League of Ireland Premier Division: Dundalk 2-2 Derry City

John Mountney and Jack Doyle vie for possession at Oriel Park

Derry City twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Premier Division leaders Dundalk at Oriel Park.

Robbie Benson opened the scoring in the sixth minute but Aaron McEneff levelled with a penalty after 43 minutes.

Michael Duffy restored the hosts' lead on the stroke of half-time but Eoin Toal equalised soon after the interval.

Derry, who had Gavin Peers sent-off late on, drop one spot to fourth in the league table, but have a game in hand over third-placed Waterford United.

The Candystripes went into the match on an impressive run of seven straight wins in all competitions, while unbeaten Dundalk had only conceded one goal in their first 11 top-flight outings of the campaign.

Benson opened the scoring when he touched the ball in at the near post past Ger Doherty for his third goal of the season.

Doherty was able to push Pat Hoban's effort out for a corner and also denied John Mountney, while at the other end, Derry's John Cofie scuffed his shot.

Midfielder McEneff fired past Gary Rogers from the penalty spot for his sixth of the season after being brought down inside the area.

Duffy sneaked in behind Darren Cole at the back post to score but after the re-start Toal sidefooted into the bottom corner on the rebound after Rogers had palmed away Ronan Curtis's initial header.

Toal's first goal for the club proved enough to secure a draw as Doherty again denied Hoban and Mountney pushed an attempt wide of the post.

Peers was dismissed by referee Ben Connolly for a second yellow card offence with three minutes remaining.

Derry's next league game is at home to Shamrock Rovers on Friday 27 April, followed by an away trip to Limerick three days later.