Dundalk End Turbulent Week with Defeat to Sligo Rovers
Ardee News and Sport — Dundalk’s difficult week came to a disappointing close with a 2-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds. Despite taking the lead through Robbie Benson’s controversial first-half penalty, Sligo hit back with goals from Wilson Waweru and Ellis Chapman to secure victory and move level with third-placed Shamrock Rovers.
The week began on a positive note for Dundalk, as local businessman John Temple’s takeover provided hope for the club’s future. However, that optimism did not translate into a crucial win on the pitch, as Sligo Rovers recovered from a shaky start to claim their seventh consecutive home league victory.
Dundalk started brightly, with winger Daryl Horgan coming close early on, but it was Robbie Benson who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after a controversial handball decision against former Dundalk player Connor Malley. Despite protests from the Sligo bench, Benson converted the penalty, giving Dundalk a 1-0 lead.
Sligo responded well, with Ollie Denham and Simon Power both coming close, but they were unable to find the net before halftime. However, the momentum shifted in the second half. A crucial save from Ross Munro kept Dundalk ahead briefly, but in the 69th minute, Wilson Waweru headed home Simon Power’s cross to level the match.
Waweru’s night was cut short by an ankle injury soon after, but Sligo’s comeback continued. Dundalk’s Hayden Cann received a red card in the 75th minute for a foul on Sligo substitute Luke Pearce, leading to a penalty. Ellis Chapman stepped up and coolly slotted home his ninth goal of the season, giving Sligo the win.
Despite a late surge from Dundalk, including two crucial saves from Sligo keeper Ed McGinty, the Louthmen were unable to find an equalizer, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division table.
**Sligo Rovers 2-1 Dundalk**
*(Waweru 69′, Chapman 75′ – Benson 24′ pen)*
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Conor Malley (Luke Pearce 62); Will Fitzgerald, Ellis Chapman, Simon Power; Wilson Waweru (Kailin Barlow 74).
Dundalk: Ross Munro; Dan Pike, Andy Boyle, Hayden Cann, John Mountney; Aodh Dervin, Jad Hakikii (Dara Keane 71), Robbie Benson (Norman Garbett 84); Daryl Horgan (Robbie Mahon 84), Ryan O’Kane (Bobby Faulkner 77); Eoin Kenny (Jamie Gullan 71).
Referee: Marc Lynch
Attendance: 2,754