The unbreakable Gortakeegan bogey continued for Dundalk last Friday night, as the Lilywhites were knocked off the top of the eircom League of Ireland First Division table as they were held to a scoreless draw by Monaghan United. Never in the history of the North Louth club have they completed a league season with a 100% record against their local Ulster rivals, a record which will now continue for at least another 18 months.
 
Despite holding possession for virtually all of the game, Dundalk were unable to find a way past Danny Woods in the home goal, as Monaghan added to their wins over Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal to remain unbeaten at home against the top four. With Shels simultaneously thrashing Kildare County 5-0 at Tolka Park, the draw means that John Gill’s Lilywhites now sit second on goal difference for the first time since 22 March.
 
For the game, Dundalk yet again started with a different team - meaning it is now a full year (39 games; 35 in the league) since they have fielded the same XI in two matches running - as Gill was forced into three changes to the side which lost 3-1 to Shelbourne the previous week. The usual central midfield pairing of David Cassidy and Paul Shiels both sat in the stands due to automatic one-match suspensions incurred following their sending-offs against Shels. Right-back John Flanagan also missed out, as he went for a scan on an ankle injury. The trio were replaced by Paul Crowley, Paul Marney and Ben Whelehan.
 
From the start, Dundalk held possession as Monaghan packed bodies behind the ball, with their objective of trying to claim a draw clear from the outset. As a result of the crowded backline, and the terrible condition of the pitch, the Lilywhites struggled to break down Mick Cooke’s men, however, they had two good chances to break the deadlock in the opening half. On 22 minutes, Davie O’Connor was put through, only to be denied by Danny Woods, who was fortunate not to concede a penalty as he dived in on the winger with his feet in an attempt to claim the ball.
 
Dundalk had to wait until just before the break to again threaten the Monaghan goal, as they twice went close within the space of sixty seconds. Firstly, Whelehan tried the spectacular as his overhead kick from a David Crawley corner went inches over the bar, before the visitors had what appeared to be a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside. Jamie Duffy began the move and combined with Tiarnán Mulvenna, before finishing well to the net after receiving a return pass. The goal was chalked off, however, as it was deemed that Robbie Farrell, who was in an offside position, was interfering with play.
 
Following the break, Monaghan continued in their defensive shape, as Dundalk again struggled to find a way through. In a half which was quiet on goalmouth action, the best chance of the game fell to captain Aidan Lynch with ten minutes remaining, as the centre-half headed a Crawley corner off the crossbar, before Trevor Vaughan’s follow-up was gathered by Woods.
 
Monaghan then had two chances on the break that Chris Bennion saved easily, before, moments later, right-back Paul Whelan saw red for a second bookable offence. However, with only seven minutes left, there was little time for Dundalk to make the extra man count, as, in the last opening of the night, Woods again denied his native town as he saved well from late substitute, Robbie Martin.

 
dundalkfc.com Man of the Match: Paul Crowley (Dundalk).
 
Monaghan United (4-5-1): Danny Woods; Paul Whelan, Aaron Mooney, Wayne Byrne, Kevin Williamson; Stephen McCrossan, Don Tierney, Darren Meenan (Ian Malone 89), Ian Maher, James Hand; Eoin Lanigan (Robbie Collins 82).
Booked: P Whelan (60, 83).
Sent-Off: P Whelan (83).
 
Dundalk FC (4-4-2): Chris Bennion; Ian Ryan, Aidan Lynch, Ben Whelehan, David Crawley; Jamie Duffy, Paul Crowley, Paul Marney, Davie O’Connor (Paul Smyth 75); Robbie Farrell (Trevor Vaughan 69), Tiarnán Mulvenna (Robbie Martin 89).
Booked: D O’Connor (21), P Crowley (23).
Subs Not Used: Shane Grimes, Kevin McArdle.
 
Referee: Hugo Whoriskey (Dublin).
Attendance: 502 (Official figure).
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