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📰 Match Report | Dundalk FC 6–1 Athlone Town
- Sean McGuinness
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Kenny at the Double as Ruthless Lilywhites Hit Six
Four days after putting four past Longford Town, Dundalk FC produced another attacking masterclass at Oriel Park, sweeping aside Athlone Town with a resounding 6–1 victory that keeps Ciarán Kilduff’s men firmly on course for a return to the Premier Division.
Goals from Gbemi Arubi, Eoin Kenny (2), Rohan Vaughan (2) and Keith Ward sealed an emphatic win which ensured the Lilywhites remain six points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.
First Half: Early Setback, Swift Response
The night began with a shock as Athlone took the lead inside eight minutes. Gideon Tetteh skipped past Mayowa Animasahun and JR Wilson before squaring for Jason Oyenuga to tap in at the back post.
Dundalk’s response was immediate. Just three minutes later, Daryl Horgan’s corner found Kenny rising highest, his header parried by Lee Axworthy into the path of Arubi, who reacted quickest to slot home.
The Lilywhites had to survive a dangerous spell, with Minogue producing two outstanding saves to deny Oyenuga and Cole Omorehiomwan. Those stops proved vital, and on 27 minutes Dundalk turned the game around, Declan McDaid’s quick throw releasing Kenny, who skipped past two defenders and finished smartly.
McDaid then won a penalty after being brought down by Kyle O’Connor, but Horgan’s spot-kick was well saved by Axworthy. Athlone kept the pressure on, but Dundalk went into the break 2–1 up, knowing they would have the wind at their backs in the second half.
Second Half: Dundalk Turn on the Style
With a 2–1 lead and the wind at their backs, Dundalk came out after the break full of intent. Within minutes, Declan McDaid, once of Athlone, broke clear down the left, only to be denied by Axworthy’s quick reactions at the near post.
Athlone briefly threatened when Daniel McKenna tested Enda Minogue from distance, but the Lilywhites quickly regained control. On 58 minutes, Harry Groome’s pressing forced Kyle O’Connor into a mistake, allowing Eoin Kenny a clear run at goal. His first effort was blocked by Cole Omorehiomwan, but the striker showed great composure to bury the rebound and make it 3–1.
From there, Dundalk’s confidence soared. Horgan went close with a powerful strike over the bar, while Aodh Dervin’s set-piece delivery continued to cause problems. Vinnie Leonard almost added his name to the scoresheet when his header from a corner crashed off the post, with Andy Paraschiv denied moments later by Axworthy.
The fourth goal arrived on 80 minutes. Paraschiv and Rohan Vaughan combined superbly, with the latter sweeping home his first goal for the club in front of a jubilant Shed End.
Just three minutes later, Keith Ward stepped up to a free-kick and curled an inch-perfect effort beyond Axworthy for 5–1. Norman Garbett made his long awaited return to first team action and made an impact instantly. The night ended in style deep into stoppage time, Vaughan racing onto Norman Garbett’s pass and finishing clinically to complete a brace and round off a dominant display. Norman Garbett made his long awaited return to first team action and made an impact instantly.
Highlights
Teams
Dundalk FC: Minogue; O’Keeffe, Animasahun, Leonard, Wilson; Dervin, Groome (Paraschiv 65); Kenny (Ward 84), McDaid (Ebbe 65), Horgan (Garbett 84); Arubi (Vaughan 65)
Goals: Arubi (11’), Kenny (27’, 58’), Vaughan (80’, 90+1’), Ward (83’)
Athlone Town: Axworthy; Webb, Omorehiomwan, Gulidov (Hand HT), O’Connor; Thiam, McKenna (Gilmore 66); Tetteh (Adewale 66), Smith (Williams 73), Oyenuga; Feeney
Goal: Oyenuga (8’)
Referee: John Sconnie Walsh (Waterford)
Attendance: 1,611
Kilduff’s Thoughts
Speaking after the match, Kilduff praised the resilience and reaction of his side:
“Massively proud. There was a bit of character in it as well. I actually thought we started OK, then suddenly we’re a goal down and chasing it. That first goal from the corner was important to settle things, then we go and get the second. Even missing the penalty, we stayed composed. Enda pulled off two great saves at 1–1, if they go 2–1 up it’s a totally different game.
Kilduff was delighted with how his players handled the setback and turned it into such a convincing victory.
When you’re 1–0 down, I’d have given my left arm to be standing there with a 6–1 win at the end. The lads reacted so well. The place was bouncing at full-time, and it felt like one of those good Oriel nights where performance and atmosphere matched.”
Up Next
Dundalk now have a week’s break before the final run of fixtures begins with an away trip to Treaty United on Friday, August 22nd, the only side Kilduff’s men have yet to beat this season.
“The lads have earned a few days off after a tough three-game week,” said Kilduff. “We’ll recover, freshen up, and then focus on Treaty. They’re a good side and can cause anyone problems, so we’ll be ready.
