Dundalk claim first win of the season under new boss Noel King

Dundalk celebrated a new King as first half goals from Scott High and Robbie Benson helped them to a first win of the season against Bohemians at Oriel Park.

For years, the Co Louth side were the team to beat in the League of Ireland under the guise of ‘King Kenny’, Stephen Kenny.

However, it was another former Irish U21 boss, Noel King, who is the toast of the town this weekend as the Lilywhites finally picked up their first three points of 2024.

The 67-year-old 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, he couldn’t have asked for a much better start as High and Benson’s strikes – 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 hosts started well on top and deservedly hit the front on 13 minutes when High crashed a 30-yard shot past Kacper Chorazka to the net off the inside of the post.

While Dayle Rooney struck the post for the visitors from a free kick on the half hour mark, it was the Lilywhites who were the most threatening and after Archie Davies had an effort blocked on the line by Luke Matheson, the second duly arrived on 35 minutes.

Daryl Horgan pulled the ball back from the end line to Benson, who had time to steady himself before firing to the top right hand corner with his left foot.

Alan Reynolds’ visitors 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.

Dundalk: Shelvey; Davies, Johnson, Boyle, Bradshaw; High, Keane (Oostenbrink 23); Mountney, Benson, Horgan; Gullan (Kenny 89).

Bohemians: Chorazka, Matheson (Piszczek HT), Mills, Keita, Kirk; J McManus (B McManus HT), Flores (McDonnell HT); McDaid (Grant 79), Clarke, Rooney (Connolly 71); Akintunde.

Referee: Rob Hennessy (Limerick).

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.