Dundalk 1
Shamrock Rovers 1
Caoimhin Reilly reports from Oriel Park
FOR THE SECOND time in four seasons, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers finished level in the FAI Cup, as the side’s succumbed to a 1-1 draw at Oriel Park thanks to Brandon Miele’s second-half leveller on Sunday evening.
The note of anti-climax around Oriel Park at the full time told the tale. It was a game that – while controlled by Dundalk – neither deserved to lose and ultimately Rovers will feel the happier of the camps
Stephen Kenny’s hosts got off to the best possible start when Benson put them ahead with the team’s 100th goal of the season. A cross from Dylan Connolly was left by Michael Duffy for the gleeful Benson to tuck to the bottom corner.
The remainder of the first half was fairly end to end with a dipping shot from Patrick McEleney and a free kick across goal from Miele the closest the teams came to adding to the score. All of this despite Dundalk enjoying most of the possession.
After the break, Rovers upped the ante. But it didn’t look as if they were going to be rewarded for their more concerted phases of attack until Miele drove to the corner of the net with 14 minutes to play.
The goal was merited on the basis of their second half play, though Rovers were to put themselves under the cosh for the closing minutes following David McAllister’s sending off for a woeful challenge on Chris Shields.
The substitute was subsequently replaced courtesy of the injury.
Dundalk: Rogers; Gannon, Gartland, Hoare, Vemmelund; Benson, O’Donnell; Connolly (Shields 70) (Shields 81), McEleney, Duffy; McMillan (Stewart 90)
Shamrock Rovers: Chencinski; Madden, Lopes, Grace, Byrne; Finn, McAllister, Bolger (Doona 72); Clarke, Shaw, Miele (Connolly 81)
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