The 2017 season may have failed to reach the heights of last year for Dundalk, but they have won the first available trophy of the year.
Stephen Kenny's side defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-0 in the Tallaght to win the EA Sports Cup on Saturday afternoon. It is the second time in four years that they have won the competition.
Last year's League champions took the lead inside the opening five minutes. Striker David McMillian scored the side's first goal, and they never looked back from there.
Here's that @DMcM88 goal that has put @DundalkFC ahead @tallaghtstadium. #EASPORTSCUPFinal pic.twitter.com/dgB7FjTRyI
— eir Sport (@eirSport) September 16, 2017
Shamrock Rovers were reduced to ten men in the second half when Greg Bolger was sent off, and Dundalk took advantage of the one-man advantage in the final ten minutes.
Patrick McEleney wrapped up the win with an excellent goal. His shot from inside the box, flew into the top corner giving the Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski no chance.
What a finish from Patrick McEleney! Another to add to his highlight reel. #EASPORTSCUPFinal pic.twitter.com/6eP3p5MmdI
— eir Sport (@eirSport) September 16, 2017
To add insult to injury, former Shamrock Rovers striker Thomas Stewart scored with his second touch to wrap up a 3-0 win.
Thomas Stewart wraps up the win for @DundalkFC in injury time with his first touch. #EASPORTSCUPFinal pic.twitter.com/sc4BSyGT1N
— eir Sport (@eirSport) September 16, 2017
The win makes it two wins apiece for both sides this season against each other. Shamrock Rovers won two of the three matches between the sides. They play each other once more in a fortnight in the semi-final of the FAI Cup.
Dundalk's win is the latest for Stephen Kenny in the competition. He has now won six League Cups as manager.
For a team how have spoken about how disappointing their season is, Dundalk have a trophy to bring back to Oriel Park, and could add the FAI Cup before the end of the season. Some clubs would count that as an excellent year.
