Dundalk and Derry City play out stalemate at the Brandywell

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Derry City 0-0 Dundalk FC

Dundalk FC earned themselves a 0-0 draw against Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell – a result which keeps them third in the SSE Airtricity League standings.

Having worryingly lost Daniel Kelly through injury before the half-hour mark, The Lilywhites had to show battling qualities to earn a point against the table-toppers.

Nathan Shepperd had to make a save when ex-Lilywhite Will Patching set up Jamie McGonigle, but the Welsh goalkeeper was on hand to keep out his left-footed strike.

Patching had a free-kick attempt fly over the top, while Dundalk registered their only effort on goal in the 68th minute, when Greg Sloggett was foiled by Brian Maher.

The Lilywhites haven’t lost at the Brandywell since 2012, but had to dig deep throughout most of the night, and almost fell behind late on, when Shepperd had to keep out a Ben Doherty, and in doing so, ensured Stephen O’Donnell’s team left Foyleside with a point.

Derry City: Brian Maher; Ciaran Coll, Mark Connolly (Ronan Boyce 17), Shane McEleney, Ben Doherty; Patrick McEleney, Sadou Diallo, Will Patching, Jordan McEneff (Ollie O’Neill 54); Ryan Graydon, Jamie McGonigle (Cian Kavanagh 75)

Subs not used: Tadgh Ryan (gk), Brandon Kavanagh, Matty Ward, Evan McLaughlin, Tiernan McGinty, Liam Mullan

Dundalk FC: Nathan Shepperd; Archie Davies, Hayden Muller, Andy Boyle, Darragh Leahy, Greg Sloggett, Connor Malley (John Martin 59), Johannes Yli-Kokko (Ryan O’Kane 71), Rayhaan Tulloch (Robbie Benson 71), Daniel Kelly (Alfie Lewis 26), Patrick Hoban. (Cameron Elliott 71)

Subs not used: Mark Byrne (gk), Keith Ward, Robbie McCourt, Wasiri Williams

Referee: Robert Hennessy (Dublin)