Dundalk 0-0 Longford Town
Tuesday, 20 May 2008Dundalk lost further ground in the eircom League of Ireland First Division title race when they were held to a scoreless draw at home to Longford Town at Oriel Park.
Having topped the table by five points less than a fortnight ago, John Gill's side now find themselves trailing Shelbourne by two points after a run of three games without a win.
The Louth side certainly had plenty of chances to make the breakthrough here but in the end a draw was probably a fair outcome.
The home side should have taken the lead after just two minutes when Robbie Farrell got in behind the Longford defence, but his finish was poor as he fired well wide.
Daragh Doyle then went close for the visitors with a shot that went inches wide on nine minutes, before John Flanagan headed against the post for the hosts at the other end seconds later.
Dundalk continued to create the better chances and should have opened the scoring on 32 minutes when Crawley's cross from the left was met by the inrushing Farrell, but once again the striker was off target.
Longford were by no means out of the game, however, with Daragh Doyle going agonisingly close on 62 minutes from a free kick.
Carlingford native Neil Gallagher then denied his former club on three consecutive occasions.
Firstly, he palmed a Flanagan shot around the post, before denying David Cassidy on two occasions, the second of which was a spectacular one-handed stop from close range.
Despite all the pressure, Dundalk were perhaps lucky to escape with a share of the spoils when Iarfhlaith Davoren broke through with 11 minutes remaining following a mistake at the back by Ian Ryan.
However, the striker failed to avail of a glorious chance as Bennion was quick off his line to smother the effort.
Dundalk: Bennion; Flanagan (Marney, 82 mins), Whelehan, Ryan, Crawley; Duffy (Vaughan, 80 mins), Crowley, Cassidy, O'Connor, Mulvenna, Farrell (Martin, 59 mins).
Longford Town: Gallagher; Frawley, O'Donnell, Bermingham; Hardy, Murphy, Rushe, Doyle, Casey; McKenna, Davoren.
Referee: Rob Rogers
