Gullan held off Sadou Diallo to bring down a high ball played into the Derry final third before slotting it neatly through the legs of McEleney and racing towards goal. The Derry defence recovered well but the Dundalk striker still managed to get a shot on target which was saved comfortably by Brian Maher.

Derry City kept their title hopes alive with a much-needed victory at Oriel Park, which also relegated Dundalk in the process.

Dundalk’s 16 year spell in the top flight came to an end amid ongoing doubts over the club’s long-term future as a going concern.

The moment that settled this game offered a fitting historical angle to a meeting of two teams in dramatically different situations. Dundalk’s relegation was confirmed by a Derry City travelling party featuring players who starred in their glory years,

DUNDALK’S RELEGATION FROM the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division has been confirmed following a 2-0 defeat to Derry City on a miserable night in Oriel Park. Just shy of a decade on from celebrating the first of five league title wins in six years at the same venue,