DID YOU KNOW

Derry air suits Dane

While Monday night’s trip to Buncrana might have ended in disappointment for Dundalk, it’s a journey that Dane Massey seems to love. This was the third consecutive season that the left back has scored away to Derry City with Monday’s goal coming exactly two years to the day since his goal on March 13th 2015. Monday was also his 16th competitive goal for Dundalk, ironically coming in the 16th minute.

100 not out for Gar ts

While Monday night’s defeat to Derry is not a game that too many Dundalk players will want to remember in a hurry, it was a landmark occasion for Brian Gartland who made his 100th league start for the club on the night - wearing the captain’s armband for the third consecutive game in the process.

Winning run ended

Derry’s victory over Dundalk on Monday night brought to an end a 14 match unbeaten run for Dundalk in fixtures between the two sides. The Candystripes hadn’t beaten the Lilywhites since a 3-1 victory at Oriel Park in April 2013. Since then Dundalk had won 11 of the 14 meetings with three draws also recorded. Ironically Dundalk also took the lead in their 3-1 defeat almost four years ago, similar to Monday night. On that occasion Vinny Faherty put the Lilywhites ahead only for Rory Patterson to equalise from the spot. Barry McNamee, just as he did on Monday, then put Derry 2-1 ahead before another Patterson spot kick secured the win. Dane Massey was the sole Dundalk survivor from that game although but Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney came on as subs for Derry.

Good omen?

While Dundalk wouldn’t have wished to lose to Derry City on Monday night, it could prove to be a good omen in the long run. The Lilywhites also lost their fourth match of last season, at home to Cork City, only to respond with a 4-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic in their next game before going on to retain the title. Liam Buckley’s side are ironically Dundalk’s next opponents on Saturday night.

Saints no match

Saturday night’s opponents St Patrick’s Athletic have never beaten Dundalk in a league game at Oriel Park since Stephen Kenny has been in charge. While Liam Buckley’s side won an EA Sports Cup game after extra time at the Carrick Road venue last season, you have to go back to 2012 to find the last time they won at Oriel with John Mountney the only survivor from that game. Since then the clubs have met five times in the league at Oriel with Dundalk winning four and drawing once in 2014. In those matches Dundalk have scored 11 times and Pat’s just twice.