Dundalk and Derry City's 2009 campaign came to an end at Oriel Park on Friday with the three points going to The Candystripes.

 

Stephen Kenny's side almost gave their travelling support an early cheer when David McDaid cut in from the right to swing a left footed effort towards goal. Dundalk goalkeeper Peter Cherrie did well to tip the effort over the crossbar.

 

At the other end, Chris Turner - this week named in the Premier Division Team of the Year - smacked a vicious effort from 30-yards that Ger Doherty was relieved to see come straight at him.

 

The Candystripes then saw two opportunities in quick succession pass them by. James McClean's drive from the left was hacked clear off the line by Simon Kelly before Cherrie did well to save low down from Thomas Stewart after McDaid had set him clear with a delightful touch.

 

The chances kept coming at either end. Turner's clever corner found McGowan on the edge of the box. He created a yard for the shot but his goalbound effort was blocked on the line by Eddie McCallion. The Scot then drew a fantastic save from Doherty with a blistering drive in the 22nd minute.

 

The Derry shot-stopper was left red faced four minutes later when McGowan hit the goal of the season with an audacious 'Beckhamesque' lob from inside his own half. The winger looks set to leave the Louth club in the coming days, not a bad parting gift for the Oriel Park faithful.

 

Derry pulled level in the 47th minute when referee Derek Tomney awarded a spot kick against Ger Rowe; Gareth McGlynn dispatching the penalty past Cherrie.

 

Darren Mansaram saw red soon after - the 19th player to be sent off for Dundalk this season - and Derry deservedly won a bittersweet three points when Clive Delaney thumped home a late header.

 

Dundalk: Cherrie; Simon Kelly (Duffy 90), Burns, Heary, Coburn; McGowan (McGowan 89), Daly, Turner, Murphy; Mansaram, Rowe (Griffin 46).

 

Substitutes Not Used: Bennion, McGuigan.

 

Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Hutton, Delaney, O'Brien; McGlynn, Molloy (Higgins 83), Deery, McClean; Stewart (Scullion 68), McDaid (McManus 56).

 

Substitutes Not Used: Jennings, Martyn.

 

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).