Dundalk FC :: News

1 AUGUST 2008: “When a ‘keeper hasn’t got much to do, you’ve just got to keep on your toes. I actually thought it was in even when I touched it, but, thankfully, it went round the post.” - Bennion

Dundalk’s match winner, goalkeeper Chris Bennion has admitted that he thought Wexford Youths’ late, late chance at Oriel Park on Thursday night had hit the net. As the Lilywhites led by just a single goal despite dominating proceedings for long spells, the visitors sensed blood. And, they almost got it five minutes from time as Youths midfielder Keith Kearney forced Bennion into the save of the season as the Scottish netminder got down brilliantly to push a goal-bound effort behind.

“I actually thought it was in even when I touched it,” Bennion admitted to dundalkfc.com. “But, thankfully, it went round the post. I seen it late, so I was happy enough to put it behind. When a ‘keeper hasn’t got much to do, you’ve just got to keep on your toes.

“Myself and Martin Connolly (Goalkeeping Coach) have set personal goals, each twelve games or so. So far, we’re doing well and keeping clean-sheets. It’s not just about myself, it’s the whole team. We’re defending well from the front to the back, so, as long as we keep that going, we’ll be okay.”

Speaking on the win, Bennion stated: “It’s a big three points. We set an aim last week to get nine points out of nine in these three games, so, thankfully, we done that. We’re six points clear for a night and let the other teams worry about us now.

“I think a lot of people underestimate Wexford. They’re not a bad side. They’ve improved over the last year or so. We started poorly in the first-half, but once we got the goal - it was a great finish by Tiarnán - we were comfortable. But in the second-half, we sat off them a little bit and gave them maybe too much respect or too much time on the ball. But, thankfully, it’s three points in the bag and, hopefully, we just push on now to next week.

“I’ve said all along that Sporting Fingal will be there or thereabouts, but we’re not going to worry about anybody else. We’re at the top of the league and it’s up to people to come and catch us, so, at the end of the day, we’re happy where we are.”