26th November
It was a score I thought I wouldn't see. It was a night when every Dundalk fan should be happy. And for some who were oblivious to last night's happenings after the game it was. This morning will have killed their joy. It could just be that the outstanding performances of the Dundalk players last night could have put them all firmly in the shop window
On the pitch Jim McLaughlin finally got his first XI right. Michael Harte replaced Kevin Brady with David Crawley dropping to left full. Peter Withnell replacing the abruptly released Richard Sinden. From the outset Pats put Dundalk under pressure and Dundalk had two nervous moments in the first 15 minutes. Keith Doyle's cross was volleyed goalwards by Trevor Crolly but Shane Reddish made it 4 goal line clearances in the last 4 games by heading it off the line. Soon after Trevor Molloy was through and lobbed the advancing Williams but David Capper got back and hooked it away with a spectactular overhead kick. Dundalk's defence had a torrid time in the first 25 minutes and Molloy looked lively but they weathered this storm. Dundalk started to get a hold on the game in midfield and Pats who lacked the vision of Gormley and with Osam out of sorts and replaced at half time, credit must go to Thew, Doolin and McNulty. Dundalk's best chance in the first 36 minutes was when Ray Campbell picked out Peter Withnell's run and his shot hit the side netting. Despite that warning, no-one was expecting Dundalk's first. A quick Paul Doolin free kick found Mick Doohan who took it round a defender and slid the ball across to Peter Withnell who shot past the helpless Trevor Wood. The majority in the attendance of 2500-3000 approx roared their approval at half time when the players left the pitch 1-0 up.
Pats started the second half like the first but Dundalk did the wise thing by attacking and not sitting back. This did not stop Martin Russell break through on 55 minutes but his shot was brilliantly stopped by Williams. It was the only save Williams had to make apart from some dangerous crosses. Dundalk started to play with swagger. Paul Doolin had an outstanding game and came close on three occasions. He looked like his old self and showed what he is capable of. If we are able to criticise him quite freely we should also praise him when he plays well, like tonight. Lee Thew was the quieter of the midfield defensive three but did his job well while Tom McNulty had a magnificent game. Michael Harte showed he lacks pace but he never looks like losing the ball. His presence made Dundalk look like a well balanced attack capable of scoring. Up front Withnell was brilliant while Campbell performed well out of position. At the back Reddish was good while David Crawley didn't have the best of games. After a shaky start both centre backs were excellent. Capper has been superb in the last 2 games.
The Dundalk second goal was a classic . A Crawley clearance found Michael Harte who just inside the Dundalk half dinked it over McGuinness and made a strong run into the Pats half where he was bundled over. Referee Feighery, who otherwise had a poor game played the advantage and the ball fell to Withnell who picked out Tom McNulty who had the freedom of Oriel Park and took what seemed like an eternity to sidefoot it past Trevor Wood. This goal brought real celebrations. The points were safe after Dundalk held on for the next 10 minutes and with 5 minutes left replaced Harte with Ward. Dundalk were looking confident and like a team who had turned the corner after a disaster against Sligo. This looked like a team with a good shape and still had three players to come back. It ended 2-0 and the team got a rousing ovation.
But later that night the party had died down. News had filtered through that the whole squad had been placed on the transfer list. Today it has been confirmed. The professionals in the club, Reddish and Williams have spoken out saying that they don't want to leave but it seems they have no choice. The club have been looking for financial support around town today and this week at Dundalk will be remembered as a sad one in the clubs long and illustrious history
Nearly all of them deserve it but Withnell, Capper, McNulty and Doolin were all outstanding. Capper shades it for me but the other three all run him very close and I would not argue with anyone who chose either of the three.