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Derry City ended a run of five straight league defeats by beating struggling Dundalk at the Brandywell on Tuesday.

David McDaid opened the scoring for City, shooting past goalkeeper Peter Cherrie after full-back Simon Madden's cross into the penalty area.

Patrick McEleney made it 2-0 early in the second half by racing through to chip over the keeper.

Ryan Curran shot in the third and former Dungannon defender Dermot McCaffrey made it 4-0 near the end.

Before the goal Derry central defender Stewart Greacen had a header cleared off the line by the Dundalk defence.

In other early Derry attacks, McDaid and Ruairi Higgins shot off target.

The results lifts Derry up three places in the table to fifth with the rest of the Premier Division programme to be played on Friday and Saturday nights.

Candystripes manager Declan Devine rested come players as their season hinges on Sunday's FAI Cup semi-final at home to Shelbourne on Sunday.

Dundalk are also in the semi-finals but have not won in the league for over four months.