17th November - eircom League Division One
by Daniel McDonnell at Santry Stadium
Robbie Farrell 2
Shane Jackson 7
Brendan Markey m/pen 52
Gary Haylock 4, 26
Martin Reilly 33, 54
It's hard to imagine the careers of Gary Haylock and Martin Reilly being at a lower ebb last Thursday night at Oriel Park, when they performed miserably against Kilkenny City in a 0-0 draw that consigned Dundalk to midtable in Division One. The major complaint of supporters was, everyone knew they had the ability, they just had to deliver on it. Rumours surfaced of manager Trevor Anderson questioning what Haylock was doing with himself.
Whatever the truth in those rumours, something obviously inspired Haylock, in particular, over the past ten days such was the dramatic upsurge in his form. His commanding display carried Dundalk to victory, scoring the decisive equaliser with such aplomb that it immediately brought you back to the Spring when he looked untouchable.
While Dundalk's bid to catch Waterford United may well depend on the temperament of Jimmy McGeough's side, it certainly is going to be exciting if this game is anything to go by. Dodgy at the back, but exciting going forward amd trying to play football the right way, Dundalk fans are unlikely to suffer any more 0-0's between now and the end of the season.
Anyone who arrived late for this game more than likely missed one, if not two, goals. Within seven minutes, Dublin City were 2-1 in front. Slack defending allowed Robbie Farrell in to score after two minutes, after Bryan McCrystal had earlier cleared a 'City effort off the line. Two minutes later, Chris Lawless laid the ball into the path of Gary Haylock, who ended his mini drought to calmly equalise. Three minutes later, however, the unmarked defender Shane Jackson steered the ball into the net to restore the Dublin advantage.
With Flanagan replacing Broughan at right back, Dundalk were essentially playing with two midfielders in the full back positions. Sure, Flanagan spent a short period of his career in that position, but has since been playing predominantly in midfield. Their willingless to get forward was exciting, but added somewhat to the cavalier style of play. Three minutes later, a heavy challenge forced English midfielder Deane off the field with injury.
Dundalk fans scratched their heads, looking to the bench made up predominately of youngsters Anderson has promoted to the squad since the beginning of his tenure at the club. Young Andrew Duffy, a Colaiste Ris student was chosen to come in at the right side of midfield, with Lawless reverting to central midfield. Duffy was only promoted to the first team training sessions last week, and his introduction, preferred to the conservative option of introducing Cormac Malone on the right side of midfield, suggests Anderson has seen enough to have considerable faith in the pint sized player. Duffy impressed in the early stages, although showed a clear preference for his left side by constantly cutting inside. His early touches were magnificent, and although he did fade out of the game later on, it was a tough pitch to make your debut on. Definitely another find for the future.
The youngster was soon to witness a masterclass in finishing from Gary Haylock. Picking the ball up thirty yards out from a Hoey pass. Haylock looked up, apparently waiting for an overlapping winger to take the ball off him. However, while the Dublin defence believed him and shied away, Haylock launched an unstoppable twenty yard effort that actually found that little bit of net between the post and stanchion, coming straight back out. The momentary pause led to delayed cheers from a stunned Dundalk support.
Shortly afterwards, a Haylock flick on released Martin Reilly who commandingly took the ball away from his man and slotted past the advancing Kennedy from eight yards. A simple and effective goal, it was beginning to look like Dundalk could score for fun. Just how it should be for the likes of Haylock and Reilly at this level. More pleasing than goals was other snippets of play which nearly created goalscoring opportunities. Kavanagh and Lawless were excellent. On occasions, Lawless did make a stupid error, but his enthusiasm and energy was back, as were the surging runs that caused so many problems for higher opposition in the second half of last season. Hopefully Anderson has found a way to cajole the best out of the enigmatically talented midfielder. Kavanagh was more reliable, solid and breaking up play, in the mould of Deane last week. He seemed more assured on the ball, always willing to look for the pass.
Seven minutes into the second half, all the good Dundalk work was almost undone. A clumsy attempted clearance from John Flanagan led to a Dublin City player jumping over his foot and going down for a penalty. It was a remarkable decision, one of hundreds the referee made to the detriment of both sides during the ninety minutes. There was a sense of justice when ex-Dundalk player Brendan Markey fired the spot kick against the post.
That was the defining moment as two minutes later the game was safe. A quick free kick from Kavanagh found Lawless, bursting down the right in trademark fashion. His cross wasn't great, but Jackson misjudged it, allowing Martin Reilly to pounce and fire home from eight yards. Game, set and match.
Both sides had chances in the remainder of the match. For a period after the fourth goal, Dundalk sat back and Dempsey was forced into making two tremendous saves which kept the scoreline reasonably comfortable. Haylock limped off, a worrying sight, to be replaced by Cormac Malone who was almost immediately involved in a terrific move with Ward, with the left winger's effort cleared off the line after he initially skipped past Kennedy in the DC goals.
As the Vikings pushed forward for a goal, Dundalk had several chances on the break, but failed to register a fifth score on the board. With the pitch cutting up, stamina started to sap, but there seems to have been an improvement in fitness with the likes of McCrystal and Kavanagh, not to mention the old warrior Curran, soldiering on until the end. The referee played an incredible amount of injury time, but to be fair, this reporter cannot remember any other game where so many injuries delayed the play. No doubt, the conditions played a huge part in the high rate of atrition.
When the final whistle eventually sounded, it marked Trevor Anderson's first win as manager of Dundalk. Anyone still sceptical about Anderson's capability need only look at some of the changes implemented so far.
A better style of play, with the talents of our forward players being better utilised by the introduction of a passing game. A new coach in Curran who will be moving to the town, who looks to be bringing the best out of the players. An increased interest in the youth and under 21 sides, who look to be part of the same club as the first team, and not a seperate entity. The introduction of six young Dundalk lads to the first team squad, with 11 of the 16 named on this occasion hailing from Dundalk or the surrounding area.
Long term, it's for the greater good of the club. Believe me, there are better days ahead. It may have taken Trevor Anderson five games to secure his first win as manager of Dundalk Football Club, but there is no doubt that it will be the first of many.
1 Mick Dempsey 8
Vital saves
2 John Flanagan 6
Battled hard for the side
3 David Hoey 6
Again coped in a position that does not suit
4 Paul Curran 7
Not his best game, but good talker and reasonably solid
5 Bryan McCrystal 7
Some errors, but excellent in the second half
6 Ciaran Kavanagh 8
A return to form, mixed strong hassling with good footwork
7 Craig Deane N/R
Injury ended game early
8 Chris Lawless 8
Sure, he made errors, but his energy was infectious. Keep it up, please.
9 Gary Haylock 8
Back to the Haylock we all fondly remember. Too good for this division.
10 Martin Reilly 8
Battled extremely hard, and earned his two goals.
11 David Ward 6
Not his best day on the ball, but still provided valuable outlet
SUBS
15 Andrew Duffy 7 for Deane
Showed glimpses of serious ability in an impressive senior debut
14 Cormac Malone 6 for Haylock
Lively, if unspectacular upon introduction