- Andrew Dempsey
- Thu, Sep 17 2020
Ten-man Dundalk held out for a vital Europa League qualifier win on the road against Andorran side Inter Club d’Escaldes.
The Andorrans fell behind in the first-half thanks to a David McMillan strike, but the Lilywhites will be left wondering how they didn’t extend their lead before the break.
The second half saw the Andorrans grow into the game, and they were aided significantly by the dismissal of Andy Boyle for two bookable offences.
However, Dundalk held firm and earned a huge win in the context of their season as they await the challenge of Sheriff Tiraspol next week.
Filippo Giovagnoli’s Dundalk came into the game off the back of a morale-boosting three-two victory over Shelbourne at Oriel Park in the Premier Division, but that did not stop Giovagnoli from making a change to his starting side.
Aaron McCarey was the sole player to miss out from the Shelbourne game, with Gary Rogers returning to the fold.
Andorrans Inter Club d’Escaldes came into the game having only played one competitive game this season which was against Kosovan champions FC Drita in the Champions League qualifiers.
Their manager Adolpho Baines – who was a former goalkeeper with Getafe, Tenerife and MK Dons amongst others – made five changes from their defeat against the Kosovans.
Dundalk, who went into the game as heavy favourites – something that they are not entirely used to in European competition – started the game well and took a deserved lead after 14 minutes.
David McMillan was fed through by his partner in crime from Michael Duffy before the ex-UCD forward fired home into the bottom corner of the host’s net.
Duffy ought to have made it two moments later, but he could drag his effort wide of goal after going on a superb slaloming run through the Andorran defence.
Both Dundalk wingers Duffy and Stefan Colovic enjoyed plenty of joy down the wings during a dominant first-half display with both Federico Bassone and Raul Feher struggling in the full-back positions.
Colovic threatened with a number of set-pieces, while Duffy went close to securing his second assist of the night, but McMillan could not convert.
Midfielder Greg Sloggett then went close with a long-range effort on goal – but his effort just went over the bar.
Duffy once again found McMillan, but he was too far away from the ball to make a meaningful effort on the hosts goal as the half-time whistle approached.
And the Lilywhites would be denied a second once again on the stroke of half-time as Sean Murray’s free-kick crashed off the post as the visitors went in one-nil up at the break.
Dundalk continued to impress as the second-half began, with Murray once again going close, however, this time his shot was deflected wide of goal.
Just minutes later, it looked as if Dundalk were going to be awarded a spot-kick after McMillan was bundled over in the box, but Belarusian referee Viktor Shimusik waved away the protests.
Shortly after, Shimusik would raise the Dundalk frustrations as he controversially sent off Andy Boyle for a second yellow card.
Boyle was harshly dished out with a first-half booking and his second was for something similar – leading to some understandable Dundalk protests.
Despite playing much of the second half with ten-men, Dundalk continued to threaten, with Brian Gartland seeing his header tipped over the bar by the Inter Escaldes keeper.
However, while they impressed at times with ten, the Lilywhites had to survive an Andorran onslaught of sorts.
Soldevilla Solduga went close to levelling the tie late on, but he could only see his free header go over Gary Rogers’ bar.
And at the death, Rogers was forced to latch onto a scuffed shot that looked destined for the back of the net as the Lilywhites held out for a pivotal European win away from home.
They will now face Moldovan’s Sheriff Tiraspol in the Third Qualifying Round next week while their scheduled league game away to Cork City has now been postponed.
Inter Escaldes: Jose Gomes; Raul Mihai Feher, Ildefons Lima, Emili Garcia, Federico Bessone Luna; Genis Soldevila Solduga, Jordi Rubio (Óscar Reyes 86), Albert Reyes, Marc Pujol, Sergio Moreno (Jordi Roca Grau 82); Jordi Betriu Armengol (Bruninho Bruninho 78).
Subs not used: Xavier Moreno, Joan Bayona.
Booked: Sergio Moreno (10), Ildefons Lima (45), Albert Reyes (56), Jordi Rubio (65), Genis Soldevila Solduga (90).
Sent off: None.
Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Darragh Leahy, Sean Hoare, Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary, Andy Boyle; Greg Sloggett, Chris Shields, Sean Murray (John Mountney 69), Michael Duffy, Stefan Colovic (Sean Gannon 60); David McMillan (Patrick Hoban 70).
Subs not used: Will Patching, Aaron McCarey, Daniel Kelly.
Booked: Andy Boyle (40) ,Chris Shields (52) ,Greg Sloggett (55) ,Andy Boyle (58).
Sent off: Andy Boyle (58).
Referee: Viktor Shimusik (Belarus).
Attendance: 0.
ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: Michael Duffy (Dundalk).
