Dundalk had a 4-0 win over Waterford at Oriel Park last night to send a statement to the rest of their Premier Division rivals, that they won’t relinquish their title easily.
Following a stuttering start, with draws against Sligo, Finn Harps and Shamrock Rovers, Vinny Perth’s side had their shooting boots on against Alan Reynolds side, with Pat Hoban, Sean Murray, Daniel Kelly and Cameron Dummigan all scoring.
Dundalk had come into the game with a decimated midfield, with Robbie Benson, Patrick McEleney, Chris Shields and Michael Duffy all ruled out with injuries. Duffy left Oriel Park before kick-off, after sustaining an injury at training.
Hoban opened the scoring in the eighth minute, heading home Sean Murray’s Cross. The Lilywhites doubled their lead ten minutes before the break when Murray himself scored with an effort from outside the area.
Just before the hour mark Daniel Kelly made it 3-0, Jamie McGrath setting him up to score. Finally, in the 90th minute substitute Cameron Dummigan made it four with a neat finish.
Head Coach Vinny Perth said it wasn’t a perfect performance but having set the team up differently, due to the injury situation, there was lots of positives to take from the game and the win will give the team a platform to build on.
Perth also had great things to say about goalscorer Daniel Kelly, “He’s a good finisher is Daniel Kelly. In fairness to Bray and Bohemians, they really thought Dan how to play League of Ireland football. Just over a year ago he was playing non-league football!”
Head coach Vinny Perth gives his reaction to tonight's 4-0 win over Waterford. (Part 2/2)#DUNWAT #CmonTheTown pic.twitter.com/cibwlWxgh8
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) March 8, 2019
Dundalk now head to the Brandywell next week to face an every improving Derry City side, under their new manager Declan Devine. Derry were held to a 1-1 draw in Dalymount Park against Bohemians, and are on a 3-match unbeaten run.