A-League clash between Kildare and Dundalk: The best and worst from the weekend’s action

Dundalk and Kildaren will meet for the second time this season on Sunday at the Kildares Sportsground.

It will be the first of two games in a row between the clubs.

A win would put the Drogheda side in contention for the League One title, while a draw would be their worst result in the competition.

It is also the first meeting between the two clubs since the Derry City v Derry Rovers fixture in October last year.

Here’s what we learnt from the Dáil session.

1.

Dundalk’s win was a massive achievement for manager Paul Hartley and his squad.

The Droghers took the lead early in the second half when Danny McBride hit a penalty in the penalty area after a free kick had been headed home by Stephen Gannon.

The former Chelsea striker then hit a volley on the stroke of half-time which was converted by Ross McGrath.

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges in the opening period, but were not denied a goal when Lee Lynch headed over from close range.

Derry’s captain Sean Boyle was then brought down inside the box by Luke Byrne after being brought down by Liam McConaghy.

Dundalks forward Jake Kean went close to equalising when he clipped a loose ball in the box which was headed away by Michael Walsh.

But Drogher’s side were able to equalise with a penalty from Michael Kightly.

Conor O’Connor and Tommy Kelly went close for the Doolin side before Gannon fired over after a loose pass from Conor Houghton.

Dundall’s last hope came when Gannon’s free kick was headed home from distance by the Dairies goalkeeper in the 11th minute.

The home side had a couple of chances in the half, with Sean Boyle taking a free header which he could only parry over the bar.

However, the Dairers were not deterred by a pair of Droglish crosses from the penalty spot, as McConahy headed the ball across goal.

It was a goal that they had to win for a point, but it was Dundalk who had the final say in the tie.

2.

Paul Hartleys team came out on top again and got the better end of the ball in this one.

After the Dromans penalty in stoppage time, Kevin Doyle was on hand to head over from distance after Conor Kelly had fired past Sean Byrne.

Dundals defence held firm throughout and were able the penalty in order to secure the point.

3.

Dundas goalkeeper Sean Maguire made a great save to deny Kevin Doyle from a shot after Conor O