Dundalk come from behind to claim priceless three points against UCD

Dundalk FC can almost touch the finish line in the SSE Airtricity League First Division promotion race after rallying from behind to claim a priceless 3-2 victory over UCD at Oriel Park.

Louis Dignam fired the visitors in front midway through the first half, but two ice-cool penalties from Gbemi Arubi—one in each half—swung momentum Dundalk’s way.

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Eoin Kenny then nodded home his seventh goal in as many games to give The Lilywhites breathing room, only for Jake Doyle’s late header to set up a nervy finale.

Still, Ciaran Kilduff’s side held firm to preserve their six-point cushion at the summit, knowing that just four points from their next two outings will secure promotion before a potential title decider against second-placed Cobh Ramblers on the final night.

The hosts showed their intent from the off, with Sean Spaight testing Dara Kavanagh inside two minutes.

UCD responded through Eanna Clancy, whose header from Adam Verdon’s free was comfortably gathered by veteran keeper Peter Cherrie.

Dundalk continued to press, with Vinnie Leonard denied by Kavanagh before Arubi and Declan McDaid each forced the UCD stopper into further saves.

Yet, against the run of play, it was The Students who struck first. On 21 minutes, Verdon released Mikey McCullagh, who slipped Dignam through to finish coolly beneath Cherrie—momentarily reducing Dundalk’s lead at the top to just three points.

The Lilywhites pressed for an equaliser, but frustration mounted as Kavanagh repeatedly stood tall, repelling efforts from Arubi, Aodh Dervin, and Andy Paraschiv.

Relief finally arrived in the 38th minute when McDaid was bundled over by Dignam inside the box, leaving Arubi to dispatch the penalty with confidence and restore parity before half-time.

Kilduff, sensing the stakes, turned to his talisman. To the delight of the Oriel faithful, Daryl Horgan—unexpectedly fit after fears his season was over—entered the fray. His presence immediately lifted Dundalk, who surged forward in search of the winner.

That breakthrough came on 64 minutes. McDaid was again the catalyst, dragged down in the area by Clancy to earn a second spot-kick. Once more, Arubi made no mistake, this time drilling his effort home with emphatic assurance.

Seven minutes later, Horgan’s quick thinking from a throw-in released JR Wilson, whose delivery allowed Kenny to power home from close range and seemingly wrap up the points.

But UCD refused to go quietly. Doyle’s header from a free-kick 15 minutes from time ensured a tense finale, though Dundalk’s rearguard stood tall under pressure to protect the victory.

For The Lilywhites, it was more than just three points—it was another giant stride toward promotion glory, their destiny now firmly in their own hands.

Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; JR Wilson, Conor O’Keeffe, Vinnie Leonard, Sean Spaight (Shane Tracey 71); Aodh Dervin, Andy Paraschiv; Eoin Kenny (Luke Mulligan 90+3), Harry Groome (Daryl Horgan HT), Declan McDaid (Rohan Vaughan 71); Gbemi Arubi

Subs not used: Enda Minogue (gk), Dean Ebbe, Norman Garbett, Keith Ward, Ethen Vaughan

UCD: Dara Kavanagh; Adam Wells, Declan Osagie, Eanna Clancy, Brian McManus; Adam Verdon (Mikey Raggett 85); Mikey McCullagh (Ciaran Behan 65), Louis Dignam (Ronan Finn 65), Jake Doyle, Adam Brennan; Hugh Smith (Killian Cailloce 65)

Subs not used: Noah Douglas (gk), Carl Lennox, Matthew Alonge, Colin Bolton, Sean Mackey

Referee: Lucas Keating (Cork)

Attendance: 1,607