Dundalk FC held defending champions Shamrock Rovers to a 1-1 draw

SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division

Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Dundalk

Dundalk FC got off to a good start in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division tonight as they held defending champions Shamrock Rovers to a 1-1 draw at Tallaght Stadium.

Stephen O’Donnell’s side looked like they would claim a first league win at the Dublin venue since 2019 when Jamie Gullan, one of four debutants selected from the off by the Dundalk head coach, opened the scoring with a sublime free-kick in the opening half.

However, substitute Aaron Greene’s close-range header on 59 minute denied the visitors, who will nonetheless take plenty of positives from what was a courageous display.

After a cagey opening to proceedings in Tallaght, it was The Lilywhites who had the game’s first shot on goal after 15 minutes, as Daryl Horgan found himself in acres of space before unleashing a shot from outside the box which was gathered by Leon Pohls.

Rovers were beginning their pursuit for what would be an historic fifth consecutive title, but were dealt a huge blow on the half-hour mark when Neil Farrugia had to be stretchered off with a shoulder injury after going down under the challenge of Bradshaw.

Even though television replays suggested the Dundalk player won the ball, he nonetheless picked up a yellow card and conceded a free-kick, taken by Markus Poom and punched clear by Shelvey – the closest thing Rovers had to an first-half chance.

Dundalk themselves were awarded a free on 33 minutes after Horgan was fouled by Sean Hoare on the edge of the penalty area before Gullan unleashed an unstoppable effort which Rovers goalkeeper Pohls could only get a hand to as the visitors took a shock lead.

Industrious play from Scottish forward Gullan yielded another opening for O’Donnell’s side on 42 minutes, with Ryan O’Kane curling his attempt over the top of the crossbar.

Rovers came reasonably close to levelling matters five minutes into the second half when Conan Noonan’s set-piece delivery was headed wide at the far post by Josh Honohan.

The Hoops spurned a glorious opportunity to equalise shortly afterwards when the unmarked Darragh Burns somehow diverted off target from a Sean Kavanagh ball.

At the opposite end, Dundalk went agonisingly close to doubling their advantage, only for O’Kane to thump a headed effort against the post from a sumptuous Horgan cross.

Indeed, they were left ruing that missed opportunity just two minutes later as Greene’s close-range header from a Noonan set-piece into the box found the net to make it 1-1.

Dundalk weathered a mini storm following that concession, with Gary O’Neill’s shot being deflected over before the resultant Dylan Watts corner was headed wide by Hoare.

Burns was then allowed to weave his way into the danger area, but his angled effort was off target, while Rory Gaffney planted wide from a Darragh Nugent right-field cross.

Dundalk had one last opportunity to claim all three points themselves, but Archie Davies fired over the bar after a spell of good pressure as both sides settled for a point apiece.

Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pohls; Daniel Cleary, Sean Hoare, Josh Honohan; Neil Farrugia (Trevor Clarke 30) (Darragh Nugent 45+8), Gary O’Neill, Markus Poom (Aaron Greene HT), Sean Kavanagh; Conan Noonan (Dylan Watts 61), Rory Gaffney, Darragh Burns

Subs not used: Lee Steacy (gk), Lee Grace, Cian Barrett, John O’Sullivan, Cian Dillon

Dundalk FC: George Shelvey; Archie Davies, Mayowa Animasahun, Andy Boyle, Jamie Walker; Scott High, Zak Bradshaw (Paul Doyle 69); Daryl Horgan (Sam Durrant 78), Robbie Benson (Robbie Mahon 83), Ryan O’Kane (Hayden Muller 83); Jamie Gullan (Cameron Elliott 69)

Subs not used: Ross Munro (gk), Louie Annesley, Zak Johnson, Ciaran McGuckin

Referee: Rob Hennessy (Limerick)

Attendance: 7,610