Chris Shields snatched a late equaliser for Dundalk as they had to come back from two goals down to settle for a point at Bishopstown in Longford. Longford went two goals up thanks to Dylan Grimes and Rob Manly, both of which goalkeeper Peter Cherrie will not want to see again. Dundalk however responded with a goal from Junior before Shields snatched a late equaliser in what was a subdued second half.

Three minutes added

Duffy with an excellent strike but it was well saved by the keeper. It looked as if Dundalk had snatched a winner

Like the number 17 bus, you wait for ages and then two arrive! Chris Shields latches excellently onto a Junior pass and he fires a powerful effort past the keeper to equalise. That's his second goal in two games.

It looked as if Dundalk had equalised as Midtskogen header across the face of goal from a Duffy corner flashes wide.

Manley comes on.

Zambra comes off for Longford's first sub.

Murray comes off.

Daniel Kelly comes on for his first appearance for the 2021 season.

What a chance for Dundalk! Duffy's cross flashed across the face of goal and Zahibo and Junior couldn't get the vital touch.

It was August 8th 2009 since Dundalk were two goals behind in a game and won. A Tiarnan Mulvenna strike and Chris Turner double helping them to a 4-3 win away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds having fallen 3-1 behind after taking the lead. Peter Cherrie was in goal that night

It was August 8th 2009 since Dundalk were two goals behind in a game and won. A Tiarnan Mulvenna strike and Chris Turner double helping them to a 4-3 win away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds having fallen 3-1 behind after taking the lead. Peter Cherrie was in goal that night

McEleney comes off.

Zahibo enters the game

Midtskogen comes on

Sloggett is the first player to come off today.

First attempt in anger goes to Rob Manley as he hits one from the edge of the area but it goes over the bar.

And we are back underway at Longford, big second half ahead.

A half full of action as Longford got off to the best possible starts with goals from Grimes and Manley to give them a commanding 2-0 lead. Dundalk have responded with a goal and a much improved performance as the game wore on but this game is far from finished it seems.

One added minute here.

A big let-off for Longford as the corner sent in was once again headed down by Cleary and Andy Boyle's effort was the wrong side of the post.

We are currently seeing the battle of Bishopsgate as Dundalk are attacking with a lot of intent at the moment, Longford's defence has all hands to the pump as they looked to make it to half time still in the lead.

From a set piece, Grimes hits the side netting as Cherrie was left once again out of position. Dundalk needs to calm down at the back and fast as they look very rattled

Dean Byrne tries from distance and his curling went close with Cherrie clutching at nothing but air.

Big chance for Dundalk to equalise as Ravis' cross from a Junior layoff is played into the area and Sean Murray's touch just failed him at the crucial time.

An excellent ball to the back post is met by Shields but his header is easily gathered by Kelly in the Longford goal.

Sean Murray is given a yellow card for what is the polite term for assimilation.

And Dundalk respond with a goal, a corner sent into the area and a header down by Daniel Cleary and Junior at the back post slots it past the keeper

And Longford strike again! A cross in from the right and Cherrie spilled the ball and Rob Manley picks up the loose ball and slots it cooly into the empty net.

Rob Manley tries his luck from range but Cherrie is equal to it. Dundalk have been a little rocked since the goal.

And Longford in their first attack take the lead, Dylan Grimes with space at the edge of the area hits a low effort that Cherrie did get a hand to but it seems he misjudged the pace of it and it goes into the bottom right hand corner.

Excellent chance for Dundalk as Sean Murray latches onto a cross but his header goes over the bar.

Kick Off: Dundalk get us underway at Bishopsgate with Patrick McEleney kicking off proceedings

And here comes the teams onto the pitch, Dundalk wearing the traditional black and white kit while Longford in their black and red strip.

From that game in 2016, Patrick McEleney is one of three survivors from Dundalk’s last appearance here. He makes his 100th league appearance for the club tonight. His first career goal came in a 3-1 win here for Derry 11 years and 1 month ago today. Dundalk man Fiachra McArdle got the Longford goal that day.

Despite COVID and all that is brought Daire Doyle's side beat UCD and Galway United en route to the playoff final against Shelbourne. Longford beat the Dublin outfit 1-0 at Richmond Park to secure their place in the 2021 Premier Division.

As Dundalk were in the midst of the 2016 Europa League campaign they played a midweek game down here in what would be a monumental night for both sides. Dundalk would go seven points clear at the top of the table and put one hand on retaining the SSE Airtricity League title as for Longford the loss to Dundalk that night relegated the side to the First Division.

Sporting Director Jim Magilton has spoken prematch that tonight "This is about attitude and application" he also commented that Daniel Kelly is 'torturing the life out of him' about getting back into the starting line up.

There are four changes to the Longford that lost to St. Patricks Athletic last Friday. The highlights are that Mick McDonnell makes his first start for Longford this season and Dean Zambra returns to the squad following injury.

Conditions here at Bishopsgate are well windy! There is a strong cross field wind along with the rain that has been persistent throughout the day, the pitch will be bound to be heavy along with I'd say a few heavy touches in the opening exchanges.

On the Dundalk front, the big news from today's lineup is that we are seeing a starting lineup debut for Val Adedokun for Dundalk. Sean Murray is set to start his first game of 2021. Greg Sloggett and Junior are also in from Friday's starting eleven.

Good Evening from Longford where Longford take on the Dundalk in what is a game of importance for both sides. For Dundalk, it's to continue the upward momentum and make it three wins out of three. For Longford, it's to ensure that they don't suffer their third loss in a row.