Premier Division leaders Dundalk’s latest win gives them breathing space and will allow them to fully focus on their Champions League tie next week, says defender Dane Massey.
The league title holders face BATE Borisov in Belarus next Wednesday in the second qualifying round of the Champions League and their latest SSE Airtricity League win, a 4-2 victory over Galway United last night, put nine points between them and second-place Cork City, who have a game in hand.
“We’re nine points clear now, it just means that we can fully concentrate on the European tie,” Massey told RTÉ Sport.
“I’m sure other teams will be looking at that – nine points ahead now – it’s a lot to do with the mental side. We’re absolutely delighted.”
The Louth side went 3-0 up thanks to goals from Richie Towell (2) and Massey before strikes from United’s Enda Curran and Padraic Cunningham made for an interesting finish.
However, John Mountney secured the points with an injury-time goal and Massey was a relieved man to come away from Deacy Park with the win.
“We were 3-0 up and we were totally coasting but you have to give great credit to the Galway attack. They pressed us and they got two great goals, two great finishes by the strikers."
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Crusaders advanced to the Champions League second qualifying round on away goals after their 1-1 result against Levadia of Estonia at Le Coq Arena with Michael Carvill's early opener making the difference despite Siim Luts' equaliser midway through the first half.
