LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION Shamrock Rovers 2 Dundalk 2: SHAMROCK ROVERS' manager Michael O'Neill all but conceded the title is champions Bohemians' to lose after watching his side throw away a 2-0 lead with an abject second-half display before a crowd of nearly 5,000 as they failed to christen the opening of the ground's new east stand with a win.
Though Rovers remain unbeaten in the league in 15 games, the result means Bohemians are now seven points clear at the top of the table with 11 games to play.
“We’re obviously extremely disappointed. Our second-half performance wasn’t acceptable,” said O’Neill. “We played excellent football to get ourselves two in front and we just didn’t turn up in the second half. It’s a concern for us because it isn’t the first time that it has happened this season.
“We aren’t looking at it as if we have to catch Bohemians, we are looking at building a team here that can challenge, and go on one day to win the league. What we saw here was that we have quite a way to go.”
Rovers punished a mistake to take a 24th-minute lead with their first shot on goal. Stephen Rice latched onto left-back Kevin McKinley’s poor touch from a Dessie Baker shot to shoot home.
Baker’s ball over the top caught Dundalk square and Gary Twigg raced in to lob Chris Bennion for his 18th goal of the campaign to double the lead on 31 minutes.
But Dundalk’s totally dominant second-half display brought a goal on 67 minutes when Alex Williams flicked home Michael McGowan’s deep cross from the left. Central defender Liam Burns then completed Dundalk’s comeback on 87 minutes with a header from Paul McAreavey’s cross.
The goal brought an exuberant celebration from manager Seán Connor who raced down the touchline, arms aloft. “I think when big Burnsie scored there was an outpouring of emotion because he’s been with me since I went to Sligo in the First Division,“ said Connor. “We got the goal and the point which was thoroughly deserved.
“I don’t think many teams have come from 2-0 down here to snatch anything, so it was a really well deserved point. I’m very, very proud of them.
“It’s been a tough week. To go out of the cup on penalties kicks and then the other speculation (regarding possible pay cuts) around the club. It’s been a tough, tough week.
“I’m proud of them all. I’m proud of the staff and everybody at Dundalk football club, and particularly the fans. Dalymount on Tuesday and here again tonight. That’s what this league is all about. Hopefully, sponsors will look at that and say this is not a bad club to be associated with.
“Like every football club, we’re looking at a potential loss for the season. We’re down on sponsorship and we’re trying to make people aware of that. It certainly hasn’t affected morale, because you saw the performance.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; Sullivan, Maguire, Sives, Cahill; Kavanagh (Purcell, 53 mins), Bradley (Chisholm, 69 mins), Rice, O'Connor; Twigg, Baker (Cowan, 85 mins).
DUNDALK: Bennion; Shaun Kelly, Burns, Coburn, McKinley; McGowan, McAreavey, Heary, Mulvenna (McGinlay, 59 mins); Mansaram, Williams.
Referee: A Buttimer(Cork).
