Dundalk hit four past Longford Town to remain top of First Division

Eoin Kenny of Dundalk in action against Dean O'Shea at Oriel Park. Picture: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division: Dundalk 4 Longford Town 1 

Dean Ebbe and Eoin Kenny scored their first goals at Oriel Park since March to once again put Longford Town to the sword to ensure Dundalk remain six points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division table.

Neither player had been on target since the 2-1 victory over the Midlanders almost five months ago but their efforts, coupled with a first goal for his new club for Declan McDaid, ensured that Ciarán Kilduff’s side remain six points clear of Cobh Ramblers in the race for automatic promotion to the top flight.

The home side were on top from the off with Aodh Dervin hitting the post inside five minutes before turning provider for his side’s opener on 15 minutes when he teed Kenny up on the edge of the box for a shot that flew high to the net past Harry Halwax, who moments earlier had denied Rohan Vaughan with his feet.

Dean Ebbe, second from right, celebrates with teammates, from left, Mayowa Animasahun, Eoin Kenny, and Daryl Horgan after scoring. Picture: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

The Co Louth men then doubled their lead on 34 minutes with Kenny once again at the heart of it as he burst past six Longford players to drive into the box. His eventual left-foot shot was weak but was seized upon by Ebbe, who slid in to squeeze the ball to the bottom right hand corner.

It looked like it would be a comfortable three points for the league leaders when Ebbe added a third on the hour mark with a close range finish after Vinnie Leonard had headed down Keith Ward’s corner but Longford set up a nervy few moments when Oisin Hand headed Kyle Robinson’s corner to the net on 78 minutes.

Mohammed Boudiaf then hit the post before Daniel Norris also went close for Wayne Groves’ side but the three points were ensured when McDaid bundled in Kenny’s cross five minutes from time.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Wilson, Animasahun (O’Keeffe 74), Leonard, Tracey; Dervin, Ward (Groome 74); Kenny, Ebbe (McDaid 62), Horgan (Paraschiv 62); R Vaughan (Arubi 81).

LONGFORD TOWN: Halwax; Irhue (Topcu 36), Hand, Yoro (Spain 6), O’Shea; Manuel (Robinson 66), Moore; George (Murtagh 66), Norris, Boudiaf; Campbell (Ugbesia 66).

Referee: Darragh White.

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