Dundalk go clear at top with defeat of Cobh

November 1999

DUNDALK go top of the First Division with a 2-1 win over Cobh Ramblers at Oriel Park to complete a remarkable transformation following a dreadful start to the campaign.

The Lilywhites are at their best in the first half. Brian Morris Roe scores the opener in the 13th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the right-side of the penalty area.

However, Dundalk fail to take all the chances which come their way. Anto Reilly and David Ward go close, while there is a delightful move involving David Crawley, Morris Roe, John Whyte and Tom McNulty which ends with John Flanagan’s flying header beating the ‘ keeper only for the ball to strike a post.

Cobh come more into the game during the second period as some of the home players begin to tire.

Indeed, Dundalk are in trouble when a 54th minute free from Willie Byrne rockets to the net, catching ‘ keeper John Connolly unawares.

Ward is his team’s best player and fittingly scores the winner. His skill and trickery keeps Ramblers on their toes.

He profits from some sloppy Cobh defending in dealing with a cross after he combines with Reilly. The ball falls invitingly at his feet near the penalty spot and he drills a shot low through a clutter of legs into the corner of the net.

Manager Terry Eviston sees a convincing display from his defence which barely allows a clearcut opening throughout the entire 90 minutes, despite the twin threat posed by Dónal Golden and Paul Coughlan, two of the First Division’s top scorers, with five and six goals respectively going into the fixture.

Dundalk: John Connolly, John Whyte, Noel Melvin, Pádraig Gollogley, David Crawley, Paul Campbell, Tom McNulty (David Hoey, 86 mins), John Flanagan, Brian Morris Roe, Anto Reilly (Brian Honan), David Ward.