Double-header looms as Dundalk navigate relegation rivals and subplots

Dundalk FC return to Oriel Park on Friday night to face Waterford in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division (kick-off, 7:45 pm), with both sides still searching for their first win of the new campaign.

After five rounds of fixtures, Dundalk sit eighth in the table, two points clear of bottom club Waterford, who currently occupy the automatic relegation position.

READ NEXT: Kilduff left with mixed feelings after Dundalk draw in Galway

The Lilywhites are only ahead of Sligo Rovers, in the relegation playoff place, on goal difference, underlining the tight margins at the lower end of the early-season standings.

Despite their position, Dundalk have lost just once in their opening five games, contrasting with Waterford’s three defeats. Waterford’s most recent outing ended in a 1-0 home loss to league leaders Bohemians, while Dundalk salvaged a late 2-2 draw away to Galway United the same evening. Galway sit seventh, a single point above Dundalk.

The meeting also carries a subplot on the touchline. Waterford manager Jon Daly was in charge of Dundalk for the final 20 matches of the club’s 2024 campaign, when they were relegated after a 16-year spell in the top flight. Daly is still seeking his first win since taking charge at The RSC.

His appointment last November followed a period of speculation during which inaccurate reports suggested Dundalk manager Ciaran Kilduff had resigned and was set to move to Waterford. In reality, Daly had already agreed to take the post by the time those reports emerged, although the move had yet to be formally confirmed.

After facing Waterford, Dundalk will return to Oriel next Monday for a pivotal six-pointer against Sligo, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm. Positive results in both matches could prove crucial, as the fixtures pit Dundalk against sides likely to be battling to avoid relegation by the end of the season.

In team news, Dundalk are hopeful that Vinnie Leonard will be available following a recent illness, but defender Mayowa Animasahun is unlikely to feature in time for the double-header as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in the opening 2-2 draw at Derry City.

Supporters are being offered a €5 saving through an online ticket bundle for the two home fixtures. Fans who purchase tickets for both matches together online can avail of the discount, with tickets available through the club’s official ticketing portal.