Monaghan United 2-2 Dundalk FC

DUNDALK DENIED BY LATE, LATE LEVELLER

A scrappy David Scully equaliser deep into injury-time denied Dundalk their first win at Kingspan Century Park in over two years, as the Lilywhites twice let the lead slip in a 2-2 draw with a cynical Monaghan United on Sunday afternoon. Ex-Mon, Robbie Farrell looked to have given the visitors the win when he netted his second of the game late on. However, the striker soon turned from hero to zero as he was sent-off in the first minute of stoppage time, before Scully pounced to stun the league leaders with just 35 seconds left on the clock.

In a game of few chances, Dundalk’s nerves were settled early on when Farrell stayed cool and finished well after Monaghan ‘keeper Danny Woods could only palm away Dessie Baker’s initial effort. However, despite controlling proceedings, the Louth club lost that advantage right on the stroke of half-time, as Drogheda native Sean Brennan curled home a superlative free-kick. The second-half produced more of the same as both sides failed to create any openings, however, from nowhere, the game sprung to life with just two minutes remaining.

Desperately searching for a winner but void on ideas in attack, Dundalk looked to have stolen the maximum haul when they hit the front on 88 minutes. Shane Grimes was the provider as his cross from the left evaded the Monaghan defence to allow Farrell the easiest of tasks as he fired home at the back post. The hosts fought back, however, and, moments later, Lilywhites ‘keeper Chris Bennion was called upon as he pulled off a wonderful save to knock a goal-bound effort onto the post. Then, from a melee following the resulting corner, Farrell saw red for an off-the-ball incident, before Scully struck at the death to complete a disastrous 90 seconds.

For the trip to Monaghan, manager John Gill stayed loyal to the starting XI that defeated Shelbourne at Oriel Park the previous week. Despite the availability of experienced pair, right-back and captain John Flanagan and left-back David Crawley, who both returned from suspension, Paul Marney and Shane Grimes kept their places in the backline. Crawley had to be content with a slot on the bench, while Flanagan was left out of the squad of sixteen. Monaghan, meanwhile, lined-out with three ex-Dundalk players, Danny Woods in goals, Conor McMahon at centre-back and Cathal O’Connor in midfield.

In a less than inspiring game that was never going to flow on a terrible pitch, chances were limited throughout. Early on, the closest either side could come was through an ambitious effort from Dundalk midfielder David Cassidy that went narrowly over the crossbar. In the first real attack of the game, however, the visitors took the lead. A wonderful ball over the top set Dessie Baker free on goal, though he could only fire straight at Danny Woods before picking up possession again and supplying Robbie Farrell. With the ‘keeper stranded, three defenders got back on the Monaghan goal line, however, they were powerless to deny the hitman his third goal in as many games as he finished superbly to the bottom corner.

With no noteworthy action thereafter, Dundalk seemed destined to take the lead into the break. However, they were hit with a sucker punch right on half-time. Simon Kelly committed the foul on Stephen McCrossan right on the edge of the box, and Sean Brennan stood up to float a stunning 20-yard free-kick over the wall and past the motionless Chris Bennion, as the sides retired level at the interval. Following the resumption, the game again failed to ignite, leading to the introduction of Derek Doyle and Tiarnán Mulvenna either side of the midway point of the half, while Paul Crowley was thrown in soon after.

Trying hard to work openings, Dundalk continued to struggle, however, they appeared to have scored a priceless winner just two minutes from time. In the lead-up to the goal, Paul Shiels was laid low with a head injury after he was the victim of an elbowing - a disgusting challenge which resulted in the midfielder receiving stitches afterwards. With the referee failing to stop the game, however, the Lilywhites took full advantage. Shane Grimes made a darting run down the left and his low cross passed every Monaghan player before Farrell connected at the back post to lift the roof.

Right from the restart, however, Monaghan showed that the game was far from over as Bennion produced a top class save to push the ball onto the post and behind for a corner. From that, the hosts flashed a header just wide, before a goalmouth melee ensued in a sour end. Bodies aplenty in the Dundalk six-yard area, what exactly went on was difficult to see. However, after matters calmed down, the ref showed a straight red card to Farrell on the advice of the linesman.

With that bad enough, in their next attack, the home side produced a major blow to the visitors as they equalised with only 35 seconds left. Dundalk failed to clear despite ample opportunities and they were made to pay dearly as David Scully somehow scrambled the ball into the net. From the kick-off, the Lilywhites attacked through Doyle, however, the ref called time in the middle of that move to signal another disappointing outing for Dundalk in the graveyard.

Incidentally, the last time Dundalk won the First Division, in 2001, they were battered 4-0 in Monaghan with eight games to go (they also went on to win in Waterford after that). The venue has always been a bogey ground for the Lilywhites and no squad in the history of the club has ever gone through a full season with a 100% record against Monaghan. Incidentally, none of the top three teams in the First Division have won in Monaghan this season. Before Robbie Farrell's second goal on Sunday, most would have taken a point from the game, however, the ending left a sour taste in the mouth. Still two points clear, however, Dundalk have everything in their own hands. Though, despite a couple of threats to pull away, it now looks certain that this year's title race will go down to the last kick in Kildare. Squeaky-bum time is here.

Monaghan United: Danny Woods; Paul Whelan, Conor McMahon, Aaron Mooney, Barry Clancy; Cathal O’Connor (Daragh Hanaphy 80), Dom Tierney, Stephen McCrossan (Andy Haran 89), Brian Gartland, Sean Brennan; David Scully.
Subs not used: Ronan McGann (GK), Ian Malone, Kieran Reilly.

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; Paul Marney, Simon Kelly, Ben Whelehan, Shane Grimes; Jamie Duffy (Paul Crowley 77), Paul Shiels, David Cassidy, Davie O’Connor (Derek Doyle 64); Robbie Farrell, Dessie Baker (Tiarnán Mulvenna 71).
Unused Subs: Aaron Shanahan (GK), David Crawley.

Booked: S Grimes (67).
Sent-Off: R Farrell (91).

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald (Meath).

Attendance: 500 (estimate).