In the latest Airtricity League Premier Division match, Sligo Rovers bested Dundalk with a 2-1 victory at The Showgrounds. It was a dismal continuation for Dundalk on Saturday evening as they once again fell short of a triumph. Although Dundalk seized an initial lead with Robbie Benson scoring a somewhat contentious penalty, the hosts turned the tide in the second half. Goals by Wilson Waweru and Ellis Chapman – the latter also courtesy of a penalty, secured a valuable win for Sligo Rovers elevating them to fourth position.
Dundalk, currently languishing at the bottom of the league table, had previously received some relief from their ongoing troubles when a consortium led by John Temple assumed control of the club. Their aim was to reduce the gap to Drogheda United, their closest competitor in the table. Sligo, meanwhile, positioned sixth ahead of this game, was eager to regain their form after a 4-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
Sligo, fortuitous to have their captain Niall Morahan back from suspension, initially felt the heat as Daryl Horgan, the former Republic of Ireland representative, presented a challenge for Dundalk. The game took a critical turn when Benson converted a 24th-minute penalty, awarded after the referee deemed Sligo’s Connor Malley had unlawfully handled the ball. Horgan had two excellent opportunities to widen Dundalk’s advantage but was denied on both occasions.
The first half concluded with a remarkable shot by Sligo’s Simon Power, unfortunately hitting the post. Power made another commendable effort in the second half, signalling Sligo’s uprising after a tepid start. Dundalk’s goalkeeper Ross Munroe demonstrated his skills with an exceptional double save, preventing Ollie Denham and Will Fitzgerald from scoring.
It wasn’t long before Sligo found equal footing, courtesy of a 69th-minute header from Waweru, redirecting Power’s lofted ball into the net. Seven minutes later, Chapman dispatched a penalty, shifting the balance of power. Adding salt to Dundalk’s wounds was the dismissal of their defender, Hayden Cann, who saw a red card for his foul on Luke Pearce, a Sligo substitute geared up for a shot on goal.
A striking save by Sligo’s McGinty in extra time effectively blocked Dundalk from levelling the score, with McGinty also managing to keep out an attempt by reserve player, James Gullan.
SLIGO ROVERS’ squad included McGinty; Wilson, Denham, McElroy, Hutchinson; Malley (replaced by Pearce on the 62nd minute), Morahan; Power, Chapman, Fitzgerald; Waweru (substituted by Barlow on the 74th minute).
DUNDALK comprised of players Munro; Pike, Boyle, Cann, Mountney; Dervin, Benson (Garbett joined on the 84th minute); Horgan (stepped out for Mahon, 84), Hakiki (Keane came in, 70), O’Kane (Faulkner substituted on the 77th minute); Kenny (Gullan joined on the 70th minute).
The game was officiated by the referee, Marc Lynch.