Dundalk take Louth derby spoils and boost Euro hopes

Dundalk 3 (Doyle 40, Kelly 46, Hoban 77) Drogheda Utd 1 (Robinson 25) 

Dundalk gave their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season a huge boost as they came from behind to beat their neighbours Drogheda Utd in the 175th Louth Derby at Oriel Park.

The result, coupled with Shelbourne’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers, has seen the Lilywhites close the gap on Damien Duff’s men to just a single point ahead of their trip to Tolka Park next week. They are also just three points behind fourth placed Bohemians, who visit Oriel Park at the end of October.

Things looked bleak for Stephen O’Donnell’s side when substitute Kyle Robinson put the Boynesiders ahead on 25 minutes with a cool finish from Dayle Rooney’s pass - the 25th time in 39 matches the Lilywhites have fallen behind this season.

However, Paul Doyle got them back on level terms five minutes before the break when he volleyed home the rebound after Greg Sloggett’s header from Daryl Horgan’s corner had been blocked by Adam Foley.

The home side then hit the front just 53 seconds after the restart with a superb ball in from the right from Archie Davies met by Daniel Kelly at the near post, who just had to get a touch on it to beat Andrew Wogan for his first career goal against Drogheda on his 100th start for the club.

Clear cut openings were at a premium for a long stage after that but the visitors should have levelled on 72 minutes. The Dundalk defence was statuesque as Conor Kane delivered the ball in from the left from a partially cleared corner and they were almost punished as it fell to Warren Davis, who beat Shepperd only to see his effort come back off the crossbar.

That miss was to prove crucial as the Lilywhites added a third on 77 minutes. After having a good chance