Dundalk's Michael Duffy impressed by new Derry City signings

The Derry man had expected a tough encounter against his hometown club in the league opener at Oriel Park and was impressed with how quickly Declan Devine's new signings have bedded in.

Duffy was a constant attacking threat for Dundalk on the left wing but he was contained for large parts by Derry debutante, Danny Lupano who went straight in at right-back.

The Lilywhites launched wave upon wave of attacks until they finally broke Derry resolve from an 87th minute corner kick as Dane Massey fired home.

However, Duffy was full of praise for Hull City loanee, Lupano and expects Derry to cause problems for lots of teams this year.

"He was tough to play against. He's a battler and he's strong and athletic. He was tough and I think he will do well in the league. He got stuck in and put in a couple of great tackles on me as well.

"Going by that performance Derry have put a good squad together," said the Galliagh man.

"I think they will be tough this year and take a lot of points from teams. It was 50/50 really tonight.

"Gary Rogers pulled off a great save from the new striker (Tim Nilsen) who was good tonight but we dug in and got the win."

After two successive season openers where they've failed to win (against Bray in 2018 and Sligo Rovers in 2019), Dundalk were under pressure to get the three points and get their title defence up and running.

"It's a good start for us," added the winger. "Opening day is always going to be a tough game but at least we got the win but it was a tough game.

"It always is against Derry. Last year they put it up to us and all the games were tough and they did that again tonight. Thankfully we got the goal.

"It took us a while to get to grips. You don't really know what to expect. We knew they would be hard working. They've put a good squad together again this year and it will be tough any time we play them.

"We settled down near the end of the first half and at the start of the second half and created a few chances.

"The games will start to fly in now but we've got to make sure we keep winning."