Player Ratings: Dundalk 1 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv

Gary Rogers: 8

Rogers had a fairly quiet night. The Meathman never really looked under pressure at any stage. His first-half performance was tidy with his distribution and speed of his line preventing Maccabi from getting in behind the Lilywhites’ defence. Made a telling save from a deflected Vidar Orn Kjartansson shot in the closing minutes.

Sean Gannon: 8

Last night saw Sean Gannon produce arguably his best display of the season. He was outstanding in marking Maccabi’s main threat Tal Ben Chaim, while when he meandered forward he was always an option, particularly when Patrick McEleney drifted in field. Ben Chaim being substituted was, in itself, the greatest compliment that could be paid.

Brian Gartland: 7

As reliable as ever, Dundalk’s mountainous central defender had another fine match last evening. Despite not winning as many aerial tussles as he generally does, Gartland was never exposed, while his passing out from the back was industrious. He manfully protected his goal in the closing stages, however Maccabi’s final ball was always lacking.

Andy Boyle: 8

The stand-in skipper seems to always keep his best performances for Europe and the bigger the game, the better Boyle plays. The Dubliner never put a foot wrong. His passing into midfield was unerring while he carried out his defensive duties to the letter of the law, including some crucial interceptions late on. He’s certainly an unsung hero of Stephen Kenny’s side.

Dane Massey: 8

Like Dundalk’s other full-back, Massey gave his strongest performance of the season against the Israelis. There is hardly an Irish left-back as comfortable in possession as Massey, while his awareness of danger was exemplary. Yet again he combined well with Horgan down the left-flank and showed tremendous bravery when blocking Barak Itzhaki’s goal bound effort late on.

Ronan Finn: 8.5

In the absence of Stephen O’Donnell, Finn provided great leadership for Dundalk. His box-to-box style was evident for the entire 90 minutes. He always does the right thing in possession and appears to have ample time on the ball. He made some vital interceptions while he was also the source of countless break-away attacks. Brilliant performance.

Chris Shields: 9

The only blotch on Shield’s canvas was his 89^th minute caution. He gave a masterclass in protecting his back-four, cutting out umpteen through balls and on more occasions than not Maccabi were forced to play the ball laterally due to his presence in central areas. With the ball at his feet, Shields also impressed getting a spectacular second-half shot off, while also threading incisive passes forward. His best 90-minute offering in a Lilywhite jersey.

Robbie Benson: 8

Another exceptional performance which has gone largely un-noted. Benson worked tirelessly in midfield, up-and-down, and was never found out of position. Technically the former UCD man is as good as Dundalk have, while his driving runs prove very effective. Possibly could have been awarded a penalty in the first-half, however his timid penalty claims were waved away.

Patrick McEleney: 8

Another man who could well be pushing for international recognition in the near future. When the Derryman starts running, he’s very hard to stop. His technical ability on the ball and vision set him a class apart from last night’s opponents. Despite missing a glorious chance inside two minutes, McEleney continued to press and get shots off. An excellent showing.

David McMillan: 7.5

Dundalk’s leading scorer had a frustrating night in Tallaght. McMillan was unable to find himself in many shooting positions and when he did the service let him down. It was his flick on that sent McEleney through for the opening chance of the match, while his willingness to stretch Maccabi in behind allowed Finn, Benson, Horgan and McEleney to find space. Worked tirelessly.

Daryl Horgan: 8.5

It’s surely only a matter of time before Horgan is snapped up by an English giant. The mercurial winger again terrorised his marker, getting shots off and teeing up others. He genuinely is a livewire and when he was in possession, he always produced. Assisted Kilduff once more with a brilliantly weighted cross to the back post – he has assisted Kilduff’s last four goals.

Subs:

Ciaran Kilduff: 8

What an impact the birthday boy made. Almost scored within seconds of coming on for McMillan with a well-directed header which sailed just over before he lifted Tallaght Stadium with his 72^nd minute goal. He has made his employers almost €500,000 in three weeks, and who would bet against him enhancing that figure more in the weeks to come.

John Mountney: 7

A player that you would always want to have in your team. Mountney’s work-rate and endeavour reflects the selfless player that he is. The club’s longest serving playing member worked hard upon his introduction despite not gaining much possession in the attacking third.

Dean Shiels: 7

The Northern-Irish international appeared for the final five minutes, replacing Robbie Benson. Again, Shiels slotted seamlessly into the Lilywhites’ line-up. Showed his intelligence on the ball to find relieving passes forward late-on and was never caught out of position.