A Dylan Connolly strike was all that was need to split the sides as Dundalk take a precious away goal back to Oriel in the first round of the Europa League. In a tense battle, it was a case of wearing FC Levadia Tallinn down as they proved both dan
A Dylan Connolly strike was all that was need to split the sides as Dundalk take a precious away goal back to Oriel in the first round of the Europa League.
In a tense battle, it was a case of wearing FC Levadia Tallinn down as they proved both dangerous and tricky to deal with at times. The first real attempt on goal came from the home side as Ramos Peetson hit a shot which just whistles wide of Gary Rogers back post.
It seemed to be a tactic of Levadia to target the near and back posts trying to expose a weakness in the Dundalk rear guard. Follow a series of Levadia Tallinn corners it was Dundalk who had their first attempt on goal with Michael Duffy cutting inside and unleashing an effort that was deflected for a corner.
Robbie Benson was next to try his luck as he broke free down the right and set a great pass to Patrick Hoban who took that one extra touch and took him away from goal. Levadia tried their luck once again at the near post as Yuriy Tkachuk took a chance that was well saved.
The best chance of the half fell right on the stroke of half time as a fantastic break down the left with the ball was sent into Benson, it took a deflection and it flew over the bar for a corner. In the second half Dundalk continued to press as they finally exerted their pace and fitness on the home side.
Dylan Connolly slotted home a brilliant team goal that resulted from a Micheal Duffy cross. The precious away goal that was needed for Stephens Kenny men was finally rewarded. Connolly should have made it two moments later when he broke free of the defence but his effort was straight at the keeper.
The goal scorer nearly turned provided when Connolly beat his man on the edge of the area and he laid off the perfect ball to Hoban who hit his effort straight at the keeper. In the end Dundalk showed experience and their fitness to see how the game as they aim to progress to Round 2 of the Europa League.
