FULL TIME: Keith Ward bagged the all-important equalising goal in a thrilling contest in Caseys’ Field as Sligo Rovers and Dundalk had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw that could prove to be a vital point for the Lilywhites. There was certainly no going through the motions as both sides took the lead in the contest before Ward's late goal sealed a vital goal in added-on time. Frank Liivak opened the scoring for the visitors before two excellent individual efforts from Alfie Lewis and Ryan O’Kane put Dundalk ahead. A late brace of goals late in the game from Aidan Kenna and Mata looked to have ensured the points were heading back west but Dundalk took one last roll of the dice with Ward doing the rest.

I was right!! A high ball into the area and Keith Ward slides it past Brush and we are level again!!

Four added minutes here. Late drama? Let's see!

SUB: Frank Liivak is off for Karl O’ Sullivan.

SUB: Benson on for Bone

And just like that Sligo are in front, Dundalk is asleep once again and Max Mata is on hand to apply a cool finish to put the visitors in front.

CHANCE: My oh my what a chance! Keith Ward broke free and laid the ball off to O'Kane and his strike skyed over the bar!!

CHANCE: Dundalk nearly go in front again as both Martin and Lewis have sights on goal but the efforts are blocked down.

GOAL: And Sligo are level! Aidan Kenna breaks into the area and hits a well-struck effort that flies past Sheppard. All to do again for Dundalk.

Double change for Dundalk as Keith Ward and John Martin come in for Joe Adams and David McMillan

CHANCE: A quick free-kick exchange between Mountney and O'Kane sees the wingers cross met Andy Boyle at the near post but his effort is well saved by Brush.

McDonnell clips McMillan and get a yellow card.

Stephen Bradley comes on for Runar Hauge, his best game since coming on loan this summer.

John Russell makes his first change for Sligo as Max Mata replacing Kailin Barlow

Ryan O'Kane gets a sight on goal but his effort goes well wide.

John Mountney is booked.

It's 11 years ago today since Dundalk last played on this date. A local scored the winner that night against Drogheda Utd 1-0 here at Oriel Park. Johnny Breen scored the game’s only goal in the 5th minute.

GOAL: And Dundalk are in front! A fantastic run from Runar Hauge and his cross finds O'Kane at the back post and he fires it past Brush.

CHANCE: Aidan Kenna struck a vicious shot that took a deflection off Leahy that easily could have found its way into the net, it goes wide for a corner and Dundalk let out a collective sigh of relief.

CHANCE: Alfie Lewis spots the keeper off his line and tries a chip to beat Brush but it just sails over the bar. Dundalk starting the second half with a high press.

SECOND HALF: We are back underway at Caseys' Field for the second half. Dundalk relies on an old pal Dan Cleary who has put Rovers ahead. Dundalk has it all in their hands now.

HALF TIME: Dundalk went behind and following the 29th minute Dundalk breathed into life - Alfie Lewis with the goal of the season to level terms and as things stand they hold onto third at the moment. Stephen O'Donnell is off and no one in Oriel seems to know why. Just another twist in the tale.

That's Alfie Lewis' first goal for Dundalk. It comes just 8 days shy of his last which was for St Pat’s against Longford Town at Bishopsgate on October 29th 2021 when he scored the third in a 4-1 win for Stephen O’Donnell’s side. Matty Smith had a hat trick that night.

Ok so: Stephen O'Donnell was sent off in the aftermath for God knows what and as soon as we know we will let you know.

WHAT A GOAL! Runar Hauge breaks free and his shot falls to Alfie Lewis on the rebound and he hits a thunderous strike that flies into the back of the net. Goal of the season contender there

Both Hauge and McMillan have sights on goal but Dundalk couldn't test Brush with either.

Sligo is in again but the goal would not have stood as Keena was offside. Dundalk are not taking care of Sligo set pieces at all.

That\'s just the 4th time this season Dundalk have conceded first at home. The previous occasions were in the 3-1 win over Bohemians on May 13th, the 1-1 draw with Derry City on August 5th and the 2-1 loss to St Pat’s on October 7th.

GOAL: Frank Liivak has scored for Sligo! A corner into the Dundalk area failed to be cleared and the initial shot from Bourton cannons off the post and Liivak is on hand to slot it home on the rebound.

OFF THE LINE: Aidan Kenna beats the offside trap and Sheppard was caught out in the call with Macari and Kenna hooks it over him, it looked as if it was goalbound and Macari somehow clears it off the line. Brilliant stuff from the Dundalk defender.

This game while being played at a high tempo has got a bit scrappy the last few minutes, if word has filtered through the Dundalk players are sensing the occasion.

CHANCE: Another chance for Hauge as he latches onto a clever pass, he pulls the trigger and it's blocked down!

CHANCE: David McMillan misses the target when it looked to be easier to score - and with Pats taking the lead in Tallaght and now the task gets bigger.

CHANCE: What a chance for Dundalk to open the scoring, a free kick from Mountney is headed down to Runar Hauge but the wingers' volley goes high over the bar.

KICK OFF: Dundalk gets us underway at Caseys' Field.

And here are the teams - a big crowd in Oriel Park tonight as they know Europe could be one step closer tonight. Three games to go and all to play for. Here we go!

Sligo team news tonight: Richard Brush continues in goal and Aidan Keena leads the line in attack. Lewis Banks replaces the injured Blaney while Kailin Barlow makes his full debut.

There will be a minute’s applause during this evening's game to mark the fifth anniversary of Robert ‘Foods’ McLoughlin, who sadly passed away this day five years ago. The applause will take place when the game enters the 29th minute the age Robert was when he was killed in a hit and run outside his home after a Dundalk game.

Ryan O'Kane starts his 10th game for Dundalk tonight. He has won the man of the match award on his three previous starts here. 3 years ago tomorrow, O’Kane made his last appearance for Warrenpoint, playing the final 26 minutes of a 7-0 defeat against Linfield at Windsor Park

While they lost here last time out, Dundalk has the second-best home record in the division with 37 points from 16 matches at Casey’s Field in the league in 2022 – a tally only bettered by Shamrock Rovers’ return of 44 points from their 16 league matches at Tallaght Stadium.

While the last result between the sides was overturned from a 2-0 loss for Dundalk into a 3-0 win due to Adam McDonnell being ineligible to play, Dundalk has won just twice in their last nine matches against Sligo Rovers on the field of play.

It’s the 245th meeting between Dundalk and Sligo Rovers this evening. Dundalk has won 113, drawn 56 and lost 75 of the previous 244 meetings.

Good Evening Ladies and gentlemen, you are very welcome to our live coverage from Caseys' Field for tonight's contest between Dundalk FC and Sligo Rovers. The race for Europe continues tonight as results here and in Tallaght will tell a tale come the seasons end.