Dundalk return to league action with fourth place in their sights
The Lilywhites take on Waterford at the RSC on Friday night
Dundalk FC return to SSE Airtricity League Premier Division action on Friday night with their attention turned towards consolidating fourth place when they travel to face Waterford at the Regional Sports Centre (kick-off, 7.45pm).
The Lilywhites’ FAI Cup campaign came to an end at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Sunday as Derry City recovered from going behind to win 4-2 and progress to the semi-finals.
For Dundalk, the result leaves the league as their only remaining route to European football. However, fourth place will only lead to European qualification if Bohemians go on to win the FAI Cup.
Their position was strengthened without them playing last weekend as Shelbourne drew 0-0 with Shamrock Rovers on Friday night.
That result leaves Dundalk four points clear of Shelbourne, who have a game in hand. Even if the Dublin side win their outstanding fixture, Dundalk would remain fourth, leaving them in control of their own position with seven league matches remaining.
The immediate task, however, is a difficult one against a Waterford side whose form has improved markedly in recent weeks.
Waterford have gone unbeaten in their last 11 matches in all competitions and have moved away from the relegation concerns that surrounded them earlier in the season. Their recent league run has included victories over Shelbourne, Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic, while they have also held Galway United and Sligo Rovers to draws.
They followed that sequence by beating Sligo Rovers 3-0 in the FAI Cup on Friday night to reach the semi-finals, where they will face Bohemians.
The turnaround has lifted Waterford into contention for a higher finish, and they will provide a significant test for a Dundalk side returning to league football after the disappointment of their cup exit.
The two sides have already produced contrasting results in their meetings this season. Dundalk won 5-0 at Oriel Park in March, while their first meeting at the RSC ended in a 3-3 draw.
Waterford then produced a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 at Oriel Park in June, leaving the sides with 16 goals between them across their three meetings this season.
Friday’s game is the first of three league fixtures Dundalk will play in an eight-day period. They will then host St Patrick’s Athletic and Shelbourne, with the latter game potentially having a direct bearing on the battle for fourth place.
The demanding schedule comes at a time when Dundalk are dealing with a growing injury list, although there was some encouragement from their options at the Brandywell on Sunday.
JR Wilson, who had been a doubt for the FAI Cup quarter-final, came off the bench against Derry City, while Harvey Warren was named among the substitutes after also having been a concern ahead of the game.
There is little time for Dundalk to dwell on Sunday’s defeat. Their European prospects now depend on their league position and Bohemians’ progress in the FAI Cup, while Shelbourne remain within reach in the race for fourth.
With seven league games remaining, Dundalk are still in control of their own position.
Waterford, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the division’s form sides at precisely the point when Dundalk need to re-establish their momentum.
After ending a seven-game winless run by beating Drogheda United before the cup tie, Dundalk will be looking to avoid another setback and maintain their advantage in fourth place.