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Match Report: Dundalk FC 0–2 Sligo Rovers
- Sean McGuinness
- Jul 19
- 4 min read
📍 Oriel Park
Friday, July 18th, 2025
FAI Cup Second Round
Ruthless Rovers End Dundalk’s Cup Hopes
Two goals in a blistering four-minute spell early in the second half ended Dundalk FC’s FAI Cup campaign at the second round stage, as Sligo Rovers struck through James McManus and Jake Doyle-Hayes to record a 2–0 win at Oriel Park on Friday night.
The Lilywhites dominated long spells of the first half and created several promising openings, but were ultimately punished for not taking their chances by a clinical Sligo side, who progress to the next round.
First Half: Dundalk on Top, but All Square
With Ciarán Kilduff’s side sitting top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, there was a real sense of optimism under the Oriel Park lights and the Lilywhites started with confidence.
Despite a nervy opening five minutes that saw Enda Minogue called into early action to deny Jad Hakiki, Dundalk quickly settled and began to dictate.
Harry Groome came close on 24 minutes, forcing Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargent into a smart save from distance. The hosts should have gone in ahead at the break when JR Wilson picked out Groome in space, but the midfielder dragged his effort wide of the far post with the last kick of the half.
Second Half: Sligo Strike Quickly to Take Control
Dundalk were rocked just six minutes into the second half. A half-cleared corner dropped to McManus on the edge of the box, and the on-loan Bohs midfielder unleashed an unstoppable strike that arrowed into the top corner.
Before the Lilywhites could regroup, they found themselves two down. Will Fitzgerald swung in a teasing cross from the left, and Jake Doyle-Hayes rose highest to glance a header into the far corner past Minogue.
Dundalk Push Late On, But Can’t Find a Way Back
To their credit, Dundalk responded with spirit. Substitutes Andy Paraschiv, Eoin Kenny, and Dean Ebbe injected fresh energy as the hosts pushed for a lifeline.
Sargeant denied Arubi from close range before tipping a curling Horgan effort around the post. Paraschiv also went close with a dipping strike that landed on the roof of the net.
The best chance of the night for a comeback came six minutes from time when Ebbe latched onto a through ball and lifted the ball past the advancing Sargeant, only to see the effort lose power and be cleared before it crossed the line.
Despite the late pressure, there was no way through, and the visitors held firm to knock Dundalk out of the competition.
Teams
Dundalk FC: Minogue; Wilson, V. Leonard, McHale (O’Keeffe 22), S. Keogh (Spaight 71); Dervin, Tracey (Paraschiv 61); McDaid (Kenny 61), Groome, Horgan; Arubi (Ebbe 61)
Booked: McHale
Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Reynolds, Denham, McClean, Fitzgerald; Doyle-Hayes (Patton 66), McManus; Elding, Hakiki, O’Kane (McDonagh 77); Waweru (Quirk HT)
Goals: McManus (51’), Doyle-Hayes (54’)
Booked: Doyle-Hayes, Denham
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd
Attendance: 2,038
🎙️ Kilduff’s Thoughts
After the full-time whistle, Ciarán Kilduff reflected on a performance full of positives—but ultimately one that ended in frustration as Dundalk exited the FAI Cup.
“We probably should have gone in ahead at half-time,” he said. “There was a lot to like in that first 45, strong spells, good pressure but it comes down to moments, and McManus hits a wonder goal that turns the game.”
Having already lost Mayowa and Ethen Vaughan earlier in the week, Dundalk’s backline was dealt another blow when Sean McHale and Seán Keogh were both forced off with injuries during the game. Kilduff admitted it disrupted their rhythm.
“It’s been a tough week injury wise. The defensive unit’s been decimated. But I have to say, Conor O’Keeffe was excellent considering where he’s come from, he’s done one week of training in two and a half months and still stood up for 70, 80 minutes.”
Despite falling to a second consecutive 2–0 defeat, the manager emphasized that his side aren’t interested in taking consolation from near misses.
“We don’t want a moral victory. We had one last week, played well, got nothing. We played well again tonight, and now we’re out of the cup. That hurts.”
Attention now shifts back to the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, where Dundalk sit four points clear with 13 games to go. Kilduff was quick to remind everyone of the club’s bigger picture.
“From day one, the goal has been to win promotion. That’s the priority. We’re four points clear, and we’ve a league to win. Maybe this cup exit refocuses us. It doesn’t feel like it tonight, but we have to pull together, players, staff, supporters and go all in for these last 13 games.”
Up Next
Dundalk FC return to league action next Friday when they face Wexford Fc in Oriel Park.
With the cup run over, all focus now shifts to the promotion race as Kilduff’s men look to bounce back and maintain their place at the summit of the First Division.
