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Ardee Post Soccer Roundup - The latest soccer news from LOI

Ardee Post Local Soccer Roundup

Ardee Post Soccer Roundup – The latest soccer news from LOI

LOI Premier Division: Shelbourne 1-0 Dundalk

Shelbourne maintained their position at the top of the Premier Division table with a narrow victory over Dundalk at Tolka Park. John Martin’s third goal of the season proved decisive, as Damien Duff’s side secured three crucial points against a resilient Dundalk. The defeat, combined with Drogheda United’s draw against St Patrick’s Athletic, saw Dundalk slip to the bottom of the table on goal difference.

Fresh from their morale-boosting win at St Patrick’s on Monday, Jon Daly’s Dundalk faced an early setback when goalkeeper Ross Munro was injured during the warm-up, leading to a league debut for 19-year-old Sean Molloy. Molloy quickly impressed, confidently handling a dangerous cross from Will Jarvis within the opening minutes.

Shelbourne, making two changes from their previous defeat to Sligo Rovers, dominated possession early on. However, they only seriously threatened Molloy’s goal in the 20th minute. Dundalk’s Daryl Horgan cleared a Shelbourne free kick, sparking a counter-attack that ended with Horgan making a crucial defensive play to stop Evan Caffrey from shooting.

Dundalk’s injury woes continued as striker Jamie Gullan was replaced by Cameron Elliott before the half-hour mark. Despite this, Dundalk managed a brief spell of possession, with Ryan O’Kane shooting off target.

Shelbourne, however, remained the dominant side and created several chances. In the 34th minute, John Martin spun past his marker to set up Jarvis, whose shot curled just wide. Minutes later, Caffrey missed a header from Tyreke Wilson’s cross, leaving the match goalless at halftime.

The second half began with promise, and Shelbourne substitute Liam Burt narrowly missed after a clever link-up with Caffrey. Shelbourne continued to press, with Caffrey volleying into the side netting from JJ Lunney’s pass.

Dundalk tried to fight back, with substitute Eoin Kenny hitting the side netting after being set up by captain John Mountney. As news came in of Derry City taking the lead against Galway United, Shelbourne’s position at the top was under threat.

In the 71st minute, Jarvis skillfully beat Archie Davies on the end line and crossed for Martin, who tapped in from close range to give Shelbourne the lead.

Dundalk pushed for an equalizer, with Kenny hitting the crossbar from inside the area. Despite their efforts, Shelbourne held on for a deserved win to stay at the top of the table.

Shelbourne Lineup:

Kearns; Gannon, Molloy, Barrett, Wilson; Coyle (O’Sullivan, 65), Lunney; Smith (Burt, h-t), Caffrey (Williams, 65), Jarvis (Ledwidge, 81); Martin (Farrell, 85).

Dundalk Lineup:

Molloy; Johnson, Boyle, Animasahun (Benson, h-t); Davies, Muller (Kenny, 63), Doyle, Mountney; Horgan, Gullan (Elliott, 26), O’Kane (Durrant, 76).

Referee:

Damien MacGraith (Mayo).

Attendance:

3,850 (est).

Drogheda 0-0 St Pat’s

Drogheda United climbed off the bottom of the table after securing a point against a struggling St Patrick’s Athletic in a goalless draw last night. Despite numerous opportunities, Drogheda couldn’t find the decisive goal, highlighting the challenges ahead for new Saints boss Stephen Kenny.

St Pat’s had two excellent chances early in the match to ease their nerves but failed to capitalize. Ruairi Keating was denied by Andrew Wogan’s outstretched hand in the seventh minute, and Jake Mulraney missed a golden opportunity in the 24th minute following a counter-attack initiated by Keating and Mason Melia.

Chris Forrester broke through the offside trap and delivered a low cross to Mulraney, but the former Hearts player missed from six yards out. Pat’s attack lacked consistency, with only Kian Leavy showing some attacking intent, leaving away fans disappointed on a chilly June evening.

Injuries further hampered St Pat’s, with Ryan McLaughlin and Joe Redmond both forced off. McLaughlin, who had already missed two months of the season with a calf injury, appeared inconsolable after injuring his hamstring. Redmond also struggled, leaving the field in the second half after briefly trying to play through his discomfort.

Drogheda’s performance showed promise but lacked finishing precision. Striker Zisham Bawa created several chances but failed to convert. His efforts, including a high shot from the edge of the area and a miss from close range, epitomized Drogheda’s night.

Adam Foley nearly scored with a flicked header from an Evan Weir free-kick, and Conor Kane’s low 20-yard shot was saved by Danny Rogers. Ryan Brennan also curled an effort over the bar from 25 yards.

Kenny’s attempts to invigorate Pat’s attack with second-half substitutions fell short, with Alex Nolan missing from 10 yards as the match drew to a close. In injury time, Bawa’s header went narrowly wide, ending Drogheda’s hopes for a last-minute victory.

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