Dundalk veteran Ward critical of his form despite stunning strike

Keith Ward believes Dundalk FC fans have yet to witness his full potential this season, despite the 34-year-old turning back the clock with a stunning volley in The Lilywhites’ 3-2 triumph over Wexford—a victory that extended their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division to six points.

Dundalk began with purpose, storming into a 2-0 advantage before the break courtesy of a brace from the lively Gbemi Arubi, whose second—a superbly struck volley of his own—was a goal of real class.

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Wexford responded shortly after the restart through former Dundalk youth player Muhammad Haris, cutting the deficit and momentarily unsettling the hosts.

But just past the hour mark, Declan McDaid’s cross from the right eventually fell to Ward, who ignited the Oriel Park crowd with a thunderous first-time finish that showcased his enduring quality and proved to be the decisive moment in an enthralling contest.

“Nine times out of 10 they leave the stadium,” Ward told The Democrat afterwards. “I’ve just caught it sweet and was delighted. I’ve been a bit frustrated this year with how I’ve played; I’d like to have done better. I didn’t come on last week, I came on the week before against Bray and didn’t think I was great.

“I just want to come on and help the team. We were 2-1 up when I came on, and you want to take the edge off with a bit of experience and composure.

“Whether I’m starting or coming on, I just want to make a difference, and I’m delighted to help the team get three points tonight—that’s all that matters.”

Ward’s goal—his second in three games—proved decisive, as despite a late strike from Mikie Rowe for Wexford, Dundalk held firm to claim three vital points in the race for automatic promotion, extending their lead to six after second-placed Cobh Ramblers were held to a 2-2 draw at Finn Harps on the same night.

“Most importantly, it was three points,” he said. “We probably made hard work of it, got off to a perfect start, 2-0 up at half-time. We’re just disappointed to be 2-0 up and then 3-1 up, to almost stumble over the line; we should have been more comfortable.

“But at the end of the day, it’s three points. You see Cobh drop points and it’s just a great win, especially with three games in a week next week—it could be a big week.”

Alongside current Dundalk manager Ciaran Kilduff, Ward was a First Division winner with UCD in 2009—a feat he now aims to replicate in 2025 as Dundalk prepare to face his former club this Friday night in Belfield (kick-off, 7:45pm).

“Some of the lads weren’t even born when we were winning that, so that shows you how long we are going,” he laughed. “I think UCD have underachieved a little bit this year; there’s so much quality in their team.

“You look at the players they have now—you’ll see in two, three years’ time where those players will be. They always just seem to produce players. Obviously, I was someone there, and through the years, you look at the quality they have.

“It’s a big pitch, and they keep the ball as well as anyone. They’re fit, strong, well looked after. They got a great win tonight, and going over there next week will be a very tough game.

“You seen the quality they had here when they drew. We got a great result out there when the pitch was shocking, but it’s not one of them pitches that suits their team, that can get it down and play. We’re going to have to be on it next week because they’re as tough as anyone.”