Stephen Kenny's Derry side had won their five previous league games

Derry City's League of Ireland title hopes suffered a major blow as they were beaten by Dundalk in Friday's encounter at Oriel Park.

Alex Williams' 38th-minute goal was enough to earn the Louth club victory as understrength Derry's run of five straight league wins came to an end.

Derry remain second in the table but they are four points off the pace after leaders Bohemians won 3-1 at Bray.

Cork City are only a point adrift of Derry after their 2-0 win in Galway.

Williams' goal came on his debut as Derry conceded their first goal in six games.

The striker, who signed this week from Ayr United, latched on to a Michael Daly flick-on to stab the ball home from close range.

Dundalk almost went ahead in the fourth minute as Gerard Doherty's rushed clearance rebounded off Williams and inches wide.

We didn't do enough on the day Derry manager Stephen Kenny

The home side also gave a debut to former Cliftonville and Newry player Michael Collins after he was finally given international clearance to play in the League of Ireland.

Collins went to produce an impressive display as the high-flying Candystripes struggled to impose themselves on the contest.

Derry create little of note as Dundalk were well worth their victory.

Stephen Kenny acknowledged that his Derry team could have few complaints about the result.

"Dundalk were that bit physically stronger. The team we had out was that bit lighter," said the Derry manager.

"Dundalk were direct. We lost out in a few of the aerial battles. We didn't do enough on the day.

"We'll have to take stock and regroup next week against Drogheda and come out strong."

Kenny revealed that central defender Mark McChrystal had been taken to hospital following the game after receiving a suspected fractured cheekbone.

Derry were without six regulars in Friday's Dundalk contest.

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