Dungannon Swifts and Dundalk played out an entertaining scoreless draw at Stangmore Park on Tuesday night. The northerners had many opportunities to break the deadlock, however, it was the visitors who came closest to snatching victory as Mickey Collins and George O’Callaghan both hit the crossbar.

Dundalk dangerous
Dungannon, who lie three points behind closest rivals Newry City at the bottom of the JJB Sports Premiership, were impressive throughout, playing flowing football and creating numerous chances. Despite not forcing the home goalkeeper into a save all evening, though, it was the Lilywhites who produced the two best efforts of the night which almost saw them take an undeserved win back across the border.

Opening effort
After a quiet opening period that Dungannon dominated in the possession stakes, the game sprung to life just before the half-hour as both sides shared chances. Youngster Ciaran McGuigan, playing alongside Simon Kelly at the centre of the Dundalk defence, was caught in possession but the hosts were unable to capitalise as Chris Bennion stood up well to parry the first effort away before Michael Synnott blocked the second goal-bound attempt behind.

Collins close
Dundalk then should have taken the lead as George O’Callaghan played a delighted through-ball to Dwight Barnett. However, the Jamaican forward’s chip over the advancing Alvin Rouse landed on the roof of the net. Shortly after, at the other end, Michael Coburn headed a Dungannon cross off the goalline and behind, before the home side twice went close with free headers from corners. Yet again, though, it was Dundalk who came closest to opening the scoring just before the break as Mickey Collins rattled the crossbar with a 30-yard effort.

Bennion busy
Dungannon continued to look the livelier in attack following the resumption and they forced Bennion into another smart save on 52 minutes after hesitancy in the visiting backline left the Scottish ‘keeper facing a one-on-one. Bennion was again called into action just before the hour when he did well to block a McGuigan back-pass after another mix-up, before Dungannon had a goal disallowed within moments after a questionable offside decision. The hosts were causing problems from deliveries into the box througout and they again went close with two headed efforts before Dundalk twice threatened in the final ten minutes.

Young blood
Firstly, O’Callaghan was within inches of giving Sean Connor’s men the lead when his 20-yard free-kick struck the crossbar ten minutes from time, before Mark Griffin - one of three youngsters introduced during the second half along with Shane Greene and the very impressive John Smith - delivered a teasing cross for Dwight Barnett, who rose above Dungannon’s sub ‘keeper but headed narrowly wide of the target. In the closing moments, the hosts again troubled Dundalk down the wings and were unlucky not to score, firstly sending a fierce effort across the face of goal before Bennion punched a goal-bound header to safety.

'Good workout'
Connor commented to dundalkfc.com afterwards: "It was a very good workout for the team. Michael Collins got 90 minutes under his belt which will help him retain match fitness. It was also good to pair him with George O'Callaghan in the middle of the park for 90 minutes and the extra match practice will be of good benefit to George also. I was very pleased with the performances of Sean Mackle and Tiarnán Mulvenna while the young lads that got a run out - Mark Griffin, Shane Greene and John Smith - were all excellent. The match was played at a good high tempo which was exactly what I wanted. It was the type of match that would have benefitted us more in pre-season. Overall I am happy with how it went especially considering that Dungannon are back playing since August."

DUNDALK FC (4-4-2): Chris Bennion; Michael Coburn, Ciaran McGuigan (Shane Greene 71), Simon Kelly (John Smith 65), Ashley Boswell; Michael Synnott, Michael Collins, George O'Callaghan, Sean Mackle (Mark Griffin 71); Tiarnán Mulvenna (Michael McGinlay 56), Dwight Barnett.