UPDATE: In a dramatic finish, Derry City salvaged a vital point against Dundalk with a last-minute penalty, ending the match in a thrilling 2-2 draw this evening. The game reached a fever pitch when referee Declan Toland awarded Derry a controversial spot-kick in the 96th minute, just as time was about to run out.
Derry City struggled early in the match, falling behind after Eoin Kenny netted for Dundalk in the 24th minute. However, the home side responded with an equalizer from Patrick McClean shortly after halftime. Dundalk regained the lead with a goal from substitute Gbemi Arubi, but it was Derry’s captain, Michael Duffy, who ultimately secured the draw under intense pressure.
The match was overshadowed by a significant injury to Derry’s goalkeeper Brian Maher, who was set to make his 100th consecutive league appearance but broke a bone in his wrist ahead of the match. Shea Callister, a young talent, stepped in to replace him, adding to the stakes of the encounter.
From the opening whistle, tensions ran high. Derry’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed early on when James Clarke was seemingly fouled inside the box. However, the visitors took control when Kenny found the net with a curling strike that left Callister with no chance.
A crucial moment for Derry came just after the break when McClean headed home from a corner, leveling the score at 1-1. Derry continued to press, but Dundalk’s defense held strong until Arubi’s strike put them back in front. With time running out, Derry pushed desperately for an equalizer.
The turning point arrived in stoppage time. Duffy’s late free-kick rattled the post before the referee awarded a penalty after Henry Rylah was pulled down in the box. Duffy stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted it home, securing a share of the spoils.
This thrilling finish not only highlights Derry’s resilience but also raises questions about the officiating, particularly Toland’s controversial decisions throughout the match. The fans at Brandywell Stadium witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as their team fought until the final whistle.
The result leaves both teams with crucial points in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division, but Derry will be left to ponder what might have been had Maher been in goal. As for Dundalk, the performance showed promise, but the inability to secure all three points on the road will be a topic of discussion.
Looking ahead, Derry City will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next fixture, aiming to build on this momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams respond in their upcoming matches.
