McDaid helps end Derry's losing streak

David McDaid’s third goal in four games helped end Derry’s five-match losing streak as they cruised to a 4-0 win over bottom side Dundalk at the Brandywell.

The victory, their biggest in the league since beating Bray by the same score back in March, lifts Derry up to fifth in the Premier Division table and into contention for qualification for next season’s Setanta Sports Cup.

Dominant from the first whistle, Derry deservedly went in front on 31 minutes when former Dundalk captain Simon Madden crossed for striker McDaid to finish from close range.

A superb counterattack brought Derry their second goal three minutes into the second half, Paddy McEleney bursting forward to draw keeper Peter Cherrie off his line before delightfully chipping the ball to the net.

Substitute Ryan Curran added Derry’s third goal on 82 minutes when drilling home from Tony McNamee’s lay off before defender Dermot McCaffrey headed the fourth a minute from time.

A seventh successive defeat for Dundalk means they are now resigned to the promotion/relegation play off.