Dundalk Denied at Death as Derry Snatch Draw at Brandywell
By ArdeePost Reporter
Late Drama as Dundalk Held by Derry City at Brandywell
Dundalk were cruelly denied a famous Premier Division victory as Michael Duffy’s 98th-minute penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw for Derry City in a pulsating contest at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
On their return to the top flight, the Lilywhites twice took the lead and looked set to claim an impressive away win, only for late heartbreak to strike deep into stoppage time.
Dundalk Strike First with Moment of Quality
Derry City, forced into a change between the posts following Brian Maher’s wrist injury, handed a debut to teenage goalkeeper Shea Callister, while Adam O’Reilly made his first start of the season.
The hosts started brightly and felt they should have had an early penalty when James Clarke appeared to be shoved in the box, but referee Declan Toland waved away the appeals.
It was Dundalk who struck first on 21 minutes, stunning the home crowd. Eoin Kenny cut inside from the left and unleashed a magnificent curling effort from 25 yards that sailed beyond Callister into the far corner, a goal worthy of any stage.
Derry Apply Pressure but Dundalk Defend Well
Derry responded with increased intensity. Former Candystripes striker Danny Mullen went close with a header, forcing an excellent reaction save from Callister, while Carl Winchester and Michael Duffy delivered a series of dangerous balls into the Dundalk box.
Despite sustained pressure, Dundalk held firm and went in at the break with a deserved 1-0 lead, frustrating the home support.
McClean Brothers Combine to Level the Scores
The Candystripes emerged with renewed purpose after the interval and were rewarded early in the second half. Returning club icon James McClean whipped in a teasing inswinging corner which was met perfectly by brother Patrick, who powered a header into the net to bring Derry level.
It was a special moment for the Creggan man, marking his third goal for his hometown club across three spells.
Derry nearly added a second soon after with a flowing move involving Markey, O’Reilly and Winchester, but Dundalk goalkeeper Conor Kearns stood tall to gather.
Arubi’s Instant Impact Restores Dundalk Lead
Just as Derry threatened to take control, Dundalk struck again. Quick thinking from Daryl Horgan at a throw-in caught Patrick McClean off guard and released substitute Gbemi Arubi.
The former Ireland Under-19 international needed no second invitation, firing confidently across Callister into the far corner just three minutes after coming off the bench to put Dundalk back in front on 65 minutes.
Late Pressure and Cruel Ending
Derry threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Dipo Akinyemi, making his first appearance of the season, tested Kearns with a deft header, while Mullen narrowly missed with a curling effort that brushed the outside of the post.
As stoppage time ticked away, Michael Duffy rattled the post from a free-kick, with six additional minutes signalled.
Deep into the 98th minute, the decisive moment arrived. Substitute Henry Rylah went to ground under a challenge in the box, and referee Declan Toland pointed to the spot. Former Dundalk favourite Michael Duffy stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, rescuing a point for Derry with the final kick of the game.
Dundalk Show Premier Division Credentials
For the second week running, late drama unfolded at the Brandywell, and while Dundalk will feel devastated to leave with only a point, their performance will encourage manager Ciarán Kilduff.
On another night, the Lilywhites would have been celebrating a statement win. Instead, they depart with pride intact—and a clear message sent that Dundalk are ready to compete back among the Premier Division elite.
