Treaty United's Brave Comeback Secures Draw at Dundalk
Treaty United displayed remarkable resilience as they clinched a thrilling 2-2 draw against Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League First Division on Friday night, with a crowd of 2,264 cheering on at Oriel Park. This encounter marked the first league clash between the two teams, and it was nothing short of a rollercoaster, particularly as Treaty found themselves trailing 2-0 with mere minutes left on the clock.
Dundalk's Harry Groome initiated the action in the 16th minute, his shot from the edge of the box being deflected out for a corner. Eoin Kenny, son of ex-Republic of Ireland manager Stephen, almost put Dundalk ahead but could only glance a header over from a corner. Kenny continued to threaten, sending another effort wide shortly after.
The Lilywhites finally broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Dean Ebbe connected with a Daryl Horgan header that was mismanaged by Treaty’s goalkeeper Corey Chambers. With his side’s defensive line tested, Kenny’s cross just before the break was crucially intercepted by Colin Conroy.
After the interval, Treaty pursued an equaliser, with Robbie Lynch forcing a save from Dundalk's Peter Cherrie. Despite Dundalk looking for a second goal, it wasn’t until the 80th minute that Aodh Dervin's free kick unexpectedly found its way into the net, seemingly securing the victory for the home side.
However, Treaty responded brilliantly in the dying moments. In the 86th minute, Eoin Martin unleashed a long-range shot that slipped under Cherrie's grasp, reducing the deficit. Just three minutes later, Lee Devitt headed in a hopeful cross to bring the match level, igniting celebrations among the travelling fans.
Tommy Barrett's crew now prepares to host Wexford next Friday at the Markets Field, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak to four matches. Meanwhile, Dundalk will venture to Bray seeking to bounce back.
Dundalk: Peter Cherrie, Andy Paraschiv (Norman Garbett 63, Gbemi Arubi 70), Sean McHale, Vinnie Leonard, Sean Keogh (Sean Spaight 90), Daryl Horgan, Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome, Keith Ward (Luke Mulligan 63), Eoin Kenny, Dean Ebbe.
Treaty United: Corey Chambers, Richkov Boevi, Lee Devitt, Colin Conroy (Ben Lee 80), Mark Byrne (Yoyo Mahdy 60), Conor Wilson, Evan O'Connor, Mark Walsh (Robbie Lynch 46), Eoin Martin (Steven Healy 60), Karl O’Sullivan, Trpimir Vrljicak (Niko Kozlowski 80).
Referee: Darragh White
Attendance: 2,264
