Dundalk's Louth derby win marred by post-match clashes

Dundalk gave their survival hopes a major shot in the arm by piling the pressure on their neighbours Drogheda Utd in a Louth Derby that ended with a scrap between supporters on the pitch at Oriel Park.

First half goals from Jad Hakiki and Ryan O'Kane and a second half double from Daryl Horgan secured a huge three points for Jon Daly’s side as they moved five clear of the Drogs in ninth place.

Douglas James-Taylor had briefly given the visitors hope of getting back into the game by reducing the deficit to 2-1 before the break but his second from the spot in the 93rd minute was a case of too little, too late.

Dundalk had only scored four goals in 11 matches at home all season prior to this but found their shooting boots on the night to put some daylight between them and their Louth rivals, as well as close the gap on Bohemians above them to four points - with the two sides due to meet at Dalymount Park in their next league outing on 26 July.

For Kevin Doherty’s side this result was a crushing blow to their own survival hopes. They had opened a six-point gap on Dundalk after beating them 2-1 at Weavers Park on 6 May but they are now winless in the 10 games since, with just three draws and seven defeats.

The night ended on a sour note when a number of Drogheda fans crossed the pitch after the two sides had left the field at full-time to engage with the home support.

The hosts got off to a dream start when they hit the front after just eight minutes. O’Kane cut in from the left onto his right foot to get a shot away which Andrew Wogan could only push clear. Robbie Benson was then quickest to react to the loose ball as he crossed for the in-rushing Hakiki to head home the first senior goal of his career.

A brilliant strike by Ryan