League Report: Dundalk FC 3- 3 Sligo Rovers

Dundalk and Sligo Rovers shared the points in a thrilling game played at Casey’s Field on a sodden Friday night.

Frank Liivak’s strike put the visitors ahead before a sublime Alfie Lewis strike from distance just before the break tied the scores. Four goals were shared in the second half as Ryan O’Kane shot Dundalk into the lead before goals from Aidan Keena and Max Mata looked to have given victory to the men from the west. However, up popped the evergreen Keith Ward to tuck home a goal in injury time and grab a point for the men from the Carrick Road.

Sligo Rovers landed at Casey’s Field shorn of a number of first teamers due to injury- David Cawley, Garry Buckley and Luke McNichola a trio of first teamers occupying the treatment room. They made two changes following their 2-0 victory in the Belfield Bowl a fortnight ago- Lewis Banks and Cailin Barlow in for Shane Blaney and Niall Morhahan. For the home side, Stephen O’Donnell selected the same starting eleven which were victorius in Finn Park a week ago.

A couple of half chances came Dundalk’s way in the opening quarter with Runar Hauge heavily involved. A hooked effort after Sligo failed to clear a John Mountney free kick was quickly followed by some neat interplay by Sam Bone. His incisive patch was touched back to the feet of Hauge but New Zealand international Nando Pijnaker blocked the effort and Sligo survived.

They took the lead on 22 minutes as Estonian international Frank Liivak converted from close range following an Adam McDonell corner kick. Academy product Kailin Barlow’s initial effort smashed Nathan Shepperd’s right hand post before Liivak returned the ball past the Welshman. 

The goal lifted the away side and, now with something to defend, they grew into the game and held the balance of the play for the next ten or so minutes. Dundalk edged back into the game but failed to really trouble Richard Brush. That is, until Alfie Lewis decided to line up an effort. The Englishman took a touch following a Runar Hauge cutback and fizzed a shot into Richard Brush’s top left corner to equalise- delivered into the postage stamp area with aplomb.

The former Shamrock Rovers and Finn Harps stopper was powerless once again ten minutes into the second half as that man Hauge again danced down the right wing and, following a clever one two with Joe Adams, his low cross was converted calmly by Ryan O’Kane for his second goal of the season. 

John Russell turned to his bench looking for inspiration and brought on New Zealander Max Mata. His introduction saw Aidan Keena drop into a deeper role and Mata playing as the lone centre forward. The switch paid dividends and saw Sligo’s number nine busier on the ball. After a couple of sighters the Westmeath man found his range, dancing in off the left wing to arrow an effort low beyond the despairing dive of Nathan Shepperd. 

Better was to come for the Bit O’ Red as that man Mata put the visitors ahead with less than ten minutes remaining on the clock- an off-balance effort nestled in the same corner of the net as Keena’s less than ten minutes earlier. The home crowd were silenced as it looked like a carbon copy of the St Patrick’s Athletic game a few weeks ago where a late Adam O’Reilly took all three points for Tim Clancy’s side.

However, there was another late twist as another sub, this time on the Dundalk side, Keith Ward snatched an equaliser to claim a point for the home side. In complete contrast to the carefully crafted nature of the Lillywhites’ second goal, this was a simple long ball from defence, knocked down to the feet of Keith Ward and the ex Sligo Rovers midfielder found the net to claim what could be a precious point as Dundalk seek that coveted third place and European qualification. 

Next week sees Bohemians, who drew two goals apiece with Finn Harps, travel to Casey’s Field while Sligo Rovers host St Patrick’s Athletic. A win for Dundalk, coupled with a Sligo victory would guarantee that European spot for the Lilywhtes. What lies ahead remains unknown but, if the games ahead bring half the excitement of tonight’s encounter, a memorable weekend lies ahead.

Dundalk: Nathan Shepperd; Andy Boyle, Darragh Leahy, Lewis Macari, John Mountney; Joe Adams (Keith Ward 74), Sam Bone (Robbie Benson 84), Runar Hauge (Steven Bradley 63), Alfie Lewis, Ryan O'Kane; David McMillan (John Martin 74).

Subs not used:Mark Byrne, Peter Cherrie, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Brian Gartland, Robbie McCourt.

Booked:John Mountney (57).

Sent off: None.

Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush; Lewis Banks, Colm Horgan, Patrick Kirk, Nando Pijnaker; Kailin Barlow (Max Mata 60), Robbie Burton (Seamas Keogh 84), William Fitzgerald, Frank Liivak (Karl O'Sullivan 88), Adam McDonnell; Aidan Keena.

Subs not used: Conor Walsh, Éanna Clancy, Cameron Evans, Greg Bolger, Sean McAteer, Cillian Heaney.

Booked:Adam McDonnell (66) .

Sent off:None.

Referee: Damian MacGraith

Attendance: 2384

extratime.com Player of the Match: Nando Pijnaker