Ep 191 catches up on the last four Dundalk FC fixtures which saw our first defeat, 2 draws and culminated with a top of the table victory over Cobh Ramblers. With the team enduring some ups and downs we ask, how prepared is the club for a return to the top flight? Ep 191 also discusses the departure from Tolka Park of Damien Duff and Drogheda Utd's Drexit from Europe.
Dundalk overcome a surprisingly tough test in Wexford as the Lilywhites are forced to come from behind to claim all 3 points and maintain their unbeaten record. An early goal from Leo Gaxha is quickly cancelled out by Darragh Levingston equaliser, before Wexford grab the lead and looked set to maintain it until a triple substitution sees Kilduff's men regain control of the game and go on to grab a late winning to keep their title bid on track as the season reaches it's midpoint break.
Dundalk FC overcome a dogged and determined Kerry FC with two moments of magic from captain Darryl Horgan and Leo Gaxha. EP 189 discusses the more robust approach Colin Healy has instilled in Kerry, Dundalk competitive edge regarding individual quality and the many reasons for optimism as Dundalk maintain their position at the top of the table.
Dundalk FC emerge victorious from their top of the table clash to restore a 4 point lead at the top of the table. Ep 188 discusses Dundalk's opportune return to winning way, the contribution of Gbemi Arubi and the frosty relations between the Club and supporters Trust.
Despite taking a 1st half lead and dominating possession Dundalk continue to struggle to build on winning positions as Bray equalise from a set piece before taking a shock lead, with the Lilywhites having to dig deep to maintain their unbeaten record with an injury time equaliser. Ep 187 discusses how Dundalk can recover their early season form and the rumored return of some former players.
After a faced paced conclusion to last week's clash with Longford Town, Dundalk return to the doldrums on their return to the midlands with an insipid scoreless draw against table proppers Athlone Town. However results elsewhere see's the misfiring Lilywhites extend their lead at the top of the table. Ep 186 asks if our early season tactics have been worked out by opponents and also casts a critical eye over the Premier division.
Dundalk return to winning ways with a strong 2nd half performance against Longford Town which sees the Lilywhites score 3 without response with a brace from Dean Ebbe. Episode 185 also looks back at the Easter games which saw a win against Cobh but two disappointing draws against Treaty United and Finn Harps.
On a lunar like surface at the Belfield bowl Dundalk struggle to get their usual slick passing game going, but slog through a testing tie to emerge with all 3 points and another clean sheet after Leo Gaxha's second half goal. Ep 184 discusses the pitch battle with the students, LOI TVs technical difficulties and Ronan Finn's pantomime villain status as the Lilywhites consolidate their grip on the automatic promotion spot.
Despite stubborn 1st half resistance from a well organised Wexford, Dundalk FC cruise to victory with 3 second half goals which featured a Leo Gaxha brace and a stunning stroke by full back Sean Keogh. With Cobh Ramblers late defeat in Bray, Dundalk take a 5 point lead at the top of the table are become the only unbeaten team in the division. Ep 183 discusses divisional dominance, prospects for promotion, pitches, and club and supporters group relations.
Despite international call ups forcing Ciaran Kilduff to reinforce the back 4 with two midfielders and introduce more inexperienced teenagers to the first team Dundalk FC continue to play attractive football and get results as they come from behind to earn a win against Longford Town in a game the Lilywhites statistically dominated. Ep 182 discusses the emergence of an exciting young side and speculates on a possible bright future. We also reminisce on the 1995 League winning campaign and how it...
After last weeks shock concession of two late goals Dundalk get back to winnings ways by blitzing Bray with 3 goals in the opening 30 minutes. As the Lilywhites consolidate their position at the top of the table with Ciaran Kilduff's young squad playing very attractive football episode 181 beings to dream of a swift return to the top flight.
A confident Dundalk looked set to continue their perfect start to the season establishing a 2 goal lead on the 80th minute of a game they looked comfortable in throughout. However a goalkeeping error invites a previously inert Treaty United into the game and ultimately sees the Lilywhite lose their defensive composure and concede 2 late goals in a game they should have won. Episode 180 discusses if this is a mere blip or signs of worrying frailties amongst the squad.
Ciarán Kilduff's young guns hit the road and return with a maximum points thanks to two 0 - 1 victories over Finn Harps and Kerry. In similar displays Dundalk defend first half leads with the youthful defense absorbing plenty of pressure from the home sides. Dundalk's first visit to Kerry is all the more impressive given the Lilywhites emerge with 3 points despite playing over 60 mins reduced to 10 men after Leo Gaxha's red card.
Dundalk emerge from last season's existential crisis to begin the season on the front foot with a promising win over Athlone Town in front of a packed Oriel Park. Ep 178 discusses Ciarán Kilduff's new look and very youthful side first league outing, We also discuss the role of John Temple is navigating the club through a rocky closed season and the spectacular, if controversial, pyrotechnics display and march to Oriel organised by an effervescent SSA.
As the season reaches its conclusion Ep 177 reviews Dundalk's clashes with Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda Utd, casting an eye over what players might form the foundation of next year's first division campaign, and what manager might lead us next season. We also discuss the launch meeting of the Dundalk FC Supporters Trust, the nascent 1903 membership scheme and the dilemma faced by both fans groups as they strive for greater fan involvement within a model of ownership where the proposition of grea...
