Dominant Dundalk too strong for Students

Goals in either half from Daniel Kelly and Patrick Hoban saw Dundalk record their second win of the season against UCD at Oriel Park.

Stephen O'Donnell’s side were dominant from the off as they deservedly bounced back from their first defeat of the season away to neighbours Drogheda Utd before the break.

Indeed, the result could have been more impressive but for the fact they were denied by the woodwork twice and a number of fine saves from UCD keeper Lorcan Healy.

The Students rarely threatened but did have half chances after both goals to bring themselves back into the game.

The result means Andy Myler’s side are still awaiting their first point on the road this season having drawn their three home matches to date.

For Dundalk, it's a morale boosting return to winning ways ahead of next week's match away to St Patrick’s Athletic where O’Donnell will be making his first return to Richmond Park since his controversial exit after guiding them to FAI Cup success last November.

It was one-way traffic from the off with Hoban sending an early header tamely into the arms of Healy after just two minutes.

Steven Bradley then had two chances to break the deadlock in quick succession - volleying over from inside the box before heading against the crossbar from Hoban’s cross on six minutes.

Robbie Benson then dragged a shot wide two minutes later before the breakthrough finally arrived on 16 minutes.

Mark Connolly’s fizzed pass into Hoban was flicked around the corner by the striker with Kelly racing onto it to round Healy and slot home his 20th goal for the club.

The Students almost responded with their first attempt on target four minutes later when Eric Yoro’s long ball forward played Colm Whelan in behind Andy Boyle but the Republic of