Kelly's 'lucky 13th' stretches Dundalk FC's unbeaten record to 31 games

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Dundalk FC 1-0 Derry City

Daniel Kelly’s 13th goal of the season proved a lucky one as Dundalk FC extended their unbeaten record in domestic competition to 31 games with a 1-0 victory over Derry City at Oriel Park on Friday night, making it nine league wins on the spin.

Barry McNamee missed an early opportunity to give European-chasing Derry the lead as the visiting captain miscued in front of goal with just Gary Rogers to beat.

Dundalk’s best chance of the first period arrived four minutes before half-time when Seán Gannon’s delivery picked out Patrick Hoban in the centre but his old teammate Peter Cherrie pulled off a fabulous reaction save to deny him.

The champions made the breakthrough past the hour-mark when Gannon was again the creator, with his cross this time finding Kelly who blasted in at the back post.

Dundalk head coach Vinny Perth freshened up his team with five changes from last Sunday’s 1-0 FAI Cup semi-final win in Sligo.

Cameron Dummigan, Andy Boyle, Brian Gartland, Robbie Benson and Seán Murray all came in, replacing Dane Massey, Daniel Cleary, Seán Hoare, Jamie McGrath and Patrick McEleney.

The champions were given a guard of honour by the visitors and they started with plenty of intent.

They went close to breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute when Chris Shields attempted to pick out Hoban with a long pass and the ball broke to Kelly who rifled a first-time shot from range which whistled past the post.

That woke Derry up and, after going close with a 25-yard free-kick, McNamee really should have done better when he robbed possession from Gartland close to the Dundalk box, only for the Candystripes captain to drag his shot wide when well placed.

As the teams cancelled each other out, David Parkhouse looked to provide a moment of inspiration but while his shot gave Rogers some difficulty, the goalkeeper had plenty of time to collect at the second attempt.

Derry had Cherrie to thank for keeping them level at half-time after he produced a brilliant stop from Hoban who had connected well with Gannon’s right-wing delivery.

The second half started slowly, with Benson firing off target and Hoban heading over.

However, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 64th minute as substitute Lido Lotefa found Gannon down the right and his delivery to the back post was hammered home by the in-rushing Kelly.

Dundalk were almost caught cold from a quick corner in the 75th minute as McNamee picked out Gillespie who struck the ball off the post, as the champions’ winning run just about continued.

Dundalk FC: Gary Rogers; Seán Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Cameron Dummigan; Chris Shields, Robbie Benson; Daniel Kelly (Mark Hanratty 87), Seán Murray (Georgie Kelly 76), Michael Duffy (Lido Lotefa 60); Patrick Hoban

Subs not used: Ross Treacy (gk), Seán Hoare, Jamie McGrath, Dane Massey

Derry City: Peter Cherrie; Jamie McDonagh, Eoin Toal, Ally Gilchrist, Ciarán Coll; Ciaron Harkin, Greg Sloggett (Grant Gillespie 32); Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, Barry McNamee (Michael McCrudden 80), Darren McCauley (Conor Davis 57); David Parkhouse.

Subs not used: Nathan Gartside (gk), Mark McChrystal, Aidy Delap, Ronan Boyce

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin)

Attendance: 2,106 (official)