Dundalk's drift to relegation reaches its conclusion as defeat to Derry City confirms the surrender of the Lilywhites Premier Division status. While fans stay after the final whistle to support the devastated squad the chaos off field intensifies as a post match confrontation between current and former owners becomes national news. Ep 176 also discusses the emergence of two rival fan membership schemes what their objectives are in a week where owner John Temple dismissed the notion of fan involv...
Eoin Kenny's late late goal earns the Lilywhites a point in the west to keep Dundalk FC's premier division status alive. Ep 175 discusses the slim but existent chances of survival, the generally poor standard of the league this year and the contradictory statements from the club and local media on whether players have been paid?
Despite a valiant effort Dundalk's inability to score in periods when they have the upper hand sees Bohemians take all 3 points at Oriel and all but confirm relegation. But even life in the first division would be welcome for a fanbase who remain in suspense as to whether the club will survive the financial debacle of another disastrous ownership. Ep 174 ask what is the plan for survival? What steps should be taken now to address the clubs financial woes, and will fans get a seat at the boardroo...
In a week that saw Dundalk FC come close to extinction prior to the life support takeover of the club by John Temple, episode 173 discusses the need for more voices in the boardroom, asks if the new owner will be open to fan representation on the board, discusses the move to a fan based model, the narrow defeat against Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds and the growing shadow of relegation.
Defeat in Waterford and the looming spectre of relegation suddenly seems minor affairs as Dundalk FC's financial difficulties swiftly degenerate into a full blown existential crisis as rumours circulate or imminent bankruptcy and the possible winding up of the club. Is the end of Dundalk FC hours away or can the club endure this crisis as it has in the past? Episode 172 discusses
Ep 171 recaps the last months performances which saw a battling performance earn a point in the Brandywell, but Dundalk failing to build on that with two home defeats against Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic as defensive frailties surface again and crucial chances go unconverted. We also discuss off field affairs with rumors of another takeover amidst media reports of unpaid wages as the team heads into the final 7 matches in a battle for survival.
Boos ring out at the final whistle as a toothless Dundalk slump to a 2 - 0 home defeat to John Caulfield's Galway Utd. Basic errors at the back and an inability to create or convert chances are evident again. With Drogheda's draw with Bohemians further eroding Dundalk lead of their neighbours, fans face an anxious few week to see if the Lilywhites slump in form can be arrested.
Dundalk earn a valuable point on the road against struggling Bohemians. However with Drogheda winning against Waterford cutting the 5 point relegation cushion to 3 between the Louth clubs Ep 169 anxiously asks, with its tendency to concede goals much more easily that it scores them, does Dundalk's current squad looks like one that could go down?
In stark contrast to last weeks vital league victory, Dundalk slump to a first round cup exit against neighbours Drogheda Utd. Old flaws surfaces again as a lacklustre display sees the Lilywhites fail to create many goal scoring chances while gifting the Drogs a brace due to defensive errors. Focus now shifts to maintaining and perhaps extending the league lead over Drogheda and ensuring it is them, and not Dundalk who face the drop to division 1.
Jon Daly's transfer window moves come up trumps as Dundalk FC's new look team puts 4 past Drogheda Utd to earn a crucial victory in a relegation 6 pointer. With new recruit Jad Hakiki at the heart of a more incisive Dundalk attack the Lilywhites look capable of maintain their 5 point cushion over the basement club thereby banishing the spectre of automatic relegation for now. As the dust settles on a crucial league win Dundalk now face an immediate return to Drogheda for a FAI Cup clash
Dundalk's failure to convert chances surfaces again as Shamrock Rovers emerge victorious by the only goal in a evenly matched encounter. As Jon Daly oversees a frenetic transfer window Dundalk face into Friday's crucial relegation Derby with a much changed squad as the battle for the playoff slot intensifies. Episode 166 discusses the impact of the departures of proven defenders and the underperformance of our attack as the Lilywhites seek to avoid relegation in a season with many self inflicted...
Ep 165 catches up on Dundalk's clashes with Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers and Waterford which yielded 2 defeats and 1 victory. Dundalk remain 3 point ahead of bottom side Drogheda Utd and with other teams pulling away the two Louth clubs look set to battle it out in the basement for the remainder of the season, with Jon Daly needing to find replacements for the departing Zak Bradshaw and Zak Johnston ahead of the visit of Drogheda to Oriel park.
Dundalk enjoy a great bank holiday week with a hard fought draw against Derry City and a stunning victory in Richmond Park. New manager Jon Daly impact begins to show on the pitch as Jamie Gullen, unlucky not to score against Derry, ends his goal drought with a stunning brace against Pats with Ryan O'Kane also on the score sheet. 4 point from 6 sees Dundalk move off the foot of the table as they head to Tolka Park for a clash with table toppers Shelbourne
After the high of last week's victory over Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk come back to earth with a bump as Galway once again proves to be a difficult away day. Despite a bright opening, defensive frailties tip the game in Galway's favour as the bad habits of the later O'Donnell era manifest again to see Dundalk go 90 minutes without registering a shot on goal. New Boss Jon Daly has his work cut out as Dundalk remain rooted to the bottom of the table
A rollercoaster week sees Brian Gartland leave the club to be followed by recently appointed manager Noel King. The end of King's short lived reign opens an opportunity for the return of Golden Era boss Stephen Kenny, hopes which are swiftly dashed by his arrival at St Patrick's Athletic. Managerless Dundalk conclude a crazy week with a injury time winner over Shamrock Rovers.
