It’s only half time - McDaid

The former Derry City man produced a virtuoso display at Oriel Park scoring twice and setting up a third to put the Bannsiders in the box seat, but he says there is still plenty of work to be done.

“It was a brilliant performance from all the boys. We played very well and it sets us up well for the second leg next week,” McDaid told Times Sport.

“We are under no illusions, the tie is very much still alive, It’s only half time.

“Dundalk have too much quality in their ranks to write them off and I’m sure they will be coming up to Coleraine all guns blazing.

“The three away goals is a major boost for us, but we’re not getting too carried away. They dominated possession without really creating much.

“We took our chances on the night, so it’s all to play for.”

With Coleraine 1-0 down McDaid found the net twice either side of half time to send the noisy travelling support into raptures.

His first was a stunning piledriver from fully 25 yards, which is becoming something of a trademark for the striker.

“Oran has been telling me to shoot more and it has paid off over the last few weeks as I’ve managed to bag myself a few goals,” he said.

“I just thought I would have a pop, there wasn’t a lot on for me and thankfully it went in.

“It was a good goal but I was as happy with the second one which was probably from a couple of yards out.

“It was a great ball in from Johnny Watt, he had a great game coming in at right back, it was a super ball in and I just had to make sure I got something on it to put it in the net.

“It was a very important goal as it put us in front just after the break.”

McDaid also had a hand in the third as he set up Ruairi Harkin, who colly slotted home from atight angle to help their side to victory over former boss Stephen Kenny.

“We managed to get a third, which could prove crucial for the second leg,” said McDaid.

“I just managed to hold the ball up and play in Ruairi and he produced a terrific finish from a tight angle.”

McDaid’s contribution was rightly recognised as he was named Man of the Match, and he revealed he enjoys paying Oriel Park a visit.” he said.

“I’ve managed to score a few goals in the past down here, so yeah I enjoy it.”

Oran Kearney revealed McDaid’s experience was why he went with him up top for the game.

“I just thought with his guile and experience he could give us something different,” said Kearney.

“We have seen him pull a few spectacular strikes out of the bag this season already.

“It was a great strike, Davy has that in his locker and it’s one of the reasons why we went for him up top tonight.

“It capped off an all round majestic performance. He was a real thorn in Dundalk’s side and he was rightly named Man of the Match.”