Robbie Benson named SSE Airtricity League Player of the Month for August

Dundalk FC midfielder Robbie Benson has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association Player of the Month for August.

This is the first time that the Westmeath native has collected the award, following his club colleagues, David McMillan, Ronan Finn and Daryl Horgan in picking up the accolade in 2016.

Benson performed incredibly during Dundalk’s steadfast August campaign. The ex-UCD captain scored vital goals during his side’s run deep into the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers.

The Lilywhites’ number 18 scored his team’s third goal in added time during their victory over Belarussians, BATE Borisov in Tallaght Stadium, before scoring a memorable right-footed volley to give Stephen Kenny’s men hope of overturning their 2-0 first-leg deficit against Legia Warsaw in the Polish capital.

Speaking at the award presentation today, Benson told dundalkfc.com: “It’s a bit unexpected but I am delighted to win the award.

“The way the club has been over the past few months has really captured the imagination. I got two goals in Europe which obviously put me in the frame, so it’s good for me and a great reflection on the club too.”

Dundalk had a very productive month domestically, winning a place in the FAI Cup Quarter-Final having dismantled Crumlin United 5-0, a game which Benson stood out in prior to picking up an unfortunate injury knock.

The Lilywhites also maintained their position at the perch of the Premier Division table despite losing two out of their three league games.

However, having picked up maximum league points from their league assignments in September to date, another three-points from their game with Finn Harps on Monday night could will push them a considerable 10-points clear of Cork City as the domestic season saunters to its conclusion.

Athlone man, Benson has stressed how important the upcoming matches (UCD in the FAI Cup and Finn Harps in the league) are before they can start to concentrate on their trip to the Netherlands in 14-days’ time. AZ Alkmaar being their opponents in the UEFA Europa League.

“We’re very excited but we have two games to play before the Europa League to concentrate on. The fixtures are coming thick and fast; we have to always keep our eye on the next game,” Benson added.

Benson won the award ahead of Bray Wanderers’ winger Dylan Connolly and Raffaele Cretaro, of Sligo Rovers. The pair finished second and third respectively.