Ardee News and Sport Soccer News Results
Ardee News and Sport – Dundalk Slip Further Into Relegation Trouble with Defeat to Waterford
Dundalk’s relegation fears deepened on Friday night as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Waterford at the RSC. Jon Daly’s side remains bottom of the Premier Division, one point behind ninth-placed Drogheda United, who also have a game in hand.
The Lilywhites were left frustrated after a contentious penalty decision went against them, which could have helped salvage a point. However, their night began disastrously, as they found themselves 2-0 down inside the first 16 minutes.
Waterford’s Sam Bellis, making his first league start for the Blues, opened the scoring just five minutes in with a composed finish. Padraig Amond then doubled the home side’s advantage with a neat effort, putting Dundalk on the back foot early on.
Dundalk managed to regroup and had a strong case for a penalty when Eoin Kenny’s goalbound shot was blocked by the hand of Waterford defender Grant Horton. Despite loud protests from the Dundalk camp, referee Rob Hennessy waved play on. Kenny, alongside first-team coach Graham Kelly, was booked for his protests.
In the second half, Dundalk found some hope when Jamie Gullan pulled a goal back, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a crucial loss. The defeat leaves Dundalk in serious relegation danger as they continue to fight for their Premier Division survival.
Teams:
Waterford: Louis Jones; Ryan Burke, Grant Horton, Darragh Leahy, Darragh Power, Kacper Radkowski; Barry Baggley, Samuel Bellis, Rowan McDonald, Dean McMenamy; Padraig Amond.
Dundalk: Ross Munro; Andrew Boyle, Hayden Cann, Scott McGill, Daniel Pike; Robert Benson, Aodh Dervin, Daryl Horgan, Eoin Kenny, John Mountney; Ryan O’Kane.
Referee: Rob Hennessy.
Attendance: 2,236.
Ardee News and Sport – Drogheda United Ease Into FAI Cup Semi-Finals with 4-1 Win Over Athlone Town
Drogheda United stormed into the FAI Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2013, with a comfortable 4-1 victory over First Division Athlone Town at Lissywollen on Friday night.
Douglas James-Taylor continued his fine form, opening the scoring for Drogheda after just 10 minutes, capitalising on a defensive mix-up by Athlone. Frantz Pierrot nearly added a second against his former club, hitting the post, but Drogheda had to settle for a 1-0 lead at half-time.
James-Taylor struck again shortly after the break, doubling Drogheda’s lead. Ryan Brennan, making his 200th appearance for the club, added a third with a spectacular free-kick on 65 minutes. Substitute Adam Foley made it 4-0 with a clinical finish late on, before Athlone’s Dean Ebbe converted a late penalty for a consolation goal.
Drogheda’s victory ensures they advance to the semi-finals, while Bohemians, Wexford, and the winner of Derry City vs Shelbourne will join them in the last four. The semi-final draw will take place following tonight’s game at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
Final score: Drogheda United 4-1 Athlone Town.
Other FAI Cup Quarter-Final Results:
Bohemians 4-0 UCD
Wexford 4-1 Treaty United
Derry City faces Shelbourne on Saturday to determine the final semi-finalist.