Dundalk Snatch Late Point Against Shamrock Rovers
By ArdeePost Reporter
Dundalk Snatch Late Point Against Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk FC showed resilience and character in abundance as Danny Mullen’s late equaliser earned a 1-1 draw against champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.
Reduced to 10 men for the closing stages, Dundalk battled bravely to secure their third successive draw since returning to the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
Champions Strike First
Stephen Bradley’s side appeared on course for back-to-back wins after Pico Lopes headed home from a Jack Byrne inswinging free-kick in the 19th minute.
Rovers controlled large spells of possession and looked capable of extending their lead. Teenage substitute Michael Noonan almost doubled the advantage when he raced through, only for Dundalk goalkeeper Conor Kearns to smother bravely at his feet.
Despite territorial dominance, the champions were unable to convert control into a decisive second goal — a lapse that would prove costly.
Dundalk Show Grit and Belief
Dundalk boss Ciarán Kilduff, juggling fatigue just 72 hours after a draining Louth derby, made five changes but retained enough steel in his side to frustrate the hosts.
The visitors had a golden opportunity to level ten minutes into the second half. Declan McDaid’s pinpoint cross found the striker eight yards out, but under pressure from Adam Matthews, his header lacked conviction. The rebound fell kindly, yet the follow-up was sliced high and wide.
It looked like that miss might define the night.
Red Card Adds to Challenge
Dundalk’s task became even more difficult when 17-year-old Vinnie Leonard was shown a red card.
Already on a booking, the highly-rated defender — who is set to join Norwich City in July — was adjudged to have hauled down Aaron Greene as the veteran threatened to break clear.
Facing the final 14 minutes plus stoppage time with 10 men, Dundalk appeared destined to leave empty-handed.
Mullen Delivers Late Drama
But this Dundalk side refused to fold.
A late corner from Bobby Burns caused panic in the Rovers box. Rob Cornwall, introduced after Leonard’s dismissal, came close to forcing the ball home in the ensuing scramble. Ultimately, the goal was credited to substitute Danny Mullen — fresh from finding the net on Friday.
The leveller stunned the 4,352 in attendance and capped a determined display from the Louth side.
Valuable Point for Returning Top-Flight Side
Both clubs entered the fixture under the spotlight for off-field reasons over the weekend, but the football took centre stage in Tallaght.
For Dundalk, still finding their feet back in the top flight, this was further proof that they can compete with the division’s elite.
While Rovers will rue failing to turn dominance into victory, Dundalk departed knowing that performances of this calibre will yield further rewards as the season progresses.
With three draws on the spin, confidence is quietly building around Oriel Park that this campaign may be about more than simply avoiding relegation.
Teams
Shamrock Rovers: E. McGinty; A. Matthews, R. Lopes, L. Grace; T. Sobowale, C. Malley (D. Watts 66), M. Healy, T. Clarke (A. Brennan 66); J. Byrne (V. Ozhianvuna 75), G. Burke; M. Noonan (J. Mulraney 75).
Dundalk: C. Kearns; JR Wilson, H. Warren, V. Leonard, T. Wilson; A. Dervin (R. Cornwall 79), H. Groome (K. Buckley 58); D. McDaid (B. Burns 69), R. Teahan (E. Kenny 69), D. Horgan; G. Arubi (D. Mullen 58).
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd (Dublin).
