IT was the start that Derry City could only have dreamed of as they remembered the famous ‘Treble’ winning side of 29 years ago.
After just 12 minutes, Darren Cole broke the deadlock at the Brandywell (kick off 7.45 pm) giving fans hope of a great victory on a night of nostalgia..
But 16 minutes later that dream was short lived when Dundalk were back on level terms with a goal from Brian Gartland
And Dundalk scored three times without reply from the Candy Stripes on a night when a bucket collection was taken for the Alzheimer’s Society as it is a condition the legendary ‘Treble’ manager of 1988/89 has been diagnosed with.
It was Derry’s first home defeat of the season as they fell to an impressive Dundalk who leap frogged Cork to the top of the table.
The hosts took an early lead through Cole but Dundalk responded with two goals in five minutes to turn the game around before half-time.
Former Candystripe Michael Duffy got on the scoresheet before Krisztian Adorjan added a fourth in stoppage time.
The result moves the Lilywhites to the top of the Premier Division while Derry remain fourth.
Kenny Shiels’ side started brightly and Ronan Hale nearly opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a low drive, but he was denied by the outstretched leg of keeper Gary Rogers.
The Candystripes did go in front just minutes later when Cole’s sweet left-footed effort from 25-yards looped over Rogers.
The goal appeared to spark the visitors into life as they controlled the game from that moment on. Sean Hoare’s swivelling volley was only kept out by a fine stop from Gerard Doherty.
Dundalk were back on level terms on 28 minutes courtesy of a thumping header from Gartland.
Robbie Benson, who also scored when the sides met last month, finished a flowing Dundalk move by rounding Doherty to give his side a half-time lead.
Derry native Duffy scored 13 goals during his time at the Brandywell and was proving to be a thorn in the side of his old club.
His lively performance was rewarded with a goal shortly after the break as Dundalk’s ability to break out at speed proved too much for the Candystripes as Duffy neatly finished a sweeping counter-attack.
Substitute Adorjan rounded off the scoring in stoppage time having been earlier denied at the near post by Doherty.
Derry’s attentions will now turn to Friday night’s game against St Pats Athletic, who currently sit three points behind them in fifth place.
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