Dundalk FC Start Kilduff Era with Convincing 4-0 Win Over Malahide United
Ardee News and Sport – Dundalk FC Start Kilduff Era with Convincing 4-0 Win Over Malahide United
Ciaran Kilduff’s reign as Dundalk FC manager began in spectacular fashion as The Lilywhites cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over Malahide United in the PTSB Leinster Senior Cup at Oriel Park.
First-half strikes from captain Daryl Horgan and debutant Dean Ebbe set the tone before second-half goals by Aodh Dervin and Aidan Russell Vargas completed a dominant performance.
The scoring opened on 11 minutes when Horgan latched onto Dervin’s pinpoint pass, outpaced his marker, and coolly lobbed goalkeeper Brian Kane. Kilduff was forced into an early substitution after center-back Seán McHale suffered an injury, with 16-year-old Vinnie Leonard stepping in.
Ebbe doubled the lead just before halftime, finishing Leo Gaxha’s cross after a sharp buildup involving Eoin Kenny. Despite a flurry of chances, Dundalk had to wait until the second half to add a third. On 52 minutes, Kenny capitalized on sloppy Malahide defending to set up Dervin, who slotted the ball through Kane’s legs for his first goal in Dundalk colors.
The fourth came in injury time when Vargas smashed home a rebound after his penalty was saved. Substitute Muhammad Haris impressed late on, narrowly missing out on adding to the scoreline.
Dundalk’s defense, marshaled by veteran Peter Cherrie and bolstered by young talent Leonard, remained untroubled, ensuring a clean sheet to start the campaign.
With this win, Dundalk ends a 13-game winless streak and heads into Monday’s clash with Usher Celtic full of confidence. Kick-off is set for 7:45 pm at Oriel Park.
Dundalk Starting XI: Cherrie; O’Keeffe, Animasahun, McHale (Leonard 18), Keogh; Dervin, Paraschiv (Groome HT); Horgan (Vargas 77), Kenny (Haris 65), Gaxha; Ebbe (Arubi HT).
Malahide United Starting XI: Kane; Hendricken (Moussally HT), Farrell, Murphy, Meade; Day, Briggs (Herlihy 86); Reilly, O’Shaughnessy, Byrne (Vallely 83); Sheppard.
Referee: David Dunne.