Dundalk's first win of season gives King perfect start

The Noel King era got off to a dream start as Dundalk claimed their first win of the season against a previously in-form Bohemians side at Oriel Park.

The 67-year-old former Republic of Ireland was a shock appointment to replace Stephen O'Donnell as manager of the bottom of the table side last weekend having not managed in the League of Ireland since departing Finn Harps 20 years ago yesterday.

However, first half goals from Scott High and Robbie Benson - Dundalk’s first on home soil this season - saw him become the first permanent Lilywhites boss since Ian Foster in 2010 to win his first league match in charge - and the first to do so at Oriel Park since John Hewitt back in August 1996.

The three points was no more than his side deserved having bossed proceedings against a Bohs side who had come into the match on the back of three wins in-a-row.

Alan Reynolds’ side did have a chance to claw their way back into it when they were awarded a penalty on 62 minutes but James Akintunde’s effort was saved by George Shelvey.

While the Louth men remain bottom of the table, three points adrift of their neighbours Drogheda Utd, this result and performance under their new boss will give them hope of better times ahead under King.

The home side started well on top with club captain John Mountney going close twice inside the opening five minutes before the opening goal arrived in spectacular fashion on 13 minutes.

After a corner was only partially cleared, Daryl Horgan teed High up to let fly from about 30 yards out with an effort that beat Kacper Chorazka before going in off the inside of the post.

It took Bohs until the 24th minute to register their first attempt when James Clarke fired well over after the ball dropped to him in the box but