Dundalk FC continue their winning start to the league with victory in Ballybofey

Dundalk FC continued their winning start to the SSE Airtricity League First Division after Sean Keogh’s first goal for the club sealed a 1-0 win over Finn Harps in Donegal.

Dundalk seized an early advantage just two minutes into the clash in Ballybofey, as left-back Keogh’s expertly delivered free-kick sailed beyond the grasp of Harps goalkeeper Oisin Cooney, marking his first-ever senior goal in style to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Eager to respond swiftly, the hosts pressed forward with intent. David Cawley came close to restoring parity, though his effort from outside the box drifted harmlessly wide.

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Determined to redeem himself after a bad miss in the previous outing against Athlone Town, Leo Gaxha carved out two promising opportunities to extend Dundalk’s lead.

His first attempt, a low drive across goal, was safely gathered by Cooney, while a more ambitious strike five minutes before the half-time break veered narrowly off target.

Harps, however, were not without their chances before the interval. Patrick Ferry’s long-range shot lacked precision, flying well off course. Moments later, from a Ferry long throw-in, Cawley’s deflected effort skimmed wide during the dying moments of the half.

Carrying a yellow card, Harps defender William Oduwa made way for Gavin McAteer at the start of the second half. The substitute wasted no time making his presence felt, immediately testing new Dundalk goalkeeper Enda Minogue with a sharp effort on goal.

Minogue was soon called upon again, showcasing his reflexes by tipping Ferry’s strike onto the crossbar after the Harps forward had cleverly found space to unleash his shot.

Dundalk, however, squandered a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt.

Daryl Horgan delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, only for Eoin Kenny to head over from close range, leaving The Lilywhites to rue their missed chance to seal the victory.

Indeed, Harps pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser, with both Ferry and captain Tony McNamee squandering opportunities as their efforts drifted off target.

Mikey Place also came close, rising to meet a corner but directing his header wide of the mark. As the pressure mounted, Aodh Dervin was called upon to make a crucial goal-line clearance, preserving Dundalk’s fragile lead as they clung on desperately hung on.

The excellent Minogue had to save again right at the death to deny substitute Max Johnston as The Lilywhites held on for another crucial three points in Donegal.

Finn Harps: Oisin Cooney; William Oduwa (Gavin McAteer HT), Conor Tourish, Max Hutchison; Mikey Place, David Cawley (Anthony Dodd 87), Kevin Jordan (Joel Bradley-Walsh 72), Joel Thompson (Max Johnston 87); Tony McNamee; Patrick Ferry (Gradi Lomboto 72), Dara McGuinness

Subs not used: David Aziaya (gk), Josh Cullen, Gavin Gilmore, Adam McDaid

Dundalk FC: Enda Minogue; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun (Luke Mulligan 85), Vinnie Leonard, Sean Keogh; Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome (Andy Paraschiv 83); Leo Gaxha (Norman Garbett 83), Eoin Kenny, Daryl Horgan; Dean Ebbe (Sean McHale 61)

Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (gk), Keith Ward, Sean Spaight, Muhammad Haris, Aidan Russell

Referee: Declan Toland (Roscommon)