Dundalk up to third after cruising to derby win

Goals six minutes either side of half-time from Darragh Leahy, a penalty from Patrick Hoban and a stoppage time strike from John Martin saw Dundalk comfortably claim local bragging rights over neighbours Drogheda Utd at Oriel Park as they moved up to third place in the table.

In what was a completely one-sided Louth Derby, the Lilywhites produced their best performance to date under Stephen O'Donnell, with not even a consolation strike from Ryan Brennan three minutes from the end giving cheer to Kevin Doherty’s side, who have now lost back-to-back away matches following last week’s defeat in Sligo.

The hosts had a surprise hero on the night in Leahy.

The 24-year-old - who is dating the sister of Drogheda defender Sean Roughan - hadn’t scored a competitive goal in almost four years since netting for Bohemians’ in an FAI Cup victory over Galway Utd in August 2018.

Indeed, it was over four years ago since he scored his only previous league goal - a 99th minute winner for Bohs at Tallaght Stadium in April 2018.

He was alert to break the deadlock six minutes before the interval when he reacted quickest to a Keith Ward free kick that came back off the crossbar.

He then doubled his side’s advantage six minutes after the restart with a close range finish before Hoban made sure of the win with his 130th goal for the club from the spot.

Brennan did briefly give his side consolation, but it was Dundalk who had the final say with Martin adding a fourth in stoppage time.

It was the home side who dominated the few early chances in the game with Hoban meeting Joe Adams’ corner only for it deflect tamely into the arms of Sam Long.

The two would combine for Dundalk’s next opening on 21 minutes with Hoban spreading the play wide to Adams on the