Dundalk midfielder Daryl Horgan admitted he is bitterly disappointed with the 1-0 Europa League defeat to AZ Alkmaar, but insists it is all to play for ahead of the final group game in Israel.
Wout Weghorst’s first-half goal was the difference between the sides as Dundalk fell to their third successive defeat in the competition after opening with a draw and a win.
Zenit St Peterburg’s win over Maccabi Tel Aviv means Stephen Kenny’s side travel to Israel level on points with the Israeli club and a point behind Alkmaar who host high-flying Zenit.
A win for the Dutch side would guarantee their progress, with Dundalk's fate now very much out of their hands.
The Airtricity champions lacked the spark they have shown so regularly this season, though Horgan refused to accept the two-and-a-half week gap since the FAI Cup FInal as a valid reason for the below-par performance.
“Not playing competitive games hasn’t helped...I suppose it’s no excuse either,” he told Eir Sport.
“We just didn’t play like we can. It’s very disappointing on our part and we still could have got something out of the game, but it wasn’t a performance we were used to.”
Alkmaar settled much better and Weghorst’s ninth minute strike proved the difference, while goalkeeper Gary Rogers was called to make a number of saves to keep his team in the tie.
With Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane watching on in the stands, Horgan said it was hard to find his usual rhythm in the middle of the park.
“It was difficult for everyone. They obviously had a gameplan and pressed us quite high. They tried to close down as much space as possible.
"We just weren’t at our best tonight"
“At times we did get in and with a bit more quality we could have finished our chances.
“It’s very, very disappointing and we just weren’t at our best tonight.”
Now attentions turn to the final game and Kenny will have to rally the troops ahead of the trip to Israel.
A defiant Horgan believes there could be more twists and turns before Group D is decided.
“They have a very difficult game against Zenit who have already picked up 15 points,” he said.
“They will probably still be favourites and we’ll have to treat it that that will be the case so hopefully we can go to Tel Aviv and if we can get the three points there we will put ourselves in a great position.”
