Dundalk FC beaten 2-1 by Drogheda United

Dundalk FC have been beaten 2-1 by Drogheda United in the PTSB Leinster Senior Cup.

In a fixture that was amalgamated with the annual Jim Malone Cup match, Eoin Kenny’s first-ever goal senior for Dundalk put Stephen O’Donnell’s side ahead on 55 minutes.

However, a brace from substitute Warren Davis, the second coming from the penalty spot in stoppage-time, meant United took home with them three Leinster Senior Cup Group A points, as well as the Malone Cup trophy for the second year in succession.

Starting up front for Drogheda United was their new striker Frantz Pierrot, and the ex-Athlone Town man proved to be a real handful for the Dundalk backline in the first half.

The Haitian had the game’s first shot on goal inside the first 60 seconds, but his low effort was gathered by Ross Munro, who was making his debut in goal for Dundalk.

Pierrot had two further attempts inside the opening 10 minutes, first turning and firing wide after showing good control, before shortly after holding off the challenge of Jamie Walker and finding the net, but the goal didn’t stand due to an offside in the build-up.

Dundalk had to wait until the 12th minute for their first opening, with Daryl Horgan’s angled shot having to be pushed around the post by Ardee native Andrew Wogan – Drogheda’s penalty shootout hero when the sides last met in the Malone Cup in 2023.

Robbie Mahon’s corner from the opposite flank was headed wide at the far post by Robbie Benson, while Horgan’s cross was turned just over from close range by the inrushing Cameron Elliott as The Lilywhites began to assert their authority at Oriel.

A trademark right-field ball from Archie Davies was right on the foot of Horgan, however the 17-time capped Ireland international lost his footing before skewing wide.

With the first half nearing its end, Ryan Brennan did have the ball in the net for Drogheda at the other end, but the flag had been raised for the second time on the night.

Introduced after the interval was Kenny, who opened the scoring within 10 minutes of coming on, finishing neatly after Conor Kane failed to clear from Benson’s squared pass.

That was the impressive Kenny’s first senior goal in Dundalk colours, but the 18-year-old striker could have had another on 64 minutes; his attempt gathered by Wogan in the fallout of Benson expertly rounding the Drogheda goalkeeper and hitting the woodwork.

Fellow substitute Davis levelled matters for the visitors on 66 minutes, capitalising on a lapse of concentration from Munro, whose delayed reaction to an Aaron McNally long ball allowed the Drogheda man to nip it off the Dundalk goalkeeper before finishing.

Munro almost made amends for his earlier mistake, initially saving Davis’ penalty in stoppage-time, but the Drogheda man, fouled by Paul Doyle, scored on the rebound.

Dundalk FC: Ross Munro; Archie Davies (Luke Mulligan 75), Andy Boyle, Louie Annesley (Hayden Muller 65), Jamie Walker; Paul Doyle, Koen Oostenbrink; Daryl Horgan, Robbie Benson, Robbie Mahon; Cameron Elliott (Eoin Kenny HT)

Subs not used: Sean Molloy (gk), James Gullan, Sean Keogh

Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Hayden Cann, Jack Keaney, Evan Weir; Aaron McNally (Luke Heeney 71), Gary Deegan, Oisin Gallagher (Matthew O’Brien 83), Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan (Warren Davis 65), Darragh Markey; Frantz Pierrot (Killian Cailloce 86)

Subs not used: Ryan Maher (gk), Andrew Quinn, Emre Topcu

Referee: Alan Patchell (Dublin)