Drogheda Dropped as Derry City Soar into Second with Dominant Display
By ArdeePost Reporter
Derry City produced a commanding performance to dismantle Drogheda United 3–0 at the Brandywell, sealing their third consecutive win and clean sheet—propelling them into second place in the Premier Division
First-Half Blitz
• On 33 minutes, Donegal’s Sam Todd rose to head in from Michael Duffy’s clipped corner — his first-ever goal at the Brandywell .
• Just three minutes later, Ronan Boyce pounced on a rebound after Duffy’s header was cleared off the line, doubling Derry’s lead .
Tactical Masterclass
The Candystripes controlled play throughout, dominating possession and stifling Drogheda’s attempts. Drogheda’s best chance came through Thomas Oluwa, but Brian Maher pulled off a key save to maintain the clean sheet .
Sealing the Victory
With time ticking in added minutes, Danny Mullen wrapped up the emphatic win by tapping in from close range, capitalising on another Duffy assist .
A Statement Move
The result puts Derry level on points with Bohemians and 11 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, thanks to two games in hand . Meanwhile, Drogheda remain firmly mid-table but have now failed to breach Derry’s fortress in three attempts this season.
Line-ups
- Derry City: Maher; Cann, Connolly, Holt; R. Boyce, Winchester (McMullan 76), Diallo (O’Reilly 63), Whyte (Mullen 75), Duffy, Todd; L. Boyce (Benson 75).
- Drogheda: Dennison; Kane (Cruise 55), Quinn, Harper‑Bailey, James-Taylor (Bosakani 87); Farrell, Brennan (Markey 55), Heeney, Keeley, Lambe, Oluwa (Kareem 60).
Referee: Robert Harvey (Dublin)
Venue: Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
This emphatic Derby win not only boosts Derry City’s European hopes but raises serious questions about Drogheda’s ability to break into the Premier Division elite.
Dundalk Extend First Division Lead with 1-0 Win Over Cobh Ramblers
Dundalk, 27 June 2025 – Dundalk extended their grip on top spot in the SSE Airtricity League First Division with a narrow 1-0 victory against second‑placed Cobh Ramblers at Oriel Park. A goal just before the quarter-hour by young striker Gbemi Arubi proved decisive, earning Ciarán Kilduff’s side a valuable three-point cushion and keeping promotion hopes firmly on track.
Arubi’s Early Volley Sets the Tone
On a bright Friday evening, Dundalk struck early. In the 13th minute, a lofted cross from Luke Mulligan found space in the six-yard box. The ball fell to Gbemi Arubi, who executed an exquisite acrobatic volley, heading it past Cobh goalkeeper Timothy Martin . The 21-year-old, a Shelbourne-trained graduate, has emerged as a key figure in Dundalk’s resurgence.
Strong Defence Shuts Out the Threat
After the opener, Dundalk shifted focus to defence. Goalkeeper Enda Minogue showed his mettle, making crucial early saves. Midfield anchors and wing-backs maintained structure, thwarting Cobh’s attempts to respond .
Show of Resilience Amid Rival Ambitions
Cobh, under new ownership by F32, had been expected to challenge for promotion, investing heavily in talent (). However, Dundalk’s composed performance underscored why they’ve been the dominant force, cementing a four-point lead at the summit with 15 matches remaining.
Players in Focus
- Gbemi Arubi: Hero of the night with the match-winner, proving maturity beyond his years .
- Sean Keogh: Instrumental in the lead-up, his cross caused Cobh’s defensive lapse .
- Enda Minogue: Kept a clean sheet with timely saves early and late.
First Division Watch: Other Fixtures
- Wexford 4-3 Kerry: A remarkable comeback by 10‑man Wexford saw them overturn a 3-1 deficit, despite Sean McGrath’s first-half hat-trick for Kerry.
- Bray Wanderers 4-0 Athlone Town: A dominant performance away from home propelled Bray to third in the standings.
- Cobh Ramblers: Despite the loss to Dundalk, continue hunting a playoff spot firmly.
What Now for Dundalk?
The Lilywhites, having climbed from relegation fears last September, now control their Premier Division destiny. A four-point cushion over Cobh, combined with a strong goal difference, gives them breathing space—but consistency is key. Dundalk’s next fixture will be a critical battle with Cobh at Oriel Park, where a win could virtually seal automatic promotion.
Dundalk Lineup
Dundalk (4-2-3-1):
Minogue; Mulligan, Animasahun, Leonard, McHale; Keogh, Dervin; Kenny, Horgan, Groome; Arubi
Subs: Paraschiv, Ebbe, Ward
Cobh Ramblers:
Martin; Häkkinen, Coleman (sent off late), Griffin; others
Dundalk’s early breakthrough and disciplined defence ensured their position at the summit. With a blend of emerging talent and senior leadership, they remain best placed for a swift return to the Premier Division.
