📰 Match Report | Dundalk FC 3–2 UCD

Dundalk FC
Sep 27
3 min read

Lilywhites Edge Past UCD to Move Closer to Promotion

Dundalk FC produced a battling performance at Oriel Park on Friday night to earn a vital 3–2 victory over UCD in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.

Two penalties from the in-form Gbemi Arubi and a deft header from Eoin Kenny turned the game on its head after the Students had taken a first-half lead. Despite Jake Doyle setting up a nervy finish, the Lilywhites stood strong to secure all three points, keeping them six clear of Cobh Ramblers with three games left.

Ciarán Kilduff’s side now need just four points to guarantee an immediate return to the Premier Division.

First Half: Dundalk Dominant, but UCD Strike First

Determined to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat in Longford, Dundalk began on the front foot. Sean Spaight forced UCD goalkeeper Dara Kavanagh into an early save, while Arubi and Declan McDaid both tested the Students’ rearguard with lively efforts.

But against the run of play, the visitors snatched the opener on 21 minutes. A neat switch of play released Mikey McCullagh, who slipped a clever ball into Louis Dignam. The striker showed composure to slot low past Peter Cherrie and silence the home crowd.

The Lilywhites continued to probe, with Aodh Dervin and Andy Paraschiv both going close. Their persistence paid off seven minutes before half-time when McDaid combined with Arubi and was bundled over inside the area. Referee Lucas Keating pointed to the spot, and Arubi made no mistake, confidently firing home his 11th league goal of the season to bring Dundalk level at the break.

Second Half: Arubi and Kenny Deliver Crucial Goals

After the restart, Dundalk’s intensity grew. Andy Paraschiv twice fired narrowly off target, while McDaid saw another shot blocked after a clever quick free kick.

The breakthrough came on 63 minutes when McDaid, at the heart of things again, was pulled down by UCD captain Éanna Clancy. For the second time of the night, Arubi stepped up and drilled his penalty into the net to put Dundalk 2–1 in front.

The momentum was firmly with the Lilywhites, and just nine minutes later they added a third. Substitute Daryl Horgan, making a surprise return after injury, linked up smartly with JR Wilson on the right. Horgan's lofted delivery was met by Kenny, who glanced a fine header past Kavanagh for his seventh goal in as many matches.

At 3–1, Dundalk looked in control, but UCD responded quickly. On 75 minutes, substitute Killian Cailloce delivered a teasing free kick and Doyle rose highest to nod past Cherrie, setting up a tense finale.

With the Students throwing men forward, Dundalk’s defence was made to work hard in the closing stages. Leonard, Animasahun, and O’Keeffe all produced key interventions, while Cherrie commanded his box to ensure the three points stayed at Oriel.

Kilduff's Thoughts

Video By Chris Clarke

Highlights

Teams

Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; JR Wilson, Conor O’Keeffe, Vinnie Leonard, Sean Spaight (Shane Tracey 71); Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome (Daryl Horgan HT), Andy Paraschiv, Declan McDaid (Rohan Vaughan 71); Eoin Kenny (Luke Mulligan 90+3), Gbemi Arubi.

UCD: Dara Kavanagh; Adam Wells, Declan Osagie, Éanna Clancy, Brian McManus; Adam Verdon (Mikey Raggett 85); Mikey McCullagh (Ciaran Behan 65), Louis Dignam (Ronan Finn 65), Jake Doyle, Adam Brennan; Hugh Smith (Killian Cailloce 65).

Attendance: 1,607

Up Next

The Lilywhites hit the road next Friday to face Athlone Town at Lissywollen. Victory there, combined with results elsewhere, could see promotion sealed ahead of a potential title decider against Cobh Ramblers on the final day.