🗞️ Match Report: Dundalk FC 3–2 Wexford FC

Sean McGuinness
Jul 26
4 min read

📸 Photos By Gerry Scully — 📸 ***Photos By Gerry Scully***

📍 Oriel Park

📆 Friday, July 25th, 2025

🏆 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division – Matchday 25

🎯Arubi at the Double as Dundalk Win Thriller to Go Six Clear

Dundalk FC opened up a vital six-point cushion at the top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division with a thrilling 3-2 win over Wexford FC at Oriel Park. A first-half brace from the electric Gbemi Arubi and a second-half stunner from substitute Keith Ward proved enough to get Ciarán Kilduff’s side over the line, despite a spirited fightback from the visitors who pushed Dundalk all the way in a dramatic conclusion.

First Half: Arubi Strikes Early and Often

Dundalk wasted no time in laying down a marker. Just 96 seconds were on the clock when Daryl Horgan dazzled down the left, delivering a teasing ball that Eoin Kenny flicked goalward. Wexford goalkeeper Paul Martin managed to parry the effort, but Arubi was quickest to react, slamming home from close range to hand the hosts the perfect start.

Moments later, Arubi nearly doubled his tally after latching onto a lofted pass from Horgan, but a superb block from Dean Larkin kept the deficit at one. Wexford’s first glimpse of goal came on 11 minutes when Ajibola Oluwabiyi curled a shot narrowly over after neat build-up play involving Ben McCormack. Dundalk remained in control though, with Aodh Dervin and Declan McDaid both going close from distance as the home side dictated the tempo.

The second goal arrived on the half-hour and it was one to savor. McDaid’s flicked header broke kindly for Arubi, who met it on the volley with a thunderous strike that flew past Martin before he could react. It was a finish of the highest quality and one that underlined the striker’s growing influence in Dundalk color's.

As the half drew to a close, Dundalk continued to probe with sharp one-touch play involving Arubi, John Ross Wilson and McDaid. Dervin scuffed a decent chance wide, while a speculative long-range strike from Horgan sailed over the bar in what was a dominant first-half display from the league leaders.

Dundalk Dig Deep to See It Out

The second half began with an unexpected twist as Wexford clawed their way back into the contest just five minutes after the restart. A long ball from deep by Robbie McCourt wasn’t dealt with cleanly by the Dundalk defense, and substitute Muhammad Haris, a former Lilywhite, capitalized on a rare fumble from goalkeeper Enda Minogue to tap in from close range and give the visitors a lifeline.

That setback jolted Dundalk back into gear and on 63 minutes they restored their two-goal advantage. McDaid sent a dangerous cross into the box that wasn’t cleared properly, and Ward, introduced just minutes earlier, reacted superbly to lash a stunning volley into the bottom corner to make it 3-1. It was a moment of real composure and class from the veteran playmaker, who continues to deliver key moments from the bench.

Wexford refused to fold, however, and continued to ask questions of the Dundalk defense. Filip Wasilewski and McCormack both had efforts fly wide as the visitors gained confidence heading into the final stages. Their pressure was rewarded on 87 minutes when Mikie Rowe found the net, slotting past Minogue after Dean Larkin’s header kept a looping cross alive inside the area.

The final minutes were frantic. Wexford threw everything forward and came agonizingly close to snatching a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. Larkin, up from the back, rose highest to meet a deep cross but sent his header just wide of the far post, much to the relief of the home crowd. Dundalk held on in the end, securing a massive three points in their push for promotion.

📋 Teams

Dundalk FC: Enda Minogue; John Ross Wilson, Conor O’Keeffe, Vinnie Leonard, Shane Tracey (Luke Mulligan 90+1); Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome (Andy Paraschiv 56); Declan McDaid, Eoin Kenny (Keith Ward 56), Daryl Horgan (Rohan Vaughan 78); Gbemi Arubi (Dean Ebbe 78).

Goals: Arubi (2, 30), Ward (63)

Wexford FC: Paul Martin; Michael McCarthy, Dean Larkin, Robbie McCourt, James Crawford (Cian Browne 64); Matthew O’Brien (Darragh Levingston 58), Ben McCormack; Mikie Rowe, Kaylem Harnett (Muhammad Haris HT), Ajibola Oluwabiyi (Filip Wasilewski 64); Aaron Dobbs (Calum Flynn 71).

Goals: Haris (50), Rowe (87).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

Attendance: 1,632.

Match Highlights

🎙 Kilduff’s Thoughts

Ciarán Kilduff was pleased with the response his team delivered after last week’s disappointment, as Dundalk edged out Wexford 3-2 at Oriel Park to go six points clear at the top of the First Division.

“We were looking for a reaction and we got one. We’ve played well in the last two games and got nothing, so tonight it was about the result.”

Gbemi Arubi scored twice inside half an hour, including a stunning volley for his second.

“The technique was incredible. The moment it left his foot, you could hear the thud. It was a brilliant goal, a real moment of quality.”

Wexford pulled one back early in the second half, but Keith Ward stepped up with what proved to be the match-winner.

“That’s what Wardy gives you. He’s one of the most technically gifted players I’ve worked with and that goal gave us vital breathing space.”

There was praise too for Shane Tracy, who deputized at left-back and marked the day by signing his first pro contract.

“Delighted for Shane. Not easy to step in, but he was excellent and it capped off a great day for him.”

With Cobh slipping up, Dundalk extend our lead from the pack heading into next week’s trip to UCD.

“There’s a long way to go, but we’ve stretched it from one point to six. Now we focus on UCD. They’re a good side and took points off us already. We’ll need to be ready.”

Video By Chris Clarke

🔜 Up Next

Next Friday, Dundalk FC hit the road for a trip to the capital as they take on UCD at the UCD Bowl. With momentum back on their side after the dramatic win over Wexford, Ciarán Kilduff’s men will be aiming to keep the pressure on their title rivals and take another big step toward promotion.