Drogheda Dream Shattered While Dundalk Dominate Bray in Style
Ardee News and Sport – Drogheda Dream Shattered While Dundalk Dominate Bray in Style
McGinty the Hero as Shamrock Rovers Inflict First Defeat on Drogheda United
SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Drogheda United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty was the hero of the night as he saved a dramatic 96th-minute penalty, denying Drogheda United the chance to rescue a point and maintain their unbeaten start to the season at Sullivan and Lambe Park.
In a pulsating clash that saw Drogheda take an early lead through Conor Keeley, Rovers responded with goals from Aaron Greene and Graham Burke to secure back-to-back victories and hand Drogheda their first defeat of the campaign.
Drogheda’s Dream Start Ends in Heartbreak
Drogheda United, who had enjoyed a blistering start to the season, knew that a draw would secure their spot at the top of the table going into the international break.
However, their hopes were dashed in the dying moments when McGinty produced a stunning penalty save from Shane Farrell’s spot kick, breaking the hearts of the 2,000-strong home crowd.
Despite the loss, results elsewhere mean the Drogs remain top of the table, a remarkable achievement for a side that few expected to be leading the pack at this stage.
Early Lead for the Hosts
In a game where Shamrock Rovers dominated possession, Drogheda posed a constant threat on the counter-attack through the pace of Warren Davis and Thomas Oluwa.
The home side struck first in the 34th minute when Darragh Markey dispossessed Dylan Watts and fed Conor Keeley, whose first-time strike from the edge of the area flew past McGinty.
It was just Keeley’s third Premier Division goal, but one that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Rovers Fight Back
Shamrock Rovers responded swiftly, and Aaron Greene’s clinical finish before half-time brought the visitors level.
The winning goal came in the 70th minute, with Sean Grant’s excellent work down the wing setting up Graham Burke, who slotted home to complete the comeback.
Drogheda pushed for an equaliser and were awarded a last-minute penalty when McGinty collided with Luke Heeney in the box.
With the clock ticking past 96 minutes, Shane Farrell stepped up, but McGinty guessed correctly, diving low to deny the Drogs and secure a massive win for Rovers.
Post-Match Reaction
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley praised his goalkeeper’s heroics:
“Ed has been outstanding for us, and that penalty save shows exactly why we brought him in. It’s a huge result for us against a very strong Drogheda side.”
Drogheda boss Kevin Doherty admitted it was a tough one to take:
“We matched them all the way and deserved something from the game. But fair play to McGinty – that was an incredible save.”
What’s Next?
With the international break now underway, Drogheda will have time to regroup before their next fixture, while Rovers will be hoping this win kickstarts their title challenge after an uneven start to the campaign.
Full-Time Score
Drogheda United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers
Drogheda Scorer: Conor Keeley (34’)
Shamrock Rovers Scorers: Aaron Greene (42’), Graham Burke (70’)
Key Moment:
Ed McGinty’s 96th-minute penalty save from Shane Farrell.
Dundalk Dominate Bray with First-Half Blitz to Claim Victory on New All-Weather Surface
Bray Wanderers 1-3 Dundalk
Dundalk stormed to victory over Bray Wanderers with a clinical first-half performance, scoring three goals in the opening 30 minutes to spoil the home side’s debut on their new all-weather surface at the Carlisle Grounds.
The win keeps Ciaran Kilduff’s side unbeaten, with four victories from their first five games of the 2025 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign, putting them two points clear at the top of the table ahead of Cobh Ramblers.
Flying Start for the Lilywhites
In front of a crowd of 1,650 fans, Dundalk wasted no time asserting their dominance, netting twice in quick succession between the 8th and 11th minute.
The opening goal came when a deflected through ball off Jordan Tallon fell perfectly to Daryl Horgan, who calmly slotted past Bray keeper Jimmy Corcoran from 14 yards.
Just three minutes later, Dundalk doubled their lead. Keith Ward’s corner found Aodh Dervin, whose delivery back into the danger zone was met by Dean Ebbe, who finished clinically from close range.
Dundalk in Cruise Control
The visitors added a third goal on the half-hour mark when Sean Keogh’s left-wing cross was blocked back to him. Keogh’s header back into the box found Eoin Kenny, who tucked the ball home from eight yards out.
Bray, who had made two changes from their win over Kerry last week, struggled to gain momentum against a well-organised Dundalk side.
The Seagulls introduced 16-year-old Richard Ferizaj for his senior home debut, but the teenager found it tough against the experience of Dundalk’s midfield.
Late Consolation for Bray
Bray pushed for a response in the second half but couldn’t break down Dundalk’s resolute defence.
They eventually grabbed a 93rd-minute consolation when Max Murphy converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
Kilduff Praises Ruthless Display
Dundalk boss Ciaran Kilduff hailed his side’s ruthless first-half display:
“We knew we had to make a statement early, and the lads executed the game plan perfectly. To come here and get three goals inside 30 minutes is a credit to the team. We’re delighted to be top of the table, but there’s a long way to go.”
Bray manager Ian Ryan admitted his side were punished for a slow start:
“We gave ourselves too much to do after that opening spell. We’ll learn from it and bounce back.”
What’s Next?
Dundalk will look to extend their unbeaten run when they host Athlone Town next weekend, while Bray face a tricky trip to Cobh Ramblers.
Full-Time Score
Bray Wanderers 1-3 Dundalk
Dundalk Scorers: Horgan (8’), Ebbe (11’), Kenny (30’)
Bray Scorer: Max Murphy (93’ pen)
