Dundalk European ambitions could take yet another giant step tomorrow as they face Bohemians in the final home game of the season at Casey’s Field.
The Lilywhites are currently two points ahead of Saint Patricks Athletic need a win tonight coupled with positive results elsewhere could see Stephen O’Donnell’s charges not only enter the UEFA Europa Conference League next season but they will enter as a seeded side.
Their opposition tonight has now had their first full week of management under Declan Devine who was appointed in recent weeks. The former Derry head coach took over the reins from the departed Keith Long. Tonight’s game will give an indication of who Devine wants to keep at the club as his focus has shifted to 2023 and building on the good work already at Dalymount Park.
“I want to play the most attractive style of football that we can but we have got to get the right players to do that. We have got to have good recruitment. We have got to make sure that the players fit into the way that I want to play.” Devine spoke to the media in recent weeks.
Dundalk was held to a thrilling 3-3 draw last weekend which packed a punch both on and off the pitch. The game shifted momentum throughout as Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell saw red for the third time this year immediately after one of the goal-of-the-season contenders from Alfie Lewis.
“We want to finish on a high. One of my aims this year was to turn Oriel Park back into a notoriously tough venue. In pre-season, I spoke to the players and told them that I wanted opposition teams to make the trip up the M1 – or wherever they were coming from – thinking that they didn’t fancy it and that a draw here was a positive result. I think that was lost a bit over the past couple of years and that people fancied themselves coming to Oriel Park. We have definitely changed that.” Spoke O’Donnell to the Dundalk media this week.
Bohemians were also held to a draw against Finn Harps with Declan McDaid like Keith Ward for Dundalk scoring late to snatch a point for the Gypsies. The result means the Dalymount Park outfit could still make a top-five finish as they are three points behind Sligo Rovers.
“People will look at their position and say that they have nothing to play for and that they can’t qualify for Europe but it will make no odds on the night. They will come here, want to finish the season off well and want to impress their new manager.” Commented O’Donnell.
An own goal from Ryan Tadhg gave Dundalk the three points the sides met in Dalymount Park this season, the last time the sides met in Caseys Field a brace from Robbie Benson and a Paul Doyle strike gave the Lilywhites a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Dundalk will be without Paul Doyle, Greg Sloggett, Daniel Kelly and Patrick Hoban due to injury. Brian Gartland may play some part come season’s end.
Ciaran Callan
Ciaran Callan is a part-time sports journalist based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. He has more than 10 year’s experience working with media companies including both extensive radio broadcasting experience along with print and digital media reporting for the SSE Airtricity League as well digital media work with the national sports company eirSport. He joined FinalWhistle in February 2021 as is their main correspondent for Dundalk Football Club.