Dundalk 1
Shamrock Rovers 0
Niall Newberry reports from Oriel Park
DUNDALK’S REVIVAL CONTINUED at Oriel Park on Friday night as they defeated champions-elect Shamrock Rovers to climb up to sixth place in the SSE Airtricity League table.
Despite more protests against the clubs owners, Peak6, Sean Murray’s goal on 32 minutes proved to be decisive in what was a true battle between two old foes.
The Lilywhites started brightly at what was a sold-out Oriel, and they almost went ahead on six minutes after Patrick Hoban played in Michael Duffy, who then cut it back to Darragh Leahy, whose shot was deflected just over by former Dundalk man Sean Hoare.
Another ex-Lilywhite, Richie Towell, also went close at the other end, but his effort trickled just wide of Peter Cherrie’s post after Aaron Greene did well out on the right.
Vinny Perth’s side were enjoying themselves against the league leaders, and Sam Stanton fired miles over the bar from distance, but the hosts did hit the front after 32 minutes.
Leahy’s ball over the top found its way to Duffy and he slipped in Hoban, whose reverse pass was met by the inrushing Murray, who slotted effectively into the bottom corner.
Murray has been one of Dundalk’s stand-out performers of late, and at the other end, he brilliantly cleared off the line to deny Towell’s low drive before the ball eventually found its way back to the Rovers man, but his volley sailed just over the top of Cherrie’s bar.
Gary O’Neill should have levelled on 44 minutes, but he blazed over from close range; while Cherrie pulled off a world-class save to deny Dylan Watts in first-half stoppages.
The second half offered very little in the way of chances at both ends, but was a nonetheless entertaining affair given the combative nature of both teams, coupled with a magnificent atmosphere created by the home support, who helped their team hang on.
From a difficult angle, substitute Rory Gaffney unleashed a shot which went off target, but Dundalk ultimately held out for what was a terrific result on their home patch.
Dundalk: Peter Cherrie; Cameron Dummigan, Daniel Cleary, Andy Boyle, Darragh Leahy; Greg Sloggett, Sam Stanton; Sean Murray (Sami Ben Amar 85), Will Patching (Mayowa Animasahun 90+2), Michael Duffy (Han Jeong-Woo 90+4); Patrick Hoban.
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Sean Gannon, Sean Hoare, Lee Grace; Ronan Finn, Gary O’Neill (Rory Gaffney 68), Richie Towell, Barry Cotter (Neil Farrugia 54); Dylan Watts, Aaron Greene (Aidomo Emakhu 81), Danny Mandroiu.
Referee: Robert Harvey.
Bernard Jackman, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey chat all things Connacht, Munster, Leinster and Ulster — and welcome back the AIL — on The42 Rugby Weekly
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Be surprised if the line up like that. More likely cooper in full back line, O’Sullivan at half back line. Also be surprised if mccaffrey is not in half back line.
@Augustus hoop:
As usual,the “real” team will not line out as selected.I dont know why Jim Gavin does thos all the time.Are we getting any advantage by naming these dummy teams?Obviously Jim thinks we are.Doubt McCaffrey is playing up front and if he starts it will be in the backs with one of the selected back six dropping to the bench.Suppose it’s a bit of a talking point for us fans but we’ll have to wait until just before throw-in to find out.
@mark kenny: true cant see the value in this dummy team … can see mick fitz drop out lowndes cooper go to full back line and small mccaffery and cian o sullivan in h/ back line a half forward come in for fitz could be flynn/or kev mac
@Liam Murphy:
Yea it’s hard to second guess Jim but i’ll have a guess at the back seven
1 Cluxton
2 McMahon
3 Fitzimmons
4 Lowndes
5 McCaffrey
6 O Sullivan
7 Small
@mark kenny: no cooper so who plays in the forward line when jack mac comes back
@Liam Murphy:
Maybe Scully.It’s only a guess,though.Who knows what Jim will do?Bernard probably did enough the last day to start but maybe he’s better coming off the bench.
What a joke
Dublin could play their U21 squad up until at least the semifinals giving the poor standard of this competition.these backdoor mickey Mouse games with teams that have no hope of making it to the final
@Jamie: their u21s would not win today’s game. Would their u21s beat Kildare?
@Patrick O’Sullivan: yes they would on both questions
@Jamie: Yea why don’t they just put Dublin straight into the final every year
@Jamie: i think you are wrong lad. There 21s would definitely not beat monaghan.
McCafferry will go back and mark O’Sullivan man and he will be sweeper then