Player Ratings: AZ Alkmaar 1 - 1 Dundalk

Gary Rogers (GK): 7

Despite being culpable for the concession of the opening goal, having come needlessly out to the edge of his 18-yard area, Dundalk’s 'keeper had an otherwise strong performance making a crucial double save prior to the Lilywhites drawing the match level.

Séan Gannon (RB): 7

Having been harshly criticised by many Dundalk supporters this season for perhaps not reaching the levels that he did in seasons past, the Ringsend native produced the goods last night. Solid defensively, calm in possession and clever going forward, Gannon had a strong match.

Brian Gartland (CB): 8.5

Dundalk’s man-mountain at the back was superb on the night. His ability to sniff out and defend danger is unique, along with his huge physical attributes. Gartland showed just how important his organisational skills and composure are to his team. He was excellent.

Andy Boyle (CB): 8.5

Boyle always looks more confident when playing alongside his natural partner, Gartland. The vice-captain wasn’t troubled in the first-half, however when his side were under pressure after the interval, Boyle, especially following Stephen O’Donnell’s dismissal, came into his own. Crucially cleared the ball off the line at 1-0, and headed everything in sight during added time.

Dane Massey (LB): 7.5

As reliable as ever, Massey produced one of his strongest performances of the season last night. Technically there is no better left-back in the country and last night he illustrated this, linking-up with Daryl Horgan continually to good effect. Having been under early pressure with AZ’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh causing problems, Massey grew into his own as the match progressed.

Ronan Finn (CM): 8

Ronan Finn has been exceptional for the Lilywhites this season and his fine form continued into last night. As early as the third minute he intervened crucially on the edge of Dundalk’s box, while he was also able to play incisive passes at the other end. Led by example, especially when O’Donnell was sent-off.

Stephen O’Donnell (CM): 8.5

Easily the best player on the pitch up until his sending off. Although his two yellow card challenges were harmless, he was still rash in committing himself the second time. His energy, drive and determination is critical to Dundalk’s style-of-play. Only for being sent-off, his performance would have earned him Man of the Match.

John Mountney (RM): 6.5

Mountney is one of Stephen Kenny’s most reliable assets in terms of the pace and work rate that he brings to the fold. Despite not having a very productive night going forward, the club’s longest serving player was integral to halting countless AZ attacks at source. Gave it everything.

Patrick McEleney (CAM): 7.5

By his own high standards, McEleney had a relatively quiet game from open play in Alkmaar. His first-half corner-kick deliveries were outstanding and encouraged McMillan in particular to attack them. Again he worked incredibly hard, especially seeing as his markers were physically very imposing. Belongs at this level.

Daryl Horgan (LM): 8.5

Probably his best performance in a Dundalk shirt and only pipped to the Extratime.ie Man of the Match as a result of Brian Gartland’s heroic defensive showing. Horgan terriified AZ’s defence with his pace, power, drive and desire to attack. His telepathic understanding with David McMillan is unique while his set-piece delivery for Kilduff’s goal was pin-point.

David McMillan (CF): 8

McMillan had a very strong opening half in the AFAS Stadion. He had Dutch international defender Ron Vlaar in serious trouble with his speed and trickery. The number nine fired three first half shots on target, although neither troubled the ‘keeper. Found it difficult to get service in the second-half when AZ upped their tempo.

Subs:

Chris Shields: 8

Shields filled the central void left by O’Donnell very well. He got stuck in as he always does and was integral to Dundalk taking a point from the game having been involved at both ends of the pitch. Shields was hauled down for the free-kick which Kilduff scored from, and following that he headed numerous balls out of the Lilywhites’ area in the nine stoppage time minutes.

Robbie Benson: 7

Came on for Mountney with Dundalk under severe pressure. He struggled to get the ball to feet but, nonetheless, he worked very hard. His tackling was as effective as ever, and when Dundalk did attack late on, he was the man who invariably got them flowing.

Ciaran Kilduff: 8

What can be said, other than he’s Dundalk’s hero? Having battled back from two serious injury setbacks this campaign, the Kildare man headed to the net in the 89^th minute to give his side the equaliser that their efforts merited. He milked every minute of his goal in celebrating with the Dundalk supporters, and deservedly so. There’s hardly a more popular goal scorer anywhere in Europe at the moment.