Derry C 4 Dundalk 0:DUNDALK may have been condemned to the relegation-promotion play-off following this defeat by Derry City at the Brandywell, but their thoughts will now focus on this weekend's FAI Cup semi-final.
On the other hand, Derry entertain Shelbourne in the second semi-final and this result will certainly have boosted confidence levels on Foyleside.
David McDaid and Stewart Greacen both went close to breaking the deadlock during the opening 15 minutes before Derry’s pressure finally paid off.
A cross from the right from Patrick McEleney was met by the unmarked McDaid, who volleyed the ball high into the Dundalk net, giving Peter Cherrie no chance.
Derry doubled their lead four minutes into the second half as Dundalk were caught on the break.
Following a Dundalk corner, Derry broke with great pace and Patrick McEleney left the visiting defence in his wake before scooping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Eight minutes from the end, the Candystripes ended the match as a contest when young substitute Ryan Curran lashed the ball home before full back Dermot McCaffrey completed the rout.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, Greacen, S McEleney, McCaffrey; P McEleney, Deery (Curran, 68) Higgins, McNamee; McDaid (Duffy, 88), Murphy.
DUNDALK: Cherrie; Maher, Whelan (Burns, 61), Foran, Shanahan; Shannon, Mountney, Shields, Osborne; McKenna (Woods, 68), Conlon (Walsh, 78).
Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).
