Dundalk were made work hard to progress to the second round of the Europa as the SSE Airtricity Leagues themselves and Cork City remain in European competition for this season. Stephen Kenny's men defeated a stubborn and very dangerous Levadia Tall
Dundalk were made work hard to progress to the second round of the Europa as the SSE Airtricity Leagues themselves and Cork City remain in European competition for this season.
Stephen Kenny's men defeated a stubborn and very dangerous Levadia Tallinn side in Oriel Park. In a first half as expected the visitors took the game to the hosts in a tense and physical battle.
It was also going to take something special to break the deadlock. Yuryi Tkachuk was the first to draw a real shot in anger but Rogers was equal to the task. As the clock struck 30 minutes Dundalk fired ahead, a fantastic cross from Sean Gannon and Patrick Hoban was quick to react to head it goal bound and it went in off the back post.
It was a fantastic finish but Michael Duffy was about to get on hand some 90 seconds later. A goal for the ages as Duffy with a burst of pace ran into the area and without a break in movement hit a brilliant left footed volley into the back of the net. It was a goal fit to win any game.
The goals didn't end with Levadia sending a bouncing Oriel Park in silence. Debelko with a great run from midfield and he slammed the ball home from the edge of the area, a brilliant move from the Levadia Tallinn and all of a sudden they were back in the tie.
A second half which saw Levadia lay every ounce of attacking play at the Dundalk goals mercy but for some resolute defending and Gary Rogers they kept the away side at bay.
While they poised a treat there was no real chance that tested Rogers, however its those kind of attempts that would go in, thanks for Dundalk they didn't.
As they match wore on Stephen Kenny shuffled the pack and combatted a stern and hard working midfield of Levadia, Dundalk progress to play AEK Larnaca in the next round of the Europa League as Stephen Kenny plots another magic European adventure, we await and see what it brings.
