📰 Match Report | Longford Town 3–2 Dundalk FC

Photo By Gerry Scully

Longford Edge Out Lilywhites

Dundalk FC fell to a 3–2 defeat to Longford Town at Bishopsgate on Saturday evening.

Despite captain Mayowa Animasahun’s stoppage-time strike, Ciarán Kilduff’s side fell short against a resilient Longford outfit who played the final half hour with ten men. The result keeps the Lilywhites six points clear of Cobh Ramblers with four matches remaining, including a decisive trip to St Colman’s Park on the final day.

First Half: Kenny Cancels Out O’Brien

Photo By Gerry Scully

Longford struck first on 22 minutes when Aaron Doran’s free kick dropped kindly to Alex O’Brien, who fired through a crowded box to give the hosts the lead.

The response was immediate. Just three minutes later, Gbemi Arubi rose highest to meet a cross and his header deflected off Eric Yoro into the path of Eoin Kenny, who calmly slotted home his third goal of the season against the Midlanders.

Dundalk pushed for a second, with Arubi forcing a nervy stop from keeper Kian Moore and Harry Groome testing the backline, but it remained 1–1 at the interval.

Second Half: Doran and George Punish Dundalk

Photo By Gerry Scully

Six minutes after the restart, Longford regained the lead in style. A clearance fell to Doran on the edge of the box, and he rifled an unstoppable strike beyond Peter Cherrie.

The hosts’ momentum suffered a blow on 67 minutes when Daragh Murtagh saw red for a reckless challenge on JR Wilson. Yet just minutes later, Longford struck again, Oisín Hand slipping a clever pass to Dean George, who dinked the ball over Cherrie to make it 3–1.

Dundalk introduced fresh legs with Andy Paraschiv, Rohan Vaughan, and Norman Garbett from the bench, and pressed forward in search of a lifeline. Kenny went close on 85 minutes, while Arubi twice tested Moore in stoppage time.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 94th minute when Animasahun bundled home from close range, but it proved too little, too late.

Photo By Gerry Scully

Highlights

Teams

Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; Mayowa Animasahun, Vincent Leonard, Luke Mulligan (Rohan Vaughan 57), JR Wilson; Harry Groome (Andy Paraschiv 57), Eoin Kenny, Declan McDaid (Norman Garbett 69), Shane Tracey; Gbemi Arubi, Dean Ebbe (Keith Ward 56).

Longford Town: Kian Moore; Eric Yoro, Oisín Hand, Jamie Egan, Osaze Irhue; Alex O’Brien, Sean Moore, Pharrell Manuel, Aaron Doran; Daragh Murtagh, Dean George (Stefan Ugbesia 77).

Up Next

Dundalk return to Oriel Park on Friday night to take on UCD as they look to move a step closer to securing the First Division title and automatic promotion.