Dundalk 1-0 Derry City
Friday, 3 July 2009 22:08Sean Connor silenced his critics yet again as his Dundalk side made it four wins in a row at the expense of Derry, who lost more ground in the title hunt to Bohemians.
Striker Alex Williams made a dream debut at Oriel Park as he found away past a mean Derry defence, which had not conceded a goal in six games, to fire home the only goal of the game.
Williams, who signed this week from Ayr United, made the most of a Michael Daly flick on to stab the ball off the inside of the post and in for the game's only goal on 38 minutes.
Dundalk burst into action after a week's hiatus and Williams did not take long finding his feet in Ireland's top division as he nearly gave his side the perfect start on four minutes when Gerard Doherty's rushed kick out deflected off the striker and went narrowly wide of the post.
Dundalk were buoyed by the news that they were finally able to field midfielder Mickey Collins, who was left in limbo for five months after the IFA failed to grant him international clearance after his move from Newry City.
Collins showed just what Dundalk have been missing in the early parts of the season as his superb break up play spurred the
Lilywhites on for large parts of the game.
Derry arrived, worse for wear, as they looked a shadow of the team that has won six games in a row prior to this clash. Stephen Kenny's squad was ravaged by injuries and suspensions and it could be a result they come to rue as they lost ground on Bohemians in the title race.
Williams, who was a constant thorn all night to the Derry defence, once again came close as his blistering free kick from 20 yards was pushed wide for a throw by Doherty.
Dundalk midfielder should have wrapped things up in the late stages but he fired a one-on-one strike into the arms of Doherty, but it was enough as Dundalk's recent resurgence up the table continued.
Dundalk: Bennion; Shaun Kelly, Burns, Heary, Simon Kelly; Turner,
(Synnott, 89), Collins, Daly, O'Brien; Williams, (Mulvenna, 92),
Mansaram, (Rowe, 70).
Subs not used: McGinlay, Coburn.
Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Hutton, McChrystal (McClean, 68),
O'Brien; Scullion, Martyn, Higgins, Stewart, (Harkin, 79); Morrow,
Farren (McManus, 70).
Subs not used: McEleney, Jennings.
Ref: Tommy Connolly (Dublin)
