Dundalk and Drogheda Endure Tough League Nights
By ArdeePost Reporter
Drogheda United Lose as Shelbourne Stage Comeback
Drogheda United’s difficult fortnight continued on Friday night as Shelbourne FC came from behind at Sullivan & Lambe Park to claim their first league win of the season.
Despite taking an early lead, Drogheda were undone by two second-half goals as Shelbourne ran out 2-1 winners in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division clash.
Fast Start for Drogheda
The Boynesiders made the perfect start, striking after just five minutes to lift the home crowd.
Drogheda began brightly and looked determined to respond to what has been a turbulent 10 days both on and off the pitch. Their early goal gave hope that they could steady the ship and turn the page on recent setbacks.
However, while they held their advantage through much of the first half, they were unable to extend their lead.
Shelbourne Turn the Tide On Drogheda
Shelbourne regrouped after the interval and began to exert greater control.
The Dublin side’s persistence paid off in the second half as they found the equaliser and then pushed on to grab a decisive second goal, silencing the home support and leaving Drogheda chasing the game.
Despite late pressure, the hosts could not carve out a clear opportunity to salvage a point, and the final whistle confirmed another frustrating result.
€15,000 Fine and Fan Bans Confirmed
The defeat caps off a bruising period for Drogheda United.
Earlier this week, the club was hit with a €15,000 fine following crowd trouble at last weekend’s Louth derby against Dundalk FC.
In addition, Drogheda supporters have been banned from attending the club’s next four away games, as well as all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
The sanctions were imposed after a number of Drogheda fans threw flares onto Dundalk’s newly installed artificial pitch, causing thousands of euros worth of damage.
The pitch had been officially opened earlier that evening by Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan, whose department had provided €500,000 in grant funding towards the new surface and floodlights at Oriel Park.
The Minister witnessed the disorder from the main stand. The situation intensified when a 12-year-old Drogheda fan was struck in the face by a flare, sparking widespread debate and leading to the Minister’s decision to withdraw funding support for clubs.
Drogheda United Searching for Stability
For Drogheda United, the focus now turns back to football.
While the early goal against Shelbourne offered brief optimism, the inability to see out the result reflects a side struggling for momentum during a challenging stretch.
With financial penalties imposed, supporter restrictions in place and results proving elusive, the coming weeks will be critical for the Boynesiders as they look to restore stability on and off the pitch.
Dundalk Thrashed 4-0 by St Pat’s in Dublin Clash
Dundalk FC suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away to St Patrick’s Athletic as the Saints claimed their first win of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division season.
After drawing one and losing one of their opening two fixtures, St Pat’s delivered a commanding performance at Richmond Park to underline their intent for the campaign ahead.
Palmer Breaks the Deadlock
Stephen Kenny’s side began with purpose and were rewarded when Romal Palmer fired home to open the scoring.
The early goal settled the hosts and put Dundalk immediately on the back foot. The Lilywhites struggled to gain a foothold in midfield as St Pat’s controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
By half-time, Dundalk were chasing the game and facing an uphill task.
Saints Show Ruthless Edge
The second half saw St Pat’s turn dominance into goals.
Capitalising on defensive lapses and quick transitions, the Dublin outfit added further strikes to extend their lead and remove any doubt about the outcome. Dundalk were unable to stem the tide as the Saints demonstrated sharp movement and clinical finishing in front of goal.
The fourth goal capped an emphatic display and sent the home support into full voice.
Kenny Highlights Importance of Home Form
After the match, Stephen Kenny stressed that strong home performances will be key to St Patrick’s Athletic’s ambitions this season.
Following a slow start, this comprehensive victory provides momentum and confidence as they look to climb the table.
Dundalk Left to Regroup
For Dundalk, it was a chastening evening and a reminder of the challenges posed by top-flight football.
While they have shown resilience in other outings, this result exposed areas that will require attention in the weeks ahead. The Lilywhites must now regroup quickly and rediscover the organisation and grit needed to compete consistently in the Premier Division.
With the season still young, Dundalk will be determined to respond positively and put this setback behind them.
