Dundalk seconds produced a very disappointing performance in going down to the bottom placed Garda team last Sat at Mill Road.

Having produced a very encouraging display last time out in a narrow 6-5 defeat to Skerries this was a bitterly disappointing performance especially by the forwards with poor tackling and discipline allowing a very one dimensional and limited Garda team come away from Mill Road with their win of the season.

It had started so well for Dundalk after weathering some early Garda pressure, quick lineout ball secured by Connor Kane allowed a strong Dundalk backline produce some good work to allow centre Eamon Roe go over for the first try and the conversion was added by Donal Clare. Dundalk repeated the trick again moments later when more good lineout work and good work from the backs this time enabling outhalf Donal Clare go in under the posts for Dundalk 2nd try. With Dundalk making easy yards out wide it seemed as though it was going to be a good day at the office for Dundalk.

However after this second try, Dundalk switched off and allowed the Garda, with their big pack constantly run directly at them and poor tackling and discipline, get a foothold in the game and off a quick tap penalty the Garda got their first try and this was converted by their out half who later added a penalty to leave the half time score 14-10 to Dundalk. 

Dundalk never switched on at the start of the second half and more poor tackling allowed Garda add another try early on in the half to edge them in front 17-14. Dundalk responded well and off good ball produced by the forwards winger Errol Boyle burst through the Garda defence to get over for Dundalk’s third try by the conversion was crucially missed to leave the score at 19-17 to Dundalk. The remainder of the game was edgy with Dundalk having plenty of chances to extend their lead, however two missed penalty attempts at goal would prove costly by the end of the game.

Garda edged back in front with 10 minutes to go after their out half slotted an easy penalty as Dundalk were caught offside.

Donal Clare put Dundalk back in front with a penalty wih only a few minutes to go but Dundalk failed to close the game out. With one minute to go, Dundalk had a chance to clear to clear their lines from their own five metre line however failure to find touch allowed the Gardas one last chance to snatch victory and they managed to work a penalty as Dundalk had hands in the ruck and with the last kick of the game the Garda outhalf snatched victory the away team.

Dundalk will be very disappointed at the manner of the defeat having worked themselves into such a strong position early in the game but a poor defensive performance means that Garda close the gap on them to two points at the bottom of the table.

It doesn’t get any easier for Dundalk as they travel to league leaders Newbridge this Saturday in Rosetown where a very stern test awaits.

Chris Brady, Brian Igoe, Stephen Smyth, Diarmuid Sloane, Connor Kane, Declan McCabe, Alan McHugh, Kevin Barry, Sam Mulligan, Donal Clare, Gerry Carroll, Eamon Roe, Adam Doyle, Errol Boyle, Rory O’Hagan Subs. Niall Browne, Kevin Fearon, Simon Byrne, Gareth Herr.