Dundalk FC 1-0 Sligo Rovers

Photo: Emma Gaughran

Daryl Horgan’s late penalty secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory for Dundalk over Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park on Monday night, sealing back-to-back wins for Ciarán Kilduff’s side and lifting the Lilywhites into the top four of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

Just three days after the emphatic 5-0 win over Waterford, Dundalk showed a different side to their game, battling through a difficult contest and finishing the match with ten men to secure another important three points in front of a lively Oriel Park crowd.

With Conor Kearns sidelined following his injury on Friday night, Enda Minogue was handed his first Premier Division start for the club and the goalkeeper produced a composed display when called upon.

Chances were limited during a stop-start first half. Minogue’s first involvement came after 16 minutes when he got down well to his right to deal with Will Fitzgerald’s effort, while at the other end Sam Sargeant was rarely troubled despite Dundalk’s attacking intent.

Eoin Kenny twice tried his luck from distance but both efforts were comfortably gathered by the Sligo goalkeeper.

The half was overshadowed by a lengthy delay just before the interval when Sligo winger and Dundalk native Ryan O’Kane required treatment after landing awkwardly while attempting to reach a cross. Following several minutes of treatment on the pitch, he was stretchered off and replaced by Archie Meekison.

Sligo began the second half strongly and Dundalk had a let-off four minutes after the restart when Meekison’s strike from the edge of the area crashed off the crossbar.

Photo: Gerry Scully

Moments later Minogue produced an outstanding save, clawing Gareth McElroy’s header from Fitzgerald’s corner onto the crossbar to keep the sides level.

As the game moved into its final stages, Dundalk began to find momentum and the breakthrough arrived eight minutes from time. Kenny drove into the area and was brought down by Fitzgerald, leaving referee Oliver Moran with little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Horgan stepped up and calmly sent Sargeant the wrong way, firing into the corner to give Dundalk the lead.

Photo: Gerry Scully

The drama continued soon after when Aodh Dervin was shown a straight red card following a late challenge, leaving Dundalk to see out the final minutes with ten men.

Dundalk were able to defend their slender lead, defending resolutely to protect their advantage and claim another valuable victory.

The result means Dundalk are now unbeaten in three matches and continue their strong return to Premier Division football, with the Lilywhites climbing to fourth place in the table after seven games.

Dundalk FC: Minogue; J. Wilson, O’Keeffe, Animasahun, Burns; T. Wilson (Mullen 51), Dervin; McDaid (Buckley 51), Kenny, Horgan; Arubi (Groome 62, Warren 84).

Sligo Rovers:Sargeant; Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald; Quirk, McManus; Nolan (Priosti 83), McHugh (Harkin 62), O’Kane (Meekison 45+7); Kavanagh (Traore HT).

Referee: Oliver Moran