Dundalk stutters again as Saints win tie at Inchicore

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Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic played their second 1-1 draw this season as the Lilywhites once again failed to seal a European spot for next season and must now move on to the final day.

Robbie Benson’s goal nullified Patrick Hoban’s previous goal, the same scene on July 31, on a wet night next to Camac in Richmond Park.

An eerily calm Inchicore played host to an important game for both sides behind closed doors.

The result means that Dundalk is unsure of a top three result, while St Pat’s is still on the hunt for fourth place, which could mean European football next season.

Filippo Giovagnoli’s team now needs a point on the final day of the season against Sligo Rovers.

Neither team was particularly convincing on a miserable night for football, but the Saints will be happier after coughing up the lead.

Conditions made life difficult for participants, those obvious long-range passes took a different life, but Pat’s intended to push Dundalk’s baseline and Benson did very well to regain possession, which Jordan Gibson quickly surrendered in the expensive. Brian Gartland from the beginning.

The first big opportunity came at 19 minutes. Gibson found Billy King, who turned brilliantly to his left but drove to Gary Rogers, who got off well. Dundalk had been disappointing thus far, Hoban’s shot outside the box was apparently born out of frustration within 20 minutes and missed accordingly.

Dundalk made a beautiful goal in the middle of the half.

A raked delivery from Stefan Čolović found Darragh Leahy at the back post and he connected to find Hoban who couldn’t miss up close.

Gibson should have called shortly after. He got behind Dundalk’s defense, the wind played its part, but Rogers got it right and the Englishman couldn’t get his angle right. Hoban is made for nights like this and used his strength to model a shot in the 33rd minute, but dragged it away with his left foot.

Hoare then had to be on the alert to hook the ball for a corner kick after an excellent cross from Feely. From the corner that followed, Feely had a decent chance, but missed the target with his left foot.

The Saints tied at 19 minutes of the second half. Robbie Benson, who rarely scores heads, got enough power from close range after Lee Desmond’s center to equalize, the ball hanging in the air in a way that would make your average defender feel uncertain, this on a night when Dundalk it seemed especially safe on the back.

A bad error by Desmond nearly resulted in a Dundalk draw with 20 left, but Duffy’s shot was deflected. Moments later, Dan Cleary turned the wrong angle when he received a free header in the area.

Dundalk changed three of his back five in the second half, with Darragh Leahy, Sean Gannon and Cleary all eliminated. The Saints waited up to 80 minutes to bring in their first substitute, young Darragh Burns to replace King.

Dundalk was on top now and Hoban played David McMillan, but the angle was tight and Brendan Clarke blocked.

Luke McNally, one of the most promising youngsters in the league, stood out in the final minutes to ensure Patrick held out a point, while an inspiring sliding block from Jamie Lennon emphasized his effort.

Local coach Stephen O’Donnell, who was upset by many decisions, received a late yellow card from referee Paul McLoughlin.

Neither team could find a winner, as Dundalk continues to bring a domestic headache to its European campaign, with a trip to Rapid Vienna next Thursday.

Athletic of San Patricio: Brendan Clarke; Rory Feely, Lee Desmond, Luke McNally, Ian Bermingham, Shane Griffin; Jamie Lennon, Chris Forrester, Robbie Benson; Billy King (Darragh Burns 80), Gibson (James Doona 85).

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon (John Mountney 67), Sean Hoare, Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary (Andy Boyle 78), Darragh Leahy (Cameron Dummigan 67); Chris Shields, Greg Sloggett, Michael Duffy (Dave McMillan 78); Stefan Colovic (Jordan Flores 56), Patrick Hoban.

Referee: Paul McLoughlin



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