RAGGED DUNDALK SUFFER THE BLUES

Match Report

Dundalk FC 1-3 Waterford FC

Dundalk were left stunned as bottom of the table Waterford left Oriel Park with all three points after a well-deserved 3-1 win in the first game back after the mid-season break.

Patrick Hoban gave the Lilywhites the lead from the penalty spot but a double in either half from John Martin and a Shane Griffin goal gave the Blues a much-needed win in front of 100 supporters.

Greg Sloggett saw a good effort go inches over the bar from the edge of the box after a clever layoff before Michael Duffy had a shot charged down from close range after a good run.

The Lilywhites took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Cameron Evans pulled back Ole Midtskogen in the box which left referee John McLoughlin with no option but to point to the spot. Patrick Hoban stepped up and duly put the penalty away, via the post.

Dundalk were in control and Duffy had a chance which was cleared at the last moment once more however Waterford would equalise just before half-time. John Martin sprung the offside trap and calmly slotted past Abibi to make it 1-1.

Hoban had a perfect chance to restore the lead just after the break however his effort was denied by a fingertip save from Murphy.

Dundalk had most of the ball but struggled to create chances and they were made to pay when Shane Griffin netted from close range with just 25 minutes left to put the Blues in front.

McEleney responded almost immediately when he got in behind but his volley was met by a stunning stop from Murphy.

It would be 3-1 with 15 left on the watch as Martin got his second with a clever finish at the back post after a well-worked corner.

The Lilywhites tried to recover but a late rally never really materialised and after three added minutes, referee McLoughlin blew the full-time whistle to see Waterford emerge victorious.

DUNDALK FC: Alessio Abibi; Cameron Dummigan, Andy Boyle, Sonni Nattestadn, Val Adedokun; Patrick McEleney (Jesus Perez 89), Greg Sloggett (Sean Murray 75), Sam Stanton, Michael Duffy; Ole Erik Midtskogen (Daniel Kelly 65), Patrick Hoban. Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (GK), Darragh Leahy, Ryan O’Kane, Mark Hanratty, Han Jeongwoo, Jesus Perez

WATERFORD: Brian Murphy; Darragh Power, Niall O’Keeffe, Jack Stafford, Cameron Evans; John Martin, Kyle Ferguson, Shane Griffin (Cian Kavanagh 85), Jamie Mascoll; Adam O’Reilly, Prince Mutswanguma (Eric Molloy 82). Subs not used: Matthew Connor (GK), Paul Martin, Kallego Mashiga, Callum Stinger, Liam Kerrick, Cian Browne.

REFEREE: John McLoughlin.