Dundalk win fifth match in a row to cut lead at top of Irish League to five points with late victory over leaders

Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)

Dundalk defeated league leaders Shamrock Rovers 1-0 with a late strike in the 80th minute.

At the half way point in the season the top two clashed with champions Shamrock Rovers holding an eight point lead over second placed Dundalk. The Lilywhites started the better of the teams but Rovers kept it tight and chances were few and far between for most of the game with tackles flying in from both sets of players. For all of Dundalk’s possession it was Rovers that looked the silkier on the ball on a dreadful artificial pitch that should not be allowed in a game played at this level.

In a game of cat and mouse it was not until the 81st minute that the deadlock was finally broken. A great ball crossed in from Lewis Macari was met first time from Robbie Benson who fired into the back of the Rovers net. The goal was met with a deafening roar from the packed Oriel crowd.

The home fans were celebrating again moments later when former Dundalk player and Rovers captain Ronan Finn was sent off for a second yellow card following a high challenge on Darragh Leahy.

The home victory puts life into the league again with the gap behind Rovers cut to five points. Furthermore if Dundalk win their game in hand the gap will be down to just two points. If on the other hand Rovers had won they would have opened up an eleven point gap and been well on course for their third Irish Premier Division title in a row.

The important home victory supports the notion illustrated by the Dundalk fans who unveiled a display before the match lit up by red flares which read “Fortress Oriel”. If they continue their current impressive form of five wins in a row then they will have a decent chance of ending Rovers’ tight grip on the league title.