Dundalk head to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for the final match of the season against Derry City with an outside chance of finishing in second place.
With European football secured last week against Bohemians, the Lilywhites head north in a somewhat relaxed mood to face the Candystripes.
David McMillan and Runar Hauge netted in a 2-1 win last week against the Gypsies at Casey’s Field to ensure that Dundalk returned to continental competition after a one year absence.
Stephen O’Donnell’s men capped a brilliant season by finishing in the top 3 and should his side win by three goals tomorrow evening, they will secure a top 2 finish for the first time since 2019.
They head to the northwest unbeaten against Ruaidhri Higgins’ troops this season with 2 draws at home and a win at the Ryan McBride Brandywell in May when goals from Robbie Benson and Patrick Hoban sealed a 2-1 win.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Foyleside, Darragh Leahy told dundalkfc.com that they can go to there and enjoy the game and has enjoyed the last week.
“We can go there and enjoy ourselves but obviously there is a chance of us finishing second if things turn our way but we are looking forward to it.
“This week would have been a lot different had we not got the job done last week but thank God we did and there was good craic in training. Coming closer to the game we focus in on that.”
The win last week meant that there were stunning scenes of celebration at Casey’s Field following the full-time whistle and Leahy felt it was special considering it was his first time experiencing a moment like that since he came to the club three years ago.
“It was unreal. That was my first time really experiencing anything like that with Dundalk; we had to go back in because the Pat’s game was 6 minutes behind but when we came back out and the banner was there it was class.
“It is night and day compared to last year. The gaffer and the new owners have come in and have stamped their authority on things. It is a brilliant achievement. If you had to say this at the beginning of pre-season when we didn’t even have a full squad, we were training with 9-10 players and all the injuries we had from the midseason break but we stuck at it and got over the line.
“It’s not nice looking at the other teams in Europe and you are jealous to a certain extent but we are back in it now and we can’t wait.”
