Inside Track: Late scores deny Louth and Dundalk

A photo-finish was called for to decide the outcome of two major weekend fixtures involving local teams. The photos showed that one of them dead-heated, while the other was short-headed.

What we’re talking here about is the Dundalk FC and Louth seniors’ outings. Both faced daunting tasks, Dundalk, in their first game back in the top league, travelling to face Derry City, and Louth out against Meath, quoted as warm favourites to win the Division Two league tie at Croke Park.

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Neither enjoyed the best of luck. Yes, it was a good result for Dundalk, coming away with a share of the points, but the manner in which Derry salvaged a point would have rankled with the team, management and supporters who made the long journey northwards.

A goal up after 21 minutes, and then going ahead again after Derry had equalised, Dundalk were in front as the clock edged past 90 minutes.

Additional time had to be played, however, and it was after eight minutes had passed that Derry were awarded a penalty.

If the Dundalk wound was gaping with the decision, it had salt rubbed in it when none other than former Oriel Park favourite, Michael Duffy, stepped up to slot the ball home.

Still, it was an encouraging start to the campaign for Dundalk, taking a point from a team laden with costly pre-season purchases, among them Republic of Ireland International, James McClean.

The finish for Louth in their game was worse. As recalled elsewhere on these pages, the Reds took a one-point lead with minutes remaining, but when in sight of the finish line, conceded a two-pointer.

Now with just two points from three outings, Gavin Devlin’s side face a tough outing on Sunday.

Tyrone are visitors to Ardee’s Páirc Naomh Mhuire for a round four match, and given that they are now back on the bike after a shaky start to the campaign, beating Cavan on Sunday last, the Ulster county are sure to mount a serious challenge.