Dundalk fall to Harps, Drogheda held by late Cork strike
By ArdeePost Reporter
Unbeaten Run Ends: Dundalk Suffer Defeat to Finn Harps, Promotion Battle Tightens
Dundalk FC’s impressive undefeated streak in the First Division came crashing to a halt as Finn Harps secured a 1-0 win at Finn Park on Monday evening. With the result, Dundalk’s lead atop the table has been cut to just one point, intensifying the title race as rivals Cobh Ramblers also picked up a win .
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Lomboto’s Decisive Penalty
The solitary goal came in the 62nd minute, when Gradi Lomboto coolly converted a penalty after Leo Gaxha was judged to have fouled Joel Thompson inside the area. The finish struck the bottom-left corner, handing Harps the advantage they would hold until full-time .
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Dundalk Missed Chances
Early pressure from Dundalk was evident, with Leo Gaxha forcing a save from Harps keeper Corey Sheridan, and Eoin Kenny flashing a strike just wide . Despite dominating possession and creating several half-chances—including a curling effort by Kenny that struck the crossbar—Dundalk were unable to break down a determined Harps defence .
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Harps’ Goalkeeper Heroics
Corey Sheridan was instrumental for Finn Harps, producing multiple saves to keep Dundalk at bay—most notably tipping Kenny’s curling attempt on to the crossbar and again denying Dean Ebbe in stoppage time .
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Late Worry: Gaxha Injury
The match ended on a sour note for Dundalk fans as influential winger Leo Gaxha was stretchered off late in the game with a suspected serious injury—an unfortunate end to a night where he had been pivotal.
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Title Race Tightens
- Dundalk, who had gone unbeaten the entire campaign up to this point, now lead by just one point .
- Cobh Ramblers also won, narrowing the gap and setting the stage for a potential title showdown.
- With Dundalk hosting Cobh at Oriel Park in their next fixture, the stakes couldn’t be higher .
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Stand-Out Performers
- Lomboto: 62’ — calm penalty conversion
- Sheridan: safe hands with several crucial saves
- Gaxha & Kenny: creative threats, but unable to find the target late on
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What’s Next For Dundalk
Dundalk’s next match sees them hosting the second-place Cobh Ramblers at Oriel Park—a potential six-pointer on their path to automatic promotion. For Finn Harps, the win brings renewed optimism in their survival ambitions and boosts confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.
📣 Stay tuned for full coverage, tactical analysis, and previews of the pivotal Dundalk – Cobh clash.
Late Daniels Strike Denies Drogheda Win as Cork City Salvage Point at Turner’s Cross
Cork City — In a dramatic climax at Turner’s Cross, Djenairo Daniels headed a 96th‑minute equaliser to secure a 1‑1 draw for Cork City against Drogheda United, as the visitors dropped to third in the Premier Division following their recent Conference League expulsion .
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Match-Winning Moments Reversed
Drogheda struck first—Shane Farrell curled a sublime 25-yard free-kick into the net in the 12th minute, clipping the post on its way in to make it 0‑1 . Their tight defence held firm against heavy Cork pressure, with 74% possession in Drogheda’s favour in the first half .
However, Cork’s relentless late-game surge was rewarded when Daniels met a Josh Fitzpatrick cross with a powerful header to earn his fifth goal of the season .
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Key Stats and Moments
- Attendance at Turner’s Cross reached 1,815, as both sides pushed for crucial Premier Division points .
- Cork’s high possession yielded few clear chances until late on, while Drogheda created most scoring opportunities through rapid counter-attacks .
- Drogheda’s defence, marshalled by Conor Keeley—named “Sun Star Man”—held strong against constant pressure .
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Standings Impact & Relegation Watch
- Drogheda drop to third place, unable to pull away from rivals after their European exit .
- Meanwhile, Cork City remain trapped near the relegation zone, four points from safety and still searching for their first clean sheet of the season .
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Looking Ahead
Drogheda will reflect on a missed opportunity to assert dominance post-European competition exit and must tighten up ahead of their next fixtures. Cork, meanwhile, will believe Daniels’s late heroics inject momentum into their bid to avoid the drop.
📣 For pre- and post-match interviews, team news, and live updates, follow both clubs’ official channels.
