Dundalk condemned to survival play-off

Derry City 4 Dundalk 0

And while the Lilywhites will now focus their attentions on their FAI Cup semi-final against St. Pat’s, the result will boost Derry’s cup hopes as they face Shelbourne on Sunday.

David McDaid and Stewart Greacen squandered good scoring chances for the home side in the opening 15 minutes before Derry’s pressure finally paid off, the unmarked McDaid volleying home from Patrick McEleney’s cross. Derry doubled their lead four minutes into the second half as Dundalk were caught on the break.

Following a Dundalk corner, Derry broke with great pace and McEleney left the visiting defence in his wake before scooping the ball over the advancing keeper.

Eight minutes from the end, the Candystripes ended the match as a contest when young substitute Ryan Curran lashed the ball home before full-back Dermot McCaffrey ended the rout.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, Greacen, S. McEleney, McCaffrey; P. McEleney, Deery (Curran, 68) Higgins, McNamee; McDaid (Duffy, 88), Murphy.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Maher, Whelan (Burns, 61), Foran, Shanahan; Shannon, Mountney, Shields, Osborne; McKenna (Woods, 68), Conlon (Walsh, 78).

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).