It was a historic night for Irish football as Dundalk FC grabbed the first ever group stage win for an Irish side in European competition as they beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-0 in their Europa League match at the Tallaght stadium.
In a game that the lilywhites largely dominated it wasn’t until the 75th minute until they got what they deserved in front of a raucous crowd in Dublin this evening. In a rather pulsating first half Stephen Kenny’s men had a number of chances to take the lead with Daryl Horgan pulling the strings in midfield, however unfortunately neither he nor leading marksman David McMillan were able to convert.
Meanwhile the Israeli outfit always posed a threat on the counter attack but the Dundalk defence held firm and restricted them to a number of half chances. The second half started with a high tempo with Dundalk looking to make home advantage count, however they still couldn’t find that illusive goal with time fast running out, whilst the away still looked a threat on the counter.
Thankfully with 20 minutes to go the man of the moment Kieran Kilduff popped up to make it two from two to give Dundalk a much deserved lead. Although the Israeli side pushed for an equaliser the lilywhites’ managed to hang on to take all three points.
The historic win now means Dundalk have four points from their opening two games which now leaves them second in the group D table, two points behind leaders Zenit St Petersburg who they face next.