Dundalk FC travel to Tralee for historic first meeting against Kerry

Dundalk FC travel to Mounthawk Park tonight to take on Kerry FC in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division. This will be the first-ever meeting between the sides as Kerry only joining the league in 2023.

It’s an early top-of-the-table clash after both teams made strong starts to the season. Dundalk have a perfect record so far after winning both of their games 1-0.

A Vinnie Leonard goal secured victory over Athlone Town at Oriel Park on the opening night, while Sean Keogh found the net in last week’s win away to Finn Harps.

The Lilywhites have also had a solid Leinster Senior Cup campaign and recorded wins over Malahide United (4-0) and Shamrock Rovers (3-0), though they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Usher Celtic.

READ NEXT: Dundalk school crowned All-Ireland U19 B Boys Basketball School League Champions

Kerry FC sit just behind Ciarán Kilduff's men in second place having collected four points from their opening two matches.

(SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table)

They kicked off the season with a 2-0 home win over Finn Harps before earning a scoreless draw away to Cobh Ramblers last week.

In terms of team news, Dundalk will be without defender Ethen Vaughan, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Otherwise, they have a full squad available.

New Zealand winger Norman Garbett made his return from a long-term injury last week when he came off the bench in Donegal.

With both sides looking to maintain their strong starts, tonight promises to be a competitive encounter in Tralee.

Glen Geraghty has been named as the referee for the game with his assistants named as Conor Harkin and Paudie Hayes, and Mark Houlihan is the fourth official.