Dundalk FC denied a winning Premier Division return against Derry

Dundalk FC were denied a winning return to the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division as a 98th-minute penalty earned Derry City a 2-2 draw at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Twice the newly promoted side led and, for long stretches, appeared poised to claim a notable scalp against one of the pre-season title favourites.

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Derry-born Eoin Kenny handed Dundalk a deserved half-time lead with a composed left-footed finish, and although Patrick McClean equalised early in the second period, substitute Gbemi Arubi restored the visitors’ advantage with 25 minutes remaining.

Dundalk’s organisation and work rate frustrated the hosts throughout. James Clarke’s early effort drifted harmlessly wide and clear chances were scarce.

The visitors might also have had a penalty when Josh Thomas appeared to handle, but play continued and, moments later, JR Wilson’s pass allowed Kenny to steady himself outside the area and curl into the bottom corner.

Ciaran Kilduff’s side threatened again before the break when Danny Mullen’s header from Keith Buckley’s delivery forced an excellent save from Shea Callister.

At the other end, Wilson’s timely intervention denied Carl Winchester, while Conor Kearns dealt comfortably with Rob Slevin’s stoppage-time header.

Derry responded with greater urgency after the restart. Brandon Fleming was denied by Mullen’s clearance off the line and, from James McClean’s subsequent corner, Patrick McClean headed in the equaliser.

The hosts pressed for a second, but Wilson produced another crucial clearance to prevent Winchester capitalising with Kearns out of position.

Arubi’s goal arrived from a quick Daryl Horgan throw-in, the substitute outpacing Patrick McClean and finishing decisively. Dundalk almost added a third when Mullen struck the post after a strong run, and they appeared to have done enough.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Michael Duffy’s free kick came back off the upright and, in the ensuing phase, Rob Cornwall was penalised for pulling Dipo Akinyemi’s shirt. Duffy converted from the spot, sending Kearns the wrong way to rescue a point.

It was a bitter conclusion for Dundalk, though their performance suggested they will be competitive on their return to the top flight.

Derry City: Shea Callister; Carl Winchester, Patrick McClean, Rob Slevin, Brandon Fleming; Adam O’Reilly, James McClean; Darragh Markey, James Clarke (Dipo Akinyemi 74), Michael Duffy; Josh Thomas (Henry Rylah 90+2)

Subs not used: Cole Smyth (gk), Jamie Stott, Ben Doherty, Kevin Santos, Conor Barr, Alex Bannon, James Olayinka

Dundalk FC: Conor Kearns; JR Wilson, Mayowa Animasahun (Vinnie Leonard 45+1), Rob Cornwall, Bobby Burns; Keith Buckley (Ronan Teahan 62), Aodh Dervin; Declan McDaid (Gbemi Arubi 62), Eoin Kenny (Tyreke Wilson 83), Daryl Horgan; Danny Mullen

Subs not used: Enda Minogue (gk), Harry Groome, Shane Tracey, Aaron Keogh

Referee: Declan Toland (Roscommon)

Attendance: 4,323