Gaxha's goal secures victory for Dundalk FC at Belfield

Dundalk FC extended their lead at the summit of the SSE Airtricity League First Division to seven points, courtesy of a second-half strike from Leo Gaxha that secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UCD in Belfield.

The result, combined with Cobh Ramblers’ 3-1 defeat at the hands of Wexford, sees Ciaran Kilduff’s men tighten their grip on top spot.

Meanwhile, Bray Wanderers have capitalised on the evening’s drama to climb into second place in the standings.

Dundalk carved out the game’s first opportunity just six minutes in, as former UCD player Keith Ward found space before unleashing a shot from distance that sailed over the bar.

READ MORE: Byrne wins silverware at Dundalk's Embassy Snooker Club

At the other end, UCD fashioned a chance of their own when Luke O’Regan delivered a teasing cross, only for Jake Doyle’s header to miss the target.

Dundalk defender Sean McHale then attempted an audacious effort from deep within his own half, but it posed little threat to UCD goalkeeper Kian Moore, who collected comfortably.

The Students responded with a promising effort from Colin Bolton, whose strike forced a clearance for a corner by the returning Mayowa Animasahun—though Peter Cherrie, in goal for Dundalk, appeared to have it well covered.

As the half progressed, Dundalk began to impose themselves. Daryl Horgan’s angled effort was confidently held by Moore, while Sean Keogh’s curling free-kick from the right swerved just over the crossbar.

A moment of hesitation nearly cost UCD dearly six minutes before the break, when Moore’s wayward clearance fell straight to Gaxha. He swiftly found Aodh Dervin, but the latter failed to capitalise, turning over from close range.

The final chance of the half fell to UCD, with Adam Verdon’s free-kick comfortably gathered by Cherrie, ensuring the sides went into the interval still searching for a breakthrough.

UCD came agonisingly close to levelling matters 11 minutes into the second half, as Adam Brennan delivered a superb cross that Brian McManus narrowly steered wide—a real let-off for The Lilywhites.

Dundalk made that escape count just moments later, seizing the lead in the 63rd minute. Substitute Harry Groome whipped in a teasing delivery, met by the deft flick of Sean Keogh’s head, and finished from close range by the alert Gaxha.

The Students pressed for an equaliser, with Eanna Clancy’s glancing header flashing just wide of the post.

A moment of uncertainty in the Dundalk backline then presented Mikey Raggett with a golden opportunity, but his effort drifted wide, allowing Dundalk to cling on and emerge with all three points.

UCD: Kian Moore; Luke O’Regan, Eanna Clancy (Niall Holohan 87), Cathal McCarthy, Adam Wells (Hugh Martin 81); Brian McManus (Mikey Raggett 81), Adam Verdon; Adam Brennan (Ciaran Behan 64), Colin Bolton (Ronan Finn 64), Killian Cailloce; Jake Doyle

Subs not used: Darragh Kavanagh (gk), Carl Lennox, Matthew Alonge, Odhran McLaughlin

Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie (gk); Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Sean McHale, Sean Keogh (Muhammad Haris 84); Aodh Dervin, Andy Paraschiv (Harry Groome 60); Leo Gaxha (Vinnie Leonard 72), Keith Ward (Eoin Kenny 60), Daryl Horgan; Dean Ebbe (Gbemi Arubi 72)

Subs not used: Samuel Safaei (gk), Luke Mulligan, TJ Molloy, Shane Tracey

Referee: Alan Franklin (Wexford)

Attendance: 657