Dundalk FC forced to settle for a scoreless stalemate away to Wexford

Promotion-chasing Dundalk FC were forced to settle for a scoreless stalemate away to Wexford in the SSE Airtricity League First Division, though their six-point cushion at the summit remains intact with just six games left to play, after second-placed Cobh Ramblers were also held—drawing 1-1 in Kerry.

The hosts carved out the game’s opening chance within three minutes when Mikie Rowe swung in a teasing cross that Ben McCormack glanced goalward, only for veteran goalkeeper Peter Cherrie—restored to the Dundalk lineup in a surprise start—to gather calmly.

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From that moment, Dundalk seized the initiative. Their first opening arrived on seven minutes as Harry Groome’s low delivery from the left was stabbed against the post by Dean Ebbe.

The rebound almost produced calamity for Wexford, with Dean Larkin nearly deflecting into his own net, but Paul Martin was alert to rescue his side.

Neat interplay between Gbemi Arubi and Ebbe soon set up Norman Garbett, handed his first start for The Lilywhites, whose curling strike drifted narrowly over the bar.

Yet discipline was lacking, with three Dundalk players booked inside the opening half-hour. Still, they pressed on: Groome’s half-volley whistled wide, while Arubi burst clear of Larkin only to drag a dangerous ball across the face of goal that Ebbe came agonisingly close to turning in.

As half-time loomed, Daryl Horgan delivered two set-piece chances—first a corner headed over by Mayowa Animasahun, still in search of his maiden Dundalk goal, and then a free-kick that sailed harmlessly beyond the target.

The visitors continued brightly after the restart. JR Wilson’s cross forced Martin into action, palming around the post despite Garbett’s obstructive presence.

Moments later came the game’s clearest chance: Groome slipped Ebbe through, but Martin spread himself brilliantly to deny the striker what would have been his 10th league goal of the campaign.

Wexford responded with menace of their own when Aaron Dobbs whipped in from the right, Rowe ghosting free at the far post only to be foiled by Cherrie’s sharp stop with his feet.

Dundalk, undeterred, sought the breakthrough once more—Arubi flashing wide, Groome twice testing Martin with a low drive and a header.

As the contest ticked into its final minutes, substitute Keith Ward floated in a free-kick that Animasahun powered over the crossbar, summing up Dundalk’s evening of frustration.

The points were shared, and though their lead at the top endures, it was a night of opportunities missed for The Lilywhites.

Wexford: Paul Martin; Evan Osam, Dean Larkin, Robbie McCourt, James Crawford; Zayd Abada, Conor Levingston (Matthew O’Brien 54); Mikie Rowe, Ben McCormack, Kaylem Harnett (Calum Flynn 63); Aaron Dobbs (Muhammad Haris 77).

Subs not used: Alex Moody (gk), Filip Wasilewski, Harry Sherlock, Cian Browne, Ryan Scanlon, Michael McCarthy.

Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; Declan McDaid, Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, JR Wilson; Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome; Norman Garbett (Keith Ward 67), Dean Ebbe (Shane Tracey 67), Daryl Horgan (Rohan Vaughan 59); Gbemi Arubi.

Subs not used: Sammy Safaei (gk), Luke Mulligan, Conall Alfred, Ethen Vaughan, Andy Paraschiv, TJ Molloy.

Referee: Declan Toland (Roscommon).