Soccer Roundup: Keeley’s Late Strike Snatches Point for Drogs; Dundalk Edge Wexford in Thriller
By ArdeePost Reporter
Soccer Roundup – SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Waterford FC 2 – 2 Drogheda United
Wexford FC 2 – 3 Dundalk FC
It was a night of late drama and high tension in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, as Drogheda United salvaged a point in injury time against Waterford FC, while Dundalk FC kept their momentum rolling with a thrilling comeback victory over Wexford FC.
Keeley Snatches Late Point for Drogheda at the RSC
At the RSC, a crowd of 2,241 witnessed a compelling clash that ended with a gut-punch for Waterford as Conor Keeley slammed home a 93rd-minute equaliser to earn Drogheda United a share of the spoils.
Waterford looked to have secured all three points when Padraig Amond, the team’s captain, netted an 81st-minute strike following a well-worked move involving Grant Horton and Dean McMenamy. But Waterford’s continued vulnerability at set pieces proved costly.
In a chaotic finish, Drogheda’s Darragh Markey delivered a pinpoint corner to the back post where Keeley, completely unmarked, rifled home from close range, stunning the home crowd. Moments later, Waterford’s Elicha Ahui was sent off for a second bookable offence, compounding their frustration.
Earlier, Tommy Lonergan had given Waterford a deserved lead in the 19th minute with a deflected finish following a crisp attacking move. However, Drogheda responded just four minutes later through Warren Davis, who powered in a header from Shane Farrell’s corner.
Drogheda had further chances to go in front, notably through Davis again in the 40th minute, but Waterford’s defence and goalkeeper Stephen McMullan did just enough to keep the game level — until that late collapse.
Dundalk Grind Out Comeback Win at Ferrycarrig Park
Meanwhile, Dundalk FC kept their recent resurgence alive with a narrow 3-2 victory over Wexford FC, in a game filled with end-to-end action, defensive lapses, and a touch of fortune.
Despite a delayed kickoff, Leo Gaxha wasted no time putting Dundalk ahead in the 13th minute — his fifth goal of the season and second in as many games. But the hosts hit back almost immediately, as Darragh Levingston tapped in from close range after James Crawford’s teasing cross.
Wexford took the lead just before halftime thanks to a clinical finish from Mikie Rowe, his 13th of the campaign, capitalising on a mistake by Dundalk’s Mayowa Animasahun and goalkeeper Enda Minogue.
In the second half, Dean Ebbe levelled matters for Dundalk with a scrappy finish after hitting the post moments earlier. The pressure then mounted on Wexford, who eventually cracked in the 87th minute when Luke Mulligan’s header deflected in off Wexford’s Ryan Kelly for a cruel own goal that handed Dundalk all three points.
The win sees the Lilywhites continue their climb up the table, with fans buoyed by the side’s increasing resilience and attacking flair.
Summary of Results:
- Waterford FC 2–2 Drogheda United Scorers: Lonergan (19’), Amond (81’) – Davis (23’), Keeley (90+3’)
- Wexford FC 2–3 Dundalk FC Scorers: Levingston (16’), Rowe (45’) – Gaxha (13’), Ebbe (70’), Kelly OG (87’)
Up Next:
Drogheda United host Bohemians in their next outing while Waterford will aim to regroup against Sligo Rovers. Dundalk look to carry their momentum into a tough home fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic.
Stay tuned for more updates in next week’s Soccer Roundup.
For more local news and updates, click here
