Dundalk 1 - 0 Wexford Youths

An early goal from teenager Tiarnán Mulvenna was enough to shoot Dundalk six points clear at the top of the eircom League of Ireland First Division table on Thursday night, as the Lilywhites overcame Wexford Youths by 1-0 at Oriel Park. Dundalk dominated for long spells, however, after Mulvenna’s superb strike just past the quarter-hour, the hosts failed to net another despite many opportunities. And, they almost paid for their wastefulness in front of goal, as goalkeeper Chris Bennion proved the match winner with an outstanding save five minutes from time.

Indeed, despite being rank outsiders in the game, it was Wexford who threatened first with two half-chances. However, once Dundalk took the lead through Mulvenna’s expert finish, it was one-way traffic for most of the game. The Lilywhites’ best chances of wrapping the game up fell to Trevor Vaughan and Paul Crowley in the first-half. However, as goal-bound efforts were pushed away and wayward shots fired wide, there was always the chance that Wexford would find an equaliser. And, after a couple of close calls, only Bennion’s heroics late in the day saved John Gill’s men from a disastrous draw.

For the visit of the Youths, Gill made three changes to the Dundalk side which defeated Longford Town 3-0 in Flancare Park the previous Monday. Midfielder Paul Marney, winger Paul Smyth and striker Robbie Farrell all got the chop, as Paul Shiels, Davie O’Connor and Trevor Vaughan all returned to the starting line-up. The club’s top scorer Jamie Duffy, who was suspended for the trip to Longford, had to be content with a place on the substitutes’ bench, where he was joined by new signings Dessie Baker and Derek Doyle.

After a slow start by Dundalk, Wexford were almost in just shy of the quarter-hour. Ex-Reading midfielder Conor Sinnott played a through ball to Danny Furlong, however, home goalkeeper Chris Bennion raced from his goal to thwart the striker’s run. Sinnott had earlier warmed the hands of Bennion with a 30-yard effort, however, Dundalk soon broke the deadlock with their first real effort on target. A wonderful flick-on by Trevor Vaughan put his young strike partner Tiarnán Mulvenna in behind, and the 19-year-old controlled well before dispatching the ball to the net with a superb finish to the top corner.

Shortly after, Dundalk went close again. Paul Crowley’s long-range shot was spilled by visiting ‘keeper Pa Doyle, however, in the follow-up, the Lilywhites were unable find a doubler. On the half-hour, the hosts almost made it two. Vaughan and Mulvenna again combined well, before the latter sent Crowley through with an inch perfect pass. However, the midfielder attempted to take the shot on first time and dragged it wide. Moments later, Dundalk were again on the attack as Vaughan forced Doyle to tip over following a dipping shot from the edge of the area. And, within the next phase of play, Doyle again had to deny the hitman as he pushed an effort behind.

On 41 minutes, great play between Vaughan and Davie O’Connor down the left wing ended with the former picking up possession 25-yards from goal. However, despite controlling well, his well struck shot was well held by the Wexford netminder. Shortly before the half-time whistle, Dundalk had claims for a penalty waved away, as Mulvenna played through Crowley once more. However, the 27-year-old delayed to give Doyle enough time to recover, before the midfielder fell to the ground under what seemed to be a light challenge from the ‘keeper. And, that proved to be the last attack of the half as the Lilywhites retired with a one-goal advantage.

Following the resumption, Dundalk started the brighter, and they should have made it 2-0 just four minutes in. Captain John Flanagan broke down the right and put a cross on the head of Mulvenna, whose effort went inches over the crossbar. Soon after, Wexford had their first real shot on goal as Danny Furlong turned well on the edge of the area before firing a powerful effort narrowly wide. After a quiet spell, as Wexford held possession for a long period as they searched for a leveller, Dundalk came close on 65 minutes. However, Mulvenna, inside the six-yard box, headed well over under pressure from the Youths defence.

After a short stoppage for a clash of heads, new boys Derek Doyle and Dessie Baker were both introduced to loud ovations from the home crowd as they made their club debuts. Just over ten minutes from the end, however, it was Wexford who came close. Firstly, a long-range effort from Sinnott went inches over, before Bennion gathered at the second attempt following another good effort from the visitors.

And - just as he did twice in Longford last Monday - the Scottish ‘keeper was again the key man as he came to his side’s rescue on 85 minutes. Patsy Malone found Keith Kearney just outside the area, with the midfielder turning and striking a goal-bound effort which was brilliantly turned around the post by Bennion. That vital save proved to be the match winner as Dundalk held out - in the end comfortably - in the remaining minutes to move six points clear at the top of the table.

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; John Flanagan, Ian Ryan, Ben Whelehan, David Crawley; David Cassidy, Paul Shiels, Paul Crowley, Davie O’Connor (Derek Doyle 68); Trevor Vaughan (Dessie Baker 72), Tiarnán Mulvenna (Jamie Duffy 82).
Unused Subs: Aaron Shanahan (GK), Paul Marney.

Booked: Ryan (28), Vaughan (52).

Wexford Youths: Pa Doyle; Anto Russell, Paul Rossiter, Conor Wallace, Johnny Flynn O’Connor; Gavin Doyle, Patsy Malone, Conor Sinnott, Keith Kearney; Lee Aust, Danny Furlong (Gareth Wallace 70).
Unused Subs: Shane Dempsey, Craig McGuire, Richie Fitzgerald, Marty Kelly.

Booked: A Russell (43).

Referee: John McLoughlin.

Attendance: 1,300 (estimate).