Dundalk’s “fearless” approach rewarded at Tolka Park

Dundalk FC manager Ciaran Kilduff hailed his side’s resilience and attacking intent after their late 3-2 victory over Shelbourne, describing the performance as further evidence of a “fearless” approach from the newly promoted outfit.

Kilduff felt Dundalk’s first-half display merited their two-goal interval advantage, but acknowledged the momentum shift after the break as Shelbourne altered their approach.

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“I thought it was a great game,” he said. “We were very good in the first half and deservedly went in 2–0 up at half-time. They adjusted things in the second half and were much better.

“I suppose we went after it with the mentality of trying to get the third goal, and it didn’t come — and they got one.”

The Dundalk manager pointed to a missed chance for Gbemi Arubi that might have restored breathing space before the hosts equalised.

“Gbemi goes one-on-one to make it 3–1 and the keeper makes a good save; it went just by the post, that one. Obviously, at 2–2 you’re thinking, okay, has it got away from us? But great character, and it’s a massive win for us on the road.”

Kilduff suggested his side’s mentality has been shaped by external expectations.

“I’ve said it enough times — we’re fearless. There’s a freedom with us as well when you’re the newly promoted team and a favourite to be relegated. You can go and have that kind of carefree attitude.”

He also highlighted the continued attacking threat his team posed even after surrendering their lead.

“There are a lot of experienced lads who knew, at 2–2, they could have chances, but we were always getting chances in that game and continued to get chances even after we went 3–2 up.”

Substitutes again proved decisive, with Kilduff singling out Eoin Kenny for his influence.

“Eoin’s an unbelievable player. Unbelievable impact for us this season. He scored for Northern Ireland during the week. Coming on here tonight, I said it to him during the game as well that I had a feeling down on that end, in front of the Dundalk fans, he was going to have a big role, and he did.”

The manager noted the youthful make-up of his bench, referencing contributions from Shane Tracey and Harvey Warren.

“It’s one of the youngest outfield benches there tonight, we’ve probably ever had since I’ve come to the club. To see the impact we got off the bench was brilliant.”

While pleased with his side’s attacking output, Kilduff conceded there were defensive lapses.

“We’ve approached every game by attacking. We’re scoring loads of goals. We’re probably disappointed with some of the chances we gave up tonight. But the quality we have in those areas — and it’s young as well — is making a huge impact.”

The blend of youth and experience, he suggested, continues to serve Dundalk well.

“To a man tonight they stood up. Some of the defending — the last-ditch defending — was superb. The sprinkle of experience as well is great for us.”