Dundalk defeat Wexford to open six-point cushion at the top of the league

Dundalk FC opened a commanding six-point cushion at the top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division following a pulsating 3-2 triumph over Wexford at Oriel Park — a result that further solidifies their title ambitions.

A scintillating first-half brace from the ever-lively Gbemi Arubi had the hosts firmly in control, before a moment of poetic irony early in the second period saw former Lilywhite Muhammad Haris mark his first League of Ireland goal — reducing the deficit and reigniting Wexford’s hopes.

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Veteran playmaker Keith Ward momentarily restored breathing space for Dundalk, rolling back the years with a stunning volley just past the hour mark to make it 3-1.

But the visitors, still chasing their first-ever victory at Oriel, ensured a dramatic finale when Mikie Rowe struck late to set up a nervy conclusion.

The tone was set almost immediately, as Dundalk drew first blood inside two minutes. Captain Daryl Horgan twisted and turned past Michael McCarthy before delivering a teasing ball into the area. Eoin Kenny’s flicked header forced a save from Paul Martin, but Arubi reacted sharply to slot home from close range.

Arubi nearly doubled his tally moments later after racing onto a lofted Horgan pass, only to see his goal-bound effort bravely blocked by Dean Larkin.

Wexford’s first real opening arrived on 11 minutes. Ajibola Oluwabiyi, teed up by Ben McCormack, curled narrowly over the crossbar from just outside the box.

At the other end, Aodh Dervin danced away from Oluwabiyi, only to see his long-range effort whistle just over.

Dundalk had a penalty shout waved away shortly thereafter when Vinnie Leonard appeared to be nudged by Larkin as he contested Dervin’s free-kick, though referee discretion spared Wexford’s blushes.

Still, the home side continued to probe with fluid, one-touch interplay between Arubi, John Ross Wilson and Declan McDaid, culminating in a scuffed Dervin effort.

The second goal arrived on the half-hour mark — and it was one of sheer quality. McDaid’s flicked header broke fortuitously for Arubi, who unleashed a thunderous first-time volley that cannoned into the net, leaving Martin helpless.

Arubi remained a persistent menace, winning back possession high up the pitch before linking with Horgan, whose driven cross nearly found McDaid — only for a vital interception from James Crawford to prevent a third.

A speculative Horgan strike that soared well over closed the curtain on a dominant first half for the hosts.

However, Wexford reignited the contest just five minutes after the restart. A hopeful long ball from Robbie McCourt caused uncertainty in the Dundalk defence, and Haris — introduced at the interval — capitalised on an Enda Minogue error to tap in from close range.

But parity was short-lived. On 63 minutes, substitute Ward pounced on a half-cleared cross from McDaid, lashing an unstoppable volley home to restore Dundalk’s two-goal advantage.

Wexford almost responded immediately, with Larkin coming close to making amends by nudging a McCormack delivery just wide, as the home defence switched off.

With the game opening up, Horgan and Arubi both came close to putting the result beyond doubt, while Ward blazed over from distance. Horgan’s curling cross also found McDaid at the back post, though Martin gathered with ease.

Wexford continued to push, registering off-target efforts from Filip Wasilewski and McCormack. Their persistence was rewarded in the dying minutes when Rowe, set up by Larkin, slotted past Minogue to bring the score to 3-2 with just three minutes left on the clock.

Despite late pressure, Dundalk held firm, securing a vital three points and extending their lead at the top — a night of resilience, quality, and a dash of drama at Oriel.

Dundalk FC: Enda Minogue; John Ross Wilson, Conor O’Keeffe, Vinnie Leonard, Shane Tracey (Luke Mulligan 90+1); Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome (Andy Paraschiv 56); Declan McDaid, Eoin Kenny (Keith Ward 56), Daryl Horgan (Rohan Vaughan 78); Gbemi Arubi (Dean Ebbe 78)

Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (gk), Sammy Safaei (gk), Sean Spaight, TJ Molloy

Wexford: Paul Martin; Michael McCarthy, Dean Larkin, Robbie McCourt, James Crawford (Cian Browne 64); Matthew O’Brien (Darragh Levingston 58), Ben McCormack; Mikie Rowe, Kaylem Harnett (Muhammad Haris HT), Ajibola Oluwabiyi (Filip Wasilewski 64); Aaron Dobbs (Calum Flynn 71)

Subs not used: Alex Moody (gk), Zayd Abada, Ryan Butler, Patrick Manning

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan (Cork)

Attendance: 1,632