🗞️ Match Preview – Dundalk FC vs Wexford FC

Sean McGuinness
Jul 24
3 min read

📅 Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

⏰ Kick-off: 7.45PM

📍 Venue: Oriel Park

Dundalk FC welcome Wexford FC to Oriel Park this Friday for Matchday 24 of the league campaign as they return to league action following a 2-0 defeat away to Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup second round.

The Lilywhites, top of the table and four points clear of second-placed Cobh Ramblers, will be looking to halt a two-game losing streak and get back to winning ways in front of their passionate home support.

🏆 A Pivotal Encounter

The last time these sides met at Oriel Park, Dundalk secured a commanding 3-0 win thanks to a double from Leo Gaxha and a goal from Seán Keogh. The reverse fixture in Wexford was a thrilling 3-2 victory for Dundalk, sealed dramatically by Luke Mulligan’s header from a corner in the 86th minute.

Wexford, currently sixth in the table on 27 points, will be aiming to close the gap on UCD who sit just above the promotion playoff zone. Their top scorer Mikie Rowe, with 13 league goals, is one to watch.

Wexford FC

Wexford come into the game looking to bounce back after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup last week. Despite the score line, they put in a strong performance, only conceding three goals after the 75th minute.

Their recent league form has been mixed. They managed a 0-0 draw against Athlone Town in their last league match and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Bray Wanderers before that. However, just prior to those results, Wexford pulled off a remarkable 4-3 comeback victory, fighting back from 3-1 down and playing with ten men for part of the game.

Their striker Mikie Rowe continues to be a key threat, sitting joint second in the league scoring charts with 13 goals.

🗣️ Kilduff’s Thoughts

Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Ciarán Kilduff reflected on the team’s mindset following recent results:

“We’re really looking forward to getting back into league action after the disappointment of the cup exit. The lads are motivated to put things right and get back to winning ways.”

On Wexford’s threat and their quality:

“Wexford are a tough, competitive side. We saw that in the last meeting and they showed good quality against Shamrock Rovers in the cup despite the score line. We know this won’t be an easy game.”

Regarding the importance of this stage in the season:

“It’s a pivotal moment in the season, we’re two-thirds of the way through now, and every point counts as we push towards promotion. The players are eager to perform for our fantastic supporters at Oriel, especially after the strong home crowds we’ve had recently.”

His hopes for the team’s performance this Friday:

“Our aim is to match our performance with a result and show the resilience and quality that’s got us to the top of the table.”

🩺 Team News

Mayowa remains out with injury, while Rohan Vaughan is now available after his recent transfer and receiving international clearance. Ethen Vaughan and Norman Garbett will undergo late fitness tests before the game, but aside from Leo Gaxha, who is sidelined, the squad is largely fit and ready to compete, promising a competitive selection battle for the starting eleven.