Delaney swoops in bittersweet end to Candystripes' season
Dundalk 1 Derry City 2
Saturday November 07 2009
The curtain came down on Dundalk and Derry City's seasons with an entertaining affair at Oriel Park last night, but it remains to be seen whether the lights have gone out on Derry City's League of Ireland Premier Division status.
The Candystripes' financial difficulties have been well documented and there was certainly a sombre mood among the travelling support.
A hastily arranged meeting by the FAI in Abbotstown today could confirm the club's expulsion from the top flight after 22 years. One such fan described the trip to the Louth venue as their "last hurrah".
The same could also be said of Sean Connor. The Dundalk boss and the majority of his squad found themselves out of contract at the final whistle and it looks certain that the managerial position will become vacant at the Louth club in the coming days.
Michael McGowan's 26th-minute lob from inside his own half sailed over Ger Doherty's head to find the net.
Derry pulled level in the 47th minute when Gareth McGlynn fired home a penalty. Darren Mansaram saw red soon after and Derry deservedly won when Clive Delaney thumped home a late header.
Dundalk -- Cherrie; Simon Kelly (Duffy 90), Heary, Burns, Coburn; Michael McGowan (Martin McGowan 89), Daly, Turner, Murphy; Mansaram, Rowe (Griffin 63).
Derry City -- Doherty; McCallion, Hutton, Delaney, O'Brien; McGlynn, Deery, Molloy (Higgins 83), McClean; Stewart (Scullion 68), McDaid (McManus 56).
Ref -- Derek Tomney (Dublin).
Irish Independent
