“GET ORIEL PARK ROCKING” – MOUNTNEY

Club captain John Mountney wants to “get Oriel Park rocking” in the final three months of the season, after Dundalk picked up what the skipper believes “could be a good point for us” in a 1-1 draw with Bohemians in Dublin on Friday night. Daryl Horgan’s 27th-minute strike quickly cancelled out Ross Tierney’s opener at [...]

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Club captain John Mountney wants to “get Oriel Park rocking” in the final three months of the season, after Dundalk picked up what the skipper believes “could be a good point for us” in a 1-1 draw with Bohemians in Dublin on Friday night.

Daryl Horgan’s 27th-minute strike quickly cancelled out Ross Tierney’s opener at Dalymount Park. Bohs dominated possession but Dundalk – who defended resolutely – could and probably should have won it in the final quarter-hour through substitute Jad Hakiki.

It was just a sixth point on the road for the Lilywhites this year, having lost nine of their previous 11 away games before this latest trip, and Mountney says his team showed “good character” to ensure that the gap to eighth-placed Bohs remained at only four points.

Six of Dundalk’s remaining 11 games are at Oriel Park, where they play three of their four August fixtures. Galway United, Saint Patrick’s Athletic and league leaders Shelbourne will all visit the wee County next month, with the other test a tough trip to title-challenging Derry City.

Jon Daly’s men are now just three points clear of their Louth rivals Drogheda United at the foot of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division standings after the Boynesiders stunned European-chasing Waterford.

With Bohs set to visit Weavers Park next Friday, it is another huge night for the clubs at the bottom of the table. But Mountney’s focus is only on Dundalk’s games and he knows that they must bag as many of the remaining 18 home points as possible if they are to avoid the trapdoor.

“Look, I’ve always been confident,” John said, asked about getting out of relegation trouble. “There’s a good group there. The manager is very good. Jon has come in and he and the coaching team have been brilliant. I must say, they’ve handled everything brilliantly – they’re very organised and detailed in everything we’re doing.

“I think it has been very positive. The big thing is our home games. A massive part of it is our support. You see Bohs tonight, the crowd they had, and when teams have momentum and fans are behind them, it’s a big boost.

“That’s a massive part, Oriel Park. It’s tough for any team to come to, and I’d urge the supporters – as they always have and always will – to get behind us every chance they get between now and the end of the season, especially at home, and really push us on to get big home wins.”

On the upcoming games…

“We need to, as it has been, get Oriel Park rocking, and have the mindset on the pitch that we’re going to pick up three points. We have to focus on Galway at home. Galway are a big, physical side, they’re doing really well.

“We have that real belief that we’re doing things right behind the scenes and we’re approaching games in the right manner. That could be a good point for us tonight. We have to go and back it up with a big performance and win at home to Galway next Friday.”

On the performance and result against Bohs…

“Picking up any point away from home is good. That’s what we wanted to do tonight, see if we could pick up three, or if not, definitely not lose the game. We had to dig deep, they pressed a lot in the second half, but at the same time, we were comfortable enough in our shape.

“There were no real clear-cut chances, so it was a case of being comfortable when they’re in possession. We also had quality going forward so we were hoping to create something then for our attacking players to go and get us a goal.

“I thought we defended really well in the second half. They had sustained pressure and crosses in, and corners which our ‘keeper, defenders and centre-backs dealt with very well. I thought we showed good character tonight, it’s a tough place to come to. They play a nice style of football. I thought we dug deep and got a good point, hopefully which will stand to us.”

On the new-look side gelling…

“Look, it’s tough for lads to come in and it’s tough as well for lads that have already been there, because you want players to hit the ground running. Sometimes, it can happen, sometimes you need settling in periods.

“Tonight, Felix (Goddard) in goals did very well for us. Daniel (Pike) that came in at left-back, that’s his first game in six or seven months, he showed good character to get through the whole game too.

“Of course, then, it was a big plus having Hammer (Jamie Gullan) back up front. Scott (McGill) in midfield showed good glimpses, and Aodh Dervin has been a great addition, he’s got stuck in, he’s exactly what we needed, he’s a good character, trains well, a good pro and you can see that tonight, he gets about and puts himself around. I thought everyone did well.”

On Jad Hakiki…

“Jad’s a confident young lad. You can see that when he comes on. He was probably disappointed he’s not playing, after starting last week. He comes on and wants to make a difference. You can see he had moments.

“Robbie Mahon did the same when he came on, he looked sharp, and Eoin Kenny as well with his left-foot shot. That’s the thing – there’s a competitive squad there. That’s what you want, if you’re still tight in games, you want attacking players to come on and show that bit of quality and a bit of belief in themselves to go and try to make a moment.”

Dundalk take on Galway United at Oriel Park next Friday, August 2nd, kick-off 7.45pm.

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