Drogheda Dominate Sligo as Dundalk Edge Harps to Top Table
Ardee News and Sport – Drogheda Dominate Sligo as Dundalk Edge Harps to Top Table
It was a weekend of success for Louth’s top clubs, as Drogheda United secured their first win of the season in style while Dundalk climbed to the top of the First Division with a hard-fought victory.
At Sullivan and Lambe Park, Drogheda United swept aside a lackluster Sligo Rovers with a commanding 3-0 victory. Goals from Josh Thomas, Darragh Markey, and Luke Heeney ensured a dominant performance from Kevin Doherty’s side, who showcased their attacking flair after last week’s defensive resilience against St Patrick’s Athletic. The Boynesiders were in control throughout, with Thomas opening the scoring before Markey and Heeney put the game beyond doubt.
Drogheda United: Dennison; Quinn, Keeley, Bolger; Lambe, Farrell, Brennan (Heeney, 89), Kane; Markey; Bawa (Oluwa, 62), Thomas (Davis, 72).
Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Lintott (Van Hattum, 69), Denham, Mahon, Hutchinson; Hakiki (Manning, 84), Doyle-Hayes (Lomboto, 69), Malley; Elding, Fitzgerald; Kavanagh.
Referee: David Dunne
Meanwhile, Dundalk made it two wins from two in the First Division, edging Finn Harps 1-0 at Finn Park. Teenager Sean Keogh struck a stunning second-minute free-kick to give the Lilywhites an early lead. However, despite a strong second-half push from Harps, including a near-miss from Patrick Ferry and a disallowed goal for Eoin Kenny, Dundalk held firm to claim a vital three points and move to the top of the table.
Finn Harps: Cooney; Place, Oduwa (McAteer, h-t), Tourish, Hutchison, Thompson (Johnson, 83); Cawley (Dodd, 82), McNamee, Jordan (Bradley-Walsh, 70), Jordan; McGuinness, Ferry (Lomboto, 70).
Dundalk: Minoghue, O’Keeffe, Animasahun (Mulligan, 84), Leonard, Keogh; Gaxha (Garbett, 82), Groome (Paraschiv, 82), Kenny, Dervin, Horgan; Ebbe (McHale 60).
Referee: D. Toland (Athlone).
With Drogheda finding their stride and Dundalk leading the way, it was a weekend to celebrate for Louth football fans.