While taking a lead to Riga wasn't high necessarily on the priority of Dundalk it was very much so a certainty that conceding a goal would prove to make the trip to Latvia much more difficult next week. Dundalk and Riga traded blows but with no vit
While taking a lead to Riga wasn't high necessarily on the priority of Dundalk it was very much so a certainty that conceding a goal would prove to make the trip to Latvia much more difficult next week.
Dundalk and Riga traded blows but with no vital knockout given, it's all to play for in Riga next week. Dundalk knows scoring early could be a massive step towards progression.
Pat Hoban and Sean Hoare will leave the pitch tonight with the 'What if?' question running through their minds. The defender looked particularly dangerous from set pieces, the goal alluded him on two occasions when it looked odds on he would score.
Hoban also had a headed chance that when McGrath sent it in you felt this was the moment, it went over the bar. Inches this game was being played at as neither side gave each other one.
Riga looked strong and solid in defence and lightning quick in the attack, the pacy winger Joel Bopesu with a deft touch looked the most threatening. He will feature more next week when home comforts are in abundance.
Vinny Perth got his game plan right, they were solid when they needed to be and fluid when it was asked. This is a careful tactical balance that if he fine tunes over the next week he could pull of the Pillage of Riga to set up a second-round Champions League tie.
He must take notes from last years tie from AEK Larnaca. Riga, when they are at home, could be a completely different team, its a case of how he combats that.
