Kierans pleased with Lilywhites performance

After seeing his side claim only their first point since August 10th, Dundalk interim manager Darius Kierans felt his side shaded the game and deserved victory. Speaking to Extratime.ie after the match, he also spoke of his disappointment that defensive mistakes cost them victory.

"I thought we probably shaded it. Maybe we should have won. We had a couple of good chances in the first half. It was a nice finish from Stephen (Maher) to give us the lead but we should have scored more after going in front. Their first goal is crazy. It was never their free-kick. If anything it was ours, we should have defended better and the second goal was a poor goal to give away as well but we reacted well and at least we got a point.

From our side, it is a young team. We have had a lot of injuries and the boys have showed a lot of character tonight(Saturday). On the run we've had and to put in a good performance is pleasing."

With only two games remaining in the regular season before a promotion/relegation playoff, Kierans admitted he will be making changes to ensure all players are fresh for the series.

"We are going to mix a few things up. We have made five changes from last week. Some of them have been forced and others unforced. There's lads who are carrying knocks and we need them ready for the weeks ahead. We have two games left but all of are focused on the one goal and that's the playoffs."

Derek Foran sat out the game on Saturday night due to a groin injury which prompted fears that his season may be over, however the former Drogheda United boss allayed the concerns and said that the centre-back will be fit to return to the squad in time for the run-in.

"No, no. Derek has a bit of a groin strain. He should be fine in a couple of days. Not sure on Liam (Burns) but hopefully his injury isn't too bad but we have no worries about Derek."

Part of the job is having a look at your opponents and with the identity of the Lilywhite's playoff opponents to be decided, the 33 year-old intends to take in at least one leg of the playoff as preparation for a big week for the club.

"I had a chance to see Waterford last weekend in their defeat to Mervue. We played Longford earlier in the season but I will be going to the playoff next weekend to have a look."