DUNDALK MANAGER STEPHEN KENNY admitted his side were ‘hanging on a bit’ for the frantic final few minutes of their Champions League qualifier against Icelandic side FH but acknowledged the 3-3 aggregate result was a ‘big victory’.
The Lilywhites were second-best for much of the opening period and went behind after 19 minutes but kept their focus and found their way back into the game – something that impressed their manager.
“They looked very comfortable and they scored”, he said.
“We looked like we were under a bit of pressure. But I felt that for the last 20/25 minutes of the first half, we had a lot of good play and we were unlucky not to go in level, at least.
We said at half-time. ‘Listen, it’s only a matter of time – we’re cutting them open’. We looked like we had more energy and we started to pass the ball more accurately.”
Despite Ronan Finn’s missed penalty, David McMillan scored twice after the break to turn the tie on its head and give Dundalk a 3-2 aggregate lead.
The hosts needed two goals to go through but could only manage one and it’s the League of Ireland champions that now progress to a third qualifying round clash with BATE Borisov.
For Kenny, the finale made for uncomfortable viewing and was certainly far from ideal.
“Anyone who thought FH were on their feet, they got a new lease of life”.
“The last 10 minutes we were hanging on a bit. We didn’t want that but we’ll take it. We’re through and though it’s a 2-2 result it’s an away win. It’s a big victory for us.”
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Whatever happens in this game, one team is gonna win or draw. It’s really that simple.
@Superguy:
hahaha
@Superguy: two teams might draw
@Frainc Ó Broin: lol
@Frainc Ó Broin:
Good result and up to 5th
Utd 2-0
Open game 2-3 united
Utd to be outfoxed today they were lucky against Burnley 2-1 the
@Liam Neeson: how’d that prediction work out?
Even though United have taken strides forward, they won’t win the league while they have a clearly outdated player at right back.He needs any contract offers ripped up in front of his eyes. And Sanchez can join him also. Both have been so, so bad today.
@Gavin Mitchell: ya I tend to agree. Young is just filling a gap. I think if this game was on in old Trafford dalot might have started. Ole probably doesn’t want to throw him in the deep end. United need two full backs like what city did. A more mobile holding midfielder than matic and a replacement for Sanchez who just can’t seem to get going. He’s costing them a fortune
@Gavin Mitchell: I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go for Wan-Bissaka during the summer.
Really needed.
@Anthony: agreed. And although s doing very well, they need a big upgrade on Lukaku, he’s not cutting the mustard
@Anthony: Sanchez is going to be a real problem, I don’t think he is going to cut the mustard, but what will they do with him?? No one is going to offer him the wages he is on at Utd, so I think selling him is out of the question, why the hell would he leave if he is earning what he’s been reported to be earning.
Sell Lukaku asap nor even bothering to run after ball, martial not much better.