Mixed Fortunes for Louth Clubs: Drogheda Bounce Back with Win as Dundalk Held in Late Drama at Oriel
By ArdeePost Reporter
Drogheda United’s Early Strike Secures Vital 1-0 Win Over Sligo Rovers After Conference League Setback
Drogheda — In a striking statement of character, Drogheda United responded to their recent Europa Conference League expulsion by securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Sligo Rovers at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Friday night, thanks to an early goal from loanee striker Douglas-James Taylor.
⏱️
Douglas-James Taylor Nets Early Winner
Barely three minutes had passed when Taylor seized a loose ball in midfield, slipped it through to Warren Davis, and followed up the returning pass with a thunderous strike past Sam Sargeant—dramatically extending Drogheda’s dominant Boyneside record against Sligo (aggregate 14–1) .
🏠
Off-Field Drama: Owner Speaks to Supporters
Just before kick-off, Ben Boycott, Trivela Group CEO and Drogheda’s co-chairman, engaged with both the manager Kevin Doherty and the fans, presumably offering apologies and reassurance following the club’s contentious UEFA expulsion . His show of presence underscored the seriousness with which the club is treating both the European exit and upcoming league responsibilities.
⚔️
Tight but Dangerous: A Tactical Battle
Despite early promise, the first half faded into a pattern of end-to-end attacking with both sides earning close chances:
- Conor Kane rattled the woodwork
- Andy Quinn and Warren Davis shot over the bar
- Luke Dennison made multiple saves for Drogheda, including stops from Wilson Waweru, Owen Elding, and an acrobatic clearance from Will Fitzgerald
Sligo nearly equalised in the second half through Jad Hakiki, but his 64th-minute strike sailed wide; substitute Cian Kavanagh also headed off-target during a late surge.
🌟
Resilience in Response
Doherty’s side showed admirable resilience in the wake of European disappointment. Though their recent performance against Shamrock Rovers didn’t result in points, the win over Sligo sends a powerful message: Drogheda remain focused and determined on domestic success.
📋
Team Line-Ups
Drogheda United:
Dennison; Cooper, Keeley, Quinn; Cruise (Markey 46’), Heeney, Farrell, Kane; Brennan; Taylor, Davis (Oluwa 79’)
Sligo Rovers:
Sargeant; Reynolds, McElroy (McDonagh 35’), Mahon, Hutchinson; Doyle-Hayes, Mallon (Van Hattum 69’); Elding, Hakiki (Lomboto 83’), Fitzgerald; Waweru (Kavanagh 69’)
📌
What’s Next
Drogheda will hope to build on this momentum when the league resumes next weekend. They’ll be looking to continue their climb up the table, while also using this victory to unify supporters and players following the turbulence of European disqualification.
📣 Stay tuned to club channels for upcoming fixtures, ticket details, and updates on the club’s continuing season.
Late Drama at Oriel as Dundalk and Treaty United Share the Spoils
Dundalk — Two late goals rescued one point for each side in an enthralling 1-1 draw between Dundalk and Treaty United at Oriel Park, keeping pressure high atop the First Division standings .
⚽
Match Summary: Late Goals Decide Outcome
- Dundalk 1–1 Treaty United (Harry Groome 85’; Mark Walsh 90+)
- Attendance: Oriel Park’s vibrant crowd witnessed a nervy finish marked by goals in the closing minutes.
After a tight first 84 minutes, Dundalk finally broke through when Harry Groome fired home from close range in the 85th minute, following a Keith Ward corner that bounced around the box. With the stadium buzzing, it appeared the hosts would hold on.
But Treaty United had the final say. In stoppage time, Mark Walsh capitalised on a loose ball in the Dundalk box, smashing a low strike into the bottom corner and silencing the Oriel faithful .
🧐
Key Moments
- Dundalk dominated early but missed several chances, particularly from Eoin Kenny and Tommy Ebbe .
- Treaty’s Richkov Boevi tested Enda Minogue in goal in the 14th minute via a set piece.
- A tense second half saw Dundalk nearly go two goals ahead, but Aodh Dervin’s superb goal line clearance kept Treaty in contention .
- Treatment time tension escalated when Walsh equalised dramatically in stoppage time .
🔍
League-Wide Context
- Athlone Town 0–0 Finn Harps: A tight stalemate .
- Longford Town 1–0 Wexford: Away victory .
- Cobh Ramblers 3–0 UCD: Despite a Barry Coffey brace, they trail Dundalk by just four points .
Dundalk maintain their status as the First Division’s top side, but the gap to Cobh, who secured a big win, has narrowed to just four points.
🔽
Implications for Dundalk
The draw leaves Dundalk ** unbeaten but vulnerable**, with rivals like Cobh hot on their heels. Manager Ciarán Kilduff will demand a sharper edge in attack and more defensive composure to maintain momentum toward promotion .
📋
Teams:
Dundalk (4-2-3-1)
Minogue; McHale, Dervin, Horgan, Groome; Ebbe (Ward 76’), Gaxha, Mulligan, Leonard, Kenny, Tracey (Paraschiv 68’)
Treaty United
Chambers; Boevi, Devitt, Conroy (Healy 80’), Maddy; Kozlowski (Lawlor 67’), O’Connor, Walsh, Murphy (Willson 67’); Martin, O’Sullivan
Referee: Lucas Keating
🔜
What’s Next
Dundalk must regroup and return to winning ways as the title chase tightens. Treaty United, however, will take great confidence from the point gained on the road—especially in the dramatic fashion they did.
📣 Stay tuned for full league analysis, upcoming fixtures, and how the top of the First Division continues to evolve.
