Dundalk Extend Lead at the Top as Drogheda Earns Hard-Fought Draw
Ardee News and Sport – Dundalk Extend Lead at the Top as Drogheda Earns Hard-Fought Draw
Dundalk 3-0 Wexford FC: Lilywhites Move Five Points Clear
Dundalk extended their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division table to five points with a convincing 3-0 win over Wexford FC at Oriel Park. Two quickfire goals inside three minutes from Leo Gaxha and Sean Keogh opened the floodgates, securing the County Louth side’s sixth victory from their opening seven matches.
Ciarán Kilduff’s men found it tough to break down Wexford for much of the match, with goalkeeper Paul Martin producing several key saves. However, the breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Gaxha cut in from the left and curled a stunning right-footed effort into the bottom right corner.
Keogh doubled the lead just three minutes later with a powerful strike before Gaxha sealed the win in the 78th minute, tapping in from a Daryl Horgan cross.
Dundalk Starting XI: Cherrie; Dervin, Leonard, McHale, Keogh; Groome, Paraschiv (Tracey 76); Gaxha (Haris 88), Kenny, Horgan; Ebbe (Arubi 76).
Wexford FC Starting XI: Martin; Dunne (Imiren 70), Lyons, Larkin, McCourt, Crawford; Flynn, Harnett, Abada, Kelly (Levingston); Rowe.
Referee: Declan Toland.
Cork City 1-1 Drogheda United: Controversial Call Overshadows Late Equaliser
Warren Davis rescued a valuable point for Drogheda United at Turner’s Cross with a 63rd-minute equaliser, but the main talking point of the game was his disallowed goal in the opening minutes.
Davis thought he had given Drogheda the lead inside three minutes after charging down Tein Troost’s clearance into the net, but the referee deemed that he had entered the penalty area before Cork restarted play—a decision that left manager Kevin Doherty frustrated at full-time.
Cork City took the lead against the run of play when Ruairí Keating converted a 33rd-minute penalty. However, Drogheda fought back, with Davis expertly finishing after Luke Heeney won possession and played him through on goal.
Drogheda looked the stronger side in the closing stages, with Davis and Heeney both forcing saves from Troost. Despite the controversy, Drogheda can take heart from their performance as they continue their strong start to the season.
Cork City Starting XI: Tein; Crowley, Anderson, Mbeng, Couto; Murray, Shipston; Nolan, Skieters (O’Sullivan 61), Nelson; Keating.
Drogheda United Starting XI: Dennison; Bolger (Cruise 84), Keeley, Harper-Bailey; Lambe, Farrell, Brennan, Kane; Davis (Zishim Bawa 72), Markey (Heeney HT), Oluwa (Kareem 34).
Referee: Rob Hennessy.
Attendance: 4,244.
Both Louth clubs continue their campaigns in strong form, with Dundalk sitting comfortably atop the First Division and Drogheda United showing resilience on their travels. Fans will be eager to see how the season unfolds as the race for promotion and survival intensifies.
