Dundalk Down Kerry to Stay Top of First Division in Unbeaten Run
By ArdeePost Reporter
Dundalk FC strengthened their position at the top of the SSE Airtricity First Division with a 2-0 home victory over Kerry FC at Oriel Park, preserving their unbeaten record and reinforcing their campaign for a swift return to the Premier Division.
With promotion the clear target this season under manager Ciaran Kilduff, the Lilywhites delivered another composed and ultimately clinical performance, overcoming early pressure from the visitors to earn a deserved three points.
Kerry Impress Early, Dundalk Strike First
The visitors made a lively start, and it was Enda Minogue, Dundalk’s reliable goalkeeper, who was called into action early on. Joe Adams and Luke Palmer threatened with sharp efforts that tested Minogue’s reflexes, while Mujaguzi came closest for Kerry with a strike cleared off the line by Dervin, preventing a likely opener.
Dundalk, meanwhile, struggled in the early stages to turn possession into clear-cut chances, with frustration mounting among the home fans. However, just before the break, the breakthrough came — and it was a moment of magic from Kerry-born Leo Gaxha, ironically scoring against his native county.
In the 43rd minute, Gaxha picked up a loose ball wide on the right after Tracey’s quick work and struck a powerful curling ball toward the back post. What initially looked like a cross instead found its way into the top corner, looping over Kerry keeper Tim-Oliver Hiemer to put Dundalk 1-0 up in stunning fashion.
Captain Horgan Seals It with a Screamer
Early in the second half, Daryl Horgan thought he had doubled Dundalk’s lead, only for his effort to be ruled offside. But the captain didn’t let that deter him. In the 68th minute, Horgan took centre stage, picking up the ball on the edge of the Kerry area and unleashing a sublime curling strike that sailed past Hiemer into the far corner — a goal that underlined his leadership and quality.
Dundalk pressed for a third as Mulligan forced a smart save from Hiemer, while Gaxha nearly bagged a brace with a clever effort that rattled the post in the 85th minute. Andy Paraschiv and Horgan had late chances to further pad the lead but couldn’t keep their efforts on target.
Commanding Performance and Promotion Focus
It was a win that reflected Dundalk’s growing confidence and quality, even in the face of spells of pressure. With key contributions from Minogue, Gaxha, and Horgan, and a deep bench providing energy and impact, Ciaran Kilduff’s side remain firmly on course for promotion.
“It wasn’t perfect, but the result was what mattered,” said Kilduff post-match. “We’re seeing resilience, leadership and creativity — and that’s what will get us back to where we belong.”
Match Summary
Dundalk FC: Minogue; Dervin, Leonard, Animasahun, Keogh; Groome (Kenny 46), Tracey (Paraschiv 46); Gaxha, Ward (Mulligan 46), Horgan; Arubi (Ebbe 62)
Kerry FC: Hiemer; Williams, Brookwell, McQueen (Alabi 77), Aladesanusi; Mujaguzi (O’Connell 86), Crowe, Teahan; McGrath, Adams (Gleeson 77), Palmer (Honkola 61)
Around the Grounds
Elsewhere in the division, UCD claimed a dramatic 2-1 win at Finn Harps, with Ciaran Behan opening the scoring and a Mikey Raggett penalty in injury time sealing the points, despite an 89th-minute equaliser from Adam McDaid.
With the league heating up, all eyes will remain on Dundalk as they continue their march toward the Premier Division — a return that looks more likely with every commanding display.
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