Match Report: St Patrick’s Athletic vs. Dundalk FC
St Patrick’s Athletic 2, Dundalk 3
In a thrilling encounter at Richmond Park, Dundalk FC emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over St Patrick’s Athletic, marking Jon Daly’s triumphant return to his former club. The match featured five goals within the first half, keeping the 3,934 spectators on the edge of their seats.
Match Highlights
• First Half
• 2nd Minute: Jamie Gullan opened the scoring for Dundalk with a stunning free-kick from distance, following a foul on Cameron Elliott.
• 4th Minute: Ryan O’Kane capitalized on a mistake by St Pat’s goalkeeper Danny Rogers to double Dundalk’s lead.
• 22nd Minute: Gullan struck again, this time from 25 yards, to put Dundalk 3-0 up.
• 27th Minute: St Pat’s found a lifeline through a Chris Forrester penalty, awarded after a handball by Dundalk’s Horgan.
• 35th Minute: Jamie Lennon reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a powerful strike from close range.
Despite St Pat’s attempts to stage a comeback, Dundalk held firm to secure their first away win of the season.
Recent Form
• Dundalk FC: This victory lifts Jon Daly’s side off the bottom of the table and into ninth place, moving them within seven points of eighth-placed St Pat’s with two games in hand.
• St Patrick’s Athletic: This defeat marks their first loss to Dundalk since March 2023.
Key Moments
• 97th Second: Gullan’s brilliant free-kick set the tone for a dramatic first half.
• 4th Minute: O’Kane’s goal, aided by a Rogers error, further stunned the home crowd.
• 22nd Minute: Gullan’s second goal appeared to put the game beyond St Pat’s reach, though they fought back valiantly.
• 35th Minute: Lennon’s goal brought St Pat’s back into contention, but they couldn’t find an equalizer.
Second Half
• The second half saw fewer clear-cut chances, with Dundalk’s defense holding strong against St Pat’s increasing pressure.
• 75th Minute: A memorable moment as 18-year-old Eoin Kenny, son of former Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny, entered the game for Dundalk.
• Late On: Chris Forrester created a late chance for Jason McClelland, but it was well defended by Dundalk.
Team Line-ups
St Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers, McLaughlin (Palmer 58), Redmond, Keeley, Turner (Nolan 70); Lennon, Forrester; Melia, Leavy, Mulraney (McClelland 77); C Kavanagh (B Kavanagh 58).
Dundalk FC: Munro; Davies, Johnson, Boyle, Bradshaw; Horgan, Muller, Doyle (Mountney 63), O’Kane (Durrant 63); Elliott (Kenny 75), Gullan (Animasahun 84).
Referee: R Hennessy
Summary
Dundalk’s early dominance and resilient defense ensured they secured all three points in a match that will be remembered for its early drama and high stakes. Jon Daly celebrated the crucial victory, which bolsters Dundalk’s fight against relegation and provides a sweet personal triumph over his former club.