Once again if Dundalk is going to qualify they will have to do it the hard way but Patrick Hoban's second-half goal has given Dundalk a fighting chance when they go to Baku next week. Mahir Emeril snatched an early goal to set the away side up perf
Once again if Dundalk is going to qualify they will have to do it the hard way but Patrick Hoban's second-half goal has given Dundalk a fighting chance when they go to Baku next week.
Mahir Emeril snatched an early goal to set the away side up perfectly. A corner sent into the area was clipped by the striker and it took a deflection of Hoban past Rogers.
Dundalk was quiet by the early goal and Zoubir looked threatening at every angle. When the whistle shrilled for half time, there was a liitle mood of optimism.
It would all change. Qarabag were what we expected, experienced, fast and technically brilliant in a game which had contrasting fortunes in either half. Qarabag exerted their dominance in the first half.
Dundalk, however, is dogged and hard-working did what they do best, fight to the final whistle. In the end, it looked as if the away side were under a bit of pressure as the home side rained down the chances.
Whatever Vinny Perth said at half time it worked, half chances were being won, they were more physical on the ball and demanding in possession.
Now all of a sudden this was Dundalk's game.
When Hoban equalised it looked as if they smelt blood. McGrath, Kelly and Duffy had the best of the chances but to no avail.
A different night it could have been turned around and set real panic buttons in Baku.
This will go to the wire next week, it will be a case of who learnt the most this week. A long flight next week will give Dundalk plenty of time to think and prepare.
Qarabag will be wary of Dundalk now.
