Dundalk Supersub Keith Ward delighted to be finding his best form again
‘Supersub’ Keith Ward was the hero of the hour for Dundalk FC last Saturday evening, as they recorded an impressive 1-0 away win over Sligo Rovers in the SSE Airtricity League.
In what was an end-to-end encounter at The Showgrounds, Swords native Ward replaced Johannes Yli-Kokko with about 15 minutes remaining, before planting a header from a Darragh Leahy cross beyond Sligo goalkeeper Luke McNicholas on 84 minutes.
“It’s a massive win,” said Ward after the match. “I was saying it to the boys, I thought it was our biggest game of the season tonight. Coming off a few good results, the way results are going around the league, everyone’s picking up results or dropping points.
When asked about the last headed goal he scored, Ward quipped: “15 years maybe in the league or something and I’ve never scored a header – it’s definitely my last I’d say.
“It’s an unbelievable ball from Darragh. I’ve seen it the whole way in, and as it was coming, I was like, ‘I’m going to have to head this.’
"I watched it back, the space I had, and lucky enough, I just got a good connection on it. To be fair, I thought it was further out. I was in the six-yard box, so you’d think you’d get it on target there and score. Delighted.”
In response to head coach Stephen O’Donnell’s comments that the 32-year-old is playing the best football of his career right now, Ward joked: “It’s easy to say that when he’s put me on the bench, isn’t it?
"No, look, I’m obviously getting a bit older now, a bit maturer. I have become a bit more consistent. I do think I’m a more consistent player now.
“Under the gaffer, I love playing here. I’ve a good relationship with the gaffer. And whether I’m coming off the bench or starting, I always feel like I can help the team, and I’m just obviously delighted even to score the winner tonight and help the team.”
Indeed, Ward will hope to play a part as Dundalk look to extend their winning run to four matches against managerless Cork City at Oriel Park on Friday night (kick-off, 7:45pm).
Since beating Dundalk at home on Easter Monday, The Rebel Army have lost five from five – the latest of which was a 3-2 defeat against St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday night.
“They were probably unlucky (against St Pats). They might have a new manager in by then. You see in any league, in football, when a manager comes in, results kind of pick up. It’ll be interesting to see who comes in, but it’s about us, and we’re on a good run. Three wins, two draws, and obviously we want to get back to making Dundalk a fortress.”