Dundalk fell to a disappointing 1-0 Europa League defeat to AZ Alkmaar in Tallaght which means their fate in the competition is now out of their hands.
Wout Weghorst’s first-half goal was the difference between the sides, but in truth the visitors were full value for their win as Stephen Kenny’s side fell to their third successive defeat in the competition.
They are level with Maccabi Tel Aviv on four points in Group D ahead of their final fixture in Israel, though a win for AZ over Zenit St Petersburg, who are comfortably through already, will confirm Dundalk’s exit regardless of the result in Tel Aviv.
In truth it was a disappointing performance from Dundalk who failed to reach the high standards they set themselves throughout the season.
Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny sprung a surprise on the selection front when he opted for the Ciaran Kilduff up front instead of David McMillan, perhaps hoping that Kilduff’s aerial prowess would give them the edge.
It was a gamble that didn’t pay off with Kilduff looking rusty in front off goal and caught for pace on several occasions.
The visitors failed to settle early on, being forced back inside their penalty area for much of the opening stages and when they went behind on nine minutes it came as no surprise.
Dundalk failed to deal with two successive corners and we punished by the second as Mats Seuntjen’s delivery was allowed to drop in the area and came back off the foot of Dane Massey before bouncing into the path of Wout Weghorst, who slid it to the back of the net.
That goal failed to rouse the hosts immediately, but it did see Alkmaar sit back slight and the hosts were slowly able to work their way into the game.
They didn't really threaten until the 27th minute however and even then it was only a half-chance as Kilduff saw the ball taken off his toe by Sergio Rochet when he was poised to shoot after some good build-up work from Robbie Benson and Daryl Horgan.
Horgan was Dundalk's brightest creative player but up against an impressive Alkmaar defence and often with just Kilduff to aim for, chances were few and far between.
Dundalk's cause was not helped by the injury of captain Stephen O'Donnell who appeared to pull up with the occurrence of a hamstring strain and was replaced by John Mountney just before half-time.
The Lilywhites were living off scraps and it was a case of half-chances and hopeful efforts. Ronan Finn hit wide and Kilduff wasted another headed chance as the break approached.
Dundalk continued to probe in the second period but struggled to get a clear sight of goal and they needed goalkeeper Gary Rogers to deny Weghorst a second.
Kilduff was denied a third time with his head, Rochet saving, while McMillan, who was introduced for Killduff with 15 minutes to go, nearly connected with a Finn cross.
It was not to be, though, and AZ held on for a win that puts them a point above Dundalk in the table.
