Louth LOI Roundup: Back-to-Back Wins for Drogs as Oriel Fortress Falls

It was a night of contrasting fortunes for the Wee County’s Premier Division sides as Drogheda United continued their resurgence while Dundalk FC suffered their first home defeat of the campaign.

Doyle Strikes Again as Drogs Build Momentum

Drogheda United put their recent troubled spell firmly in the past, securing a second consecutive Premier Division victory. The match-winner was once again Mark Doyle, who scrambled home his 55th goal for the club from close range following a Brandon Kavanagh corner in the 55th minute.

While the match was a tightly contested affair with few clear-cut chances, the home side looked in control throughout. Sligo Rovers struggled to test Flynn Talley in the Drogheda goal, with a second-half header from Archie Meekison being the closest the visitors came to an equalizer. The result moves Kevin Doherty’s side forward with three vital points and a sense of renewed stability.

Unbeaten Home Run Ends at Oriel

In Dundalk, the Lilywhites’ unbeaten home record was finally broken as Shelbourne emerged with a 2–1 victory at Oriel Park. Joey O’Brien’s side snapped a four-game losing streak with goals from Daniel Kelly and Kerr McInroy in either half.

Kelly opened the scoring after just 11 minutes, flicking home a corner routine. McInroy then doubled the advantage on 52 minutes, nipping in to score after a Rob Cornwall deflection. Dundalk were handed a late lifeline when Daryl Horgan converted a penalty in the 89th minute, but despite nine minutes of added time, the visitors held firm. The post-match drama saw Dundalk boss Ciarán Kilduff receive a red card as tensions boiled over at the final whistle.