Mid Season Report Card - Dundalk

In the League of Ireland playground Dundalk could be that weedy kid that grew up to be a bit scary. Dundalk’s recovery from near extinction, to become league champions, was the fairytale story of last season. Their form this year suggests that they are determined to retain the league title for the first time in their history. Here’s the ExtraTime.ie Mid-Season Report Card on the Lilywhites.

Club: Dundalk FC

Manager: Stephen Kenny

Stadium: Oriel Park 

Highest attendance this season: 3,749 V St Patricks Athletic

Highest league goalscorer: Richie Towell 11

Mid Season Position: 1st

How we thought they would do

Dundalk managed to retain the majority of their title winning side from last year and the defending champions were one of the early favourites for the league. We fancied them to be there or thereabout.

How they really have done

They have lived up to, if not exceeded expectations thus far. Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City were the teams mooted to be vying with Dundalk for silverware and European qualification but the blistering pace that the Lilywhites set, led some to believe it would be a race for second place amongst the rest. However, a defeat at home to Bohemians served as a reminder of how competitive this league can be. Dundalk will have to maintain their performance levels right through the season if they are to be worthy winners at the end.

But it really is so far so good for the Town. They are top of the league and still in all cup competitions. We’ll employ a clever marking tactic and give them an A- ahead of the real exams even if they probably deserve an A+, just to keep them motivated in light of a recent blip.

Moment of the season so far

What a time to be a Lilywhite fan! There have been moments of brilliance in so many of Dundalk’s league performances this season, but perhaps the most impressive display this year was the Town’s 2-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park. Never an easy ground to go to, this game seemed to signify a passing of the guard. Dundalk outplayed the 2013 Champions, to (at the time) put 16 points difference between the two sides.

Star Player – Richie Towell

When footballing pundits suggest that there may be players in this Dundalk squad who merit an international call-up, you get an indication of the strength and quality of players that Stephen Kenny has assembled. Dundalk’s strength lie in their effectiveness as a team so picking out a star player is a tricky assignment that favour attack minded players.

Nonetheless there is a player who has been a fan favourite ever since he donned the white of the Oriel side. A midfielder who has chipped in with a whopping eleven league goals and can turn a game on it’s head when he’s on form: Richie Towell.

Surprise star player – Daryl Horgan

This is a young but accomplished side by league of Ireland standards and we already knew that there were a lot potential matchwinners in the side. It’s a very welcome ‘surprise’ (maybe those who have watched him might call it an inevitability) that Daryl Horgan has found his scoring touch this season.

Young player – Ciarán O’Connor

Ciarán O’Connor is one of a few young starlets Dundalk have in their stable waiting for a chance at the first team. O’Connor impressed with his performance against Shelbourne in the FAI cup and EA Sports Cup.

Star signing – Ronan Finn

Ronan Finn was Dundalk’s marque signing in the off season and he featured prominently in the starting line up from the start of the season. He has also played in every one of the Lilywhites league games so far.

What they need to do in the transfer market

One area that the Lilywhites need cover in is up front. There were misgivings about Dundalk’s ability to be serious contenders having lost the goalscoring prowess of last season’s top-scorer, Patrick Hoban. The side have responded marvellously to such speculation and lead the league’s scoring charts with 36 goals from 16 games.

With the glut of fixture that come with success; European nights and lengthy cup-runs, it might be wise for Stephen Kenny to look for a striker to enable him to play different formations and in the event of current striker, David McMillian, becoming unavailable for any reason.

Where we see them finishing

If the trophies were handed out now Dundalk would be champions once again. On performances they are the best team in the league and deservingly lead the pack, if they keep it up they will be worthy champions and one would have to be believe that at this point in the year, they are solid favourites to win it for a second year in a row.