made no mistake. Both sides had chances after the break and continued to threaten in the dying minutes. McMillian was denied by Doherty with six minutes remaining, but the Dundalk substitue had the final say after being put through by Horgan.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Cornwall, McBride (Sharkey 73), Barry; McCormack, McEneff; Lowry, McNamee, Jarvis; Dooley (Curtis ht), Timlin (Curran, 81).

DUNDALK: Rogers; Gannon, Gartland, Boyle, Massey; Mountney, Towell, O’Donnell, Finn, Horgan; Kilduff (McMillan 74). Scorers: Kilduff 45, McMillan 88. Referee: R Harvey (Athlone).