Dundalk head to Tallinn for their Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round, second leg with the tie finely poised at 2-2 after a dramatic first leg in Tallaght. The Lilywhites came from behind twice last week and will be hoping for a comman
Dundalk head to Tallinn for their Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round, second leg with the tie finely poised at 2-2 after a dramatic first leg in Tallaght.
The Lilywhites came from behind twice last week and will be hoping for a commanding performance in the Estonian capital on Thursday evening. Their last visit to Tallinn saw the Louth club secure a 1-0 victory thanks to a Dylan Connolly strike.
Both sides will battle for the chance to progress with Dutch side SBV Vitesse awaiting the victors in Round Three.
The match kicks-off at 5.30pm.
First Leg
The fans in Tallaght Stadium and LOITV viewers were on the edge of their seats last Thursday with the opening period commencing with two goals in the first three minutes. Levadia’s Vaštšuk stuck first before Will Patching restored parity following a clever cutback from Daniel Kelly.
Vaštšuk struck again as the attacker found space in the Dundalk penalty area and hoisted the ball into the back of the net. Irish record European goal scorer David McMillan added goal number 13 as he adjusted well to slot home Dundalk’s second equaliser of the game.
After the frantic pace settled, the home side pushed for a winner, but the game ended honours even with all to play for this week.
Weekend Action
Dundalk headed to Limerick to begin their defence of the FAI Cup against a Treaty United side who were entering the competition for the first time. The warm weather played a factor and Dundalk battled hard against an impressive Treaty with a resolute defensive effort from the hosts forcing the game into extra-time. Patrick McEleney put the tie to bed in the 104th minute and Dundalk advanced to round two.
Michael Duffy was ruled out of the weekends action and is a concern for Thursday’s second leg.
Levadia had no fixture at the weekend as they returned from Dublin on Friday.
Match Stats
Reflecting on Wyscout analysis of the first leg, Dundalk will be encouraged by the stats. The Lilywhites came out on top in possession (51%), attacks per minute (0.56), duels won (52%), shots (12) and passes (478).
The second half pressure from the hosts also saw Levadia commit 25 fouls, receiving five yellow cards. Vinny Perth’s side will be hoping for a similar number of set pieces on Thursday.
Individual players stood out with centre half Sonni Nattestad completing 100% of his 63 passes and winning each of his duels on the night.
2018 in Estonia
Dundalk defeated Levadia on their previous visit thanks to a 53 minute winner from Dylan Connolly. Current Republic of Ireland Manager Stephen Kenny was in the dugout with current Dundalk Head Coach Vinny Perth as his Assistant. The only survivors from the match day squad in July 2018 are Patrick Hoban, Michael Duffy and Daniel Kelly.
Tallinn have seen a similar turnover of players with Jurgenson (sub), Podholjuzin, Peetson and Roosnupp remaining from the 2018 squad.
