DUNDALK - 4 DERRY CITY - 2Dundalk's chances of avoiding relegation were enhanced by victory against Derry City at Oriel Park last night.

Derry took the lead after 12 minutes when a free-kick by Darren Kelly found the net from 30 yards.

Dundalk equalised seven minutes later through James Kelly's shot from the edge of the area.

Gary Haylock put Dundalk in front on the half hour when he gathered a kick-out by goalkeeper John Connolly just inside the Derry half and raced on to score.

Early in the second half, Cormac Malone did well to round Russell Payne in the Derry goal for Dundalk's third.

David Broughan got Dundalk's fourth from the penalty spot in the 58th minute before Liam Coyle scored a late consolation.

DUNDALK: Connolly, Whyte, Crawley, Broughan, McGuinness, Flanagan, Kavanagh, Reilly, Haylock, Hoey, Keddy. Subs: Malone for Reilly (24 mins).

DERRY CITY: Payne, E McCallion, McGready, Kelly, McLaughlin, Doherty, Philips, Hughes, Coyle, T McCallion, Beckett. Subs: Deery for Kelly half-time, Mullan for Hughes (53 mins), McCaul for Philips (80).

Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin)