KA scored three first half goals to put Dundalk’s Europa Conference League progression hanging on by a thread as the Icelandic side are in full advantage of the tie following a 3-1 victory in Reykjavik.

Sveinn Margeir Hauksson got a brace of goals along with Elfar Aldalsteinsson who opened the scoring but will Daniel Kelly’s goal prove to be vital in the contest when it comes to the second leg will remain to be seen as the tie comes back to Oriel Park next week knowing the Lilywhites need to score at least two goals minimum to have any sight of progression.

Dundalk almost got off to the perfect start as Daniel Kelly's cross was met by Yli-Kokko but his effort was well saved on the line by Kristijan Jajalo. KA had their first sight on goal as a free kick sent into the Dundalk area found Rodrigo Gomes Mateo at the back post with it looking certain to go in only for a massive block from Darragh Leahy for the best chance of the game so far.

Dundalk went close to scoring with an inch-perfect cross from Archie Davies and was met by Patrick Hoban but the Dundalk frontman headed just over the bar.

The home side was to open the scoring as a KA break saw a pinpoint pass to Elfar Aldalsteinsson in the Dundalk area saw him skip onto his left and slot past Sheppard despite the best attentions of Andy Boyle.

Dundalk were to respond almost immediately as Archie Davies cross into the area and met Patrick Hobans who played the ball down to Daniel Kelly and he hooked the ball past the keeper to level the tie.

KA was to go on to score twice more before the end of the first half the first was a defence-splitting pass that saw Sveinn Margeir Hauksson pick the ball up on the right and he struck a low effort past Sheppard.

They were to get another just at half-time as a fantastic pass from the left to Margeir Hauksson on the edge of the area saw the KA striker blast the ball past Sheppard to make it 3-1 and give full advantage to the home side.

There was little in terms of action in the second half with Hallgrimur Mar Steingrimsson having a sight on goal early as he received the ball in the area but he sliced his opportunity wide. Dundalk continued to press for a second goal with Hoban and Kelly combining as John Martin had a chance on goal but it was easily saved.

The Lilywhites continued to push as Malley, Martin and O'Kane all had half chances on goal but none could find a breakthrough. With KA fully retreated to their backline Hayden Muller headed just wide from a Conor Malley free kick just before full time which means the Lilywhites are going into next week's tie with a two-goal mountain to climb.