Rob Manley: 'We have to accept the point that we got - it was a great performance from the boys'

Deniese O’Flaherty reports from Bishopsgate

Longford Town striker Rob Manley admitted he was disappointed that his side didn’t hold on for a win against Dundalk on Monday evening.

The Red and Black were 2-0 up within the opening 15 minutes, but Dundalk fought back with Chris Shields drawing them level in the 81st minute.

Town produced a strong performance with Manley scoring their second goal. He said: “I think we can be disappointed. We created enough chances. Myself and Dean Byrne included had some golden opportunities especially in the second half.

“We have to just accept the point and kick on from here. Look forward to Derry on Friday and push on.”

On Friday evening last Town battled hard against St. Pat’s but were undone in the second half with the Inchicore side scoring three goals after the break.

Manley is hoping that Town can now push on from the result against Dundalk: “I can’t fault any of the lads for their work-rate.

“I think we have been doing the right things, working hard, it’s just that we haven’t got that little bit of luck sometimes and sometimes it hasn’t clicked for us.

“Hopefully today after that performance we can push on. We seem to be clicking a little bit more.”

Monday’s goal was Manley’s first goal of the season, and he was delighted to get on the scoresheet, although he got a bit of a helping hand from Peter Cherrie.

“They’re the ones I love; in the box,” he said. “I was happy with the cross, maybe it was a bit short, but I was happy that Cherrie dropped it and I capitalised on the mistake.

“I love crosses coming into the box; as many as they can. I should be getting more goals this season. Hopefully I can kick on too.”

Town created several chances throughout the game to add to Dylan Grimes’ and Manley’s goals. The striker believes if they’d scored a third goal Dundalk would’ve found it hard to get back into the game.

“It could’ve been a completely different game. We’ve to accept the point that we have got. It was a great performance from the boys. I’m proud of our team. I think we will be alright this season.”

With the first round of games over Manley was honest about how it went for Town. They’ve put in fine performances in most games, but mistakes proved costly on a number of occasions.

“We have just gone through the first round of games. We’ve just got to learn from our mistakes; cut them out too. We need to keep working hard,” he added.

Town are away to Derry City on Friday night. They defeated the Candystripes in their first game of the season and produced an excellent display.

Manley is hoping for a repeat performance at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium: “Derry have their new manager come in and they’ve hit a bit of form.

“We have to treat it like the first game of the season again and go at the full tilt.”