Hoban stunner keeps Dundalk clear at top
Stephen Kenny’s side monopolised possession from the start against a side they had already scored nine league goals against this season, and that became 10 when Andy Boyle teed up Richie Towell on the edge of the box 10 minutes in. The midfielder’s shot took a deflection on its way that gave a wrong-footed Conor O’Donnell no chance.
That was Dundalk’s 100th goal in all competitions this season but it was UCD who should have struck next — Robbie Creevy volleying Chris Mulhall’s centre straight at Peter Cherrie.
The second half immediately assumed a similar pattern to the first with UCD’s midfield five dropping deep to protect the back four.
Dundalk still managed to create a clutch of chances to go further ahead, the best of them falling to Kurtis Byrne who shot wide.
UCD were rarely allowed to venture out of their own half but Dundalk were still squandering the chances that would have made the game safe.
Daryl Horgan was certainly guilty when he failed to centre for Hoban after he had outstripped the home defence down the left.
The striker took it upon himself minutes later to double the lead when he cut in from the left to arrow a brilliant drive past O’Donnell and Dundalk comfortably saw out the remainder against a home side who carried little threat.
UCD: C O’Donnell; D Tobin (A Harney 93), H Douglas, I Ryan, S Coyne; C Mulhall (K Simon 80), R Benson, C Crowe, R Creevy, A Ben Mohamad; C Cannon (S Belhout 62).
Dundalk: P Cherrie; S Gannon, B Gartland, A Boyle, D Massey; C Shields, R Towell; D Meenan, K Byrne (R Higgins 76), D Horgan; P Hoban (D McMillan, 82 (M Griffin, 86).
Referee: James McKell (Tipperary).
