Dundalk relegated as Derry keep pressure on at the top

Derry City got themselves back in the title race with the help of the returning Colm Whelan on a night when Dundalk were relegated from the Premier Division.

The striker - starting his first game in 889 days following the first of two ACL injuries - fortuitously put his side in the driving seat at Oriel Park when Danny Mullen's header deflected in off the 24-year-old.

While Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side had to weather a bit of a storm as Jon Daly’s side fought for a way back into the game, they finally put the result to bed 13 minutes from time when substitute Will Patching, on his 26th birthday, fired home from the spot to make it 2-0.

Having failed to win any of their previous five league fixtures, the win keeps Derry on the coattails of table-toppers Shelbourne and in with a chance still of a first league title since 1997.

For Dundalk, who have had a troubled year with multiple managers and ownership changes, the future continues to be uncertain but what is for sure is that their 16-year spell in the in the top flight is over.

The home side had the game’s first attempt after 12 minutes when Jamie Gullan turned at the edge of the box to get a shot away which was comfortable for Brian Maher.

Derry then took the lead with their first attempt four minutes later with Mullen’s header from Michael Duffy’s corner coming off the back of Whelan to send it past the despairing dive of Ross Munro.

Buoyed by the early lead, the visitors had two attempts in quick succession afterwards with Adam O’Reilly and Michael Duffy both having efforts go just wide.

They then passed up a glorious chance to double their lead on 27 minutes when Duffy’s teasing free-kick picked out the unmarked Mark Connolly, who headed over from point-blank range.

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