DERRY City opened up a three point gap at the top of the National League Premier Division following this comfortable victory over Dundalk at the Brandywell on Saturday night.

And while the scoreline adequately reflects Derry's domination of the match, Felix Healy's side had to wait until the latter stages to make the match safe.

Tom Mohan and Sean Hargan scored in the closing minutes, after Brian Byrne had kept Dundalk in the match with an 80th minute strike, leaving the score 3-2.

Derry were clearly the superior side, but had they netted even half the chances they created, the victory would have been even more comprehensive.

Afterwards, Healy was delighted to take up the leadership of the table, but was the first to admit there was still a long way to go.

"The Bohemians defeat on Friday night presented us with a great opportunity to take advantage and I'm delighted we did so," he said.

"But there's a long way to go. I believe three or four teams could make a break over the coming weeks and the Premier Division championship will be decided between them. I just hope that we will be one of those sides" he added.

Healy refused to take anything for granted. "We've been playing well and scoring goals, but this league will not be won or lost in December."

Derry got off to a dream start when striker Gary Beckett volleyed a Hargan cross to the net after only 90 seconds.

Dundalk levelled matters in the 25th minute, but the home side battled back and regained the lead during injury time at the end of the first half, when James Keddy found the net after Dundalk goalkeeper Les Fridge could only parry another Beckett shot.

Derry were in total control from that point onwards. Beckett netted again to make it 3-1, before Byrne reduced the arrears to the minimum in the 80th minute. But Derry sealed the victory, thanks to goals by Mahon and Hargan during the last few minutes.