DUNDALK WON’T EASE UP, INSISTS KENNY
STEPHEN KENNY insists creating more League of Ireland history will keep his side motivated before next month’s Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup final. The Lilywhites booked their place in the decider for the fourth successive season and they now have the all-time Premier Division points record in their sights. With four games remaining, the champions-elect need just two wins and a draw to break the 85-point tally set by Bohemians a decade ago. A point at home to St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday will secure their fourth title in five seasons and Kenny is also eyeing up the most goals scored in a campaign. ‘I didn’t envisage being in the situation we’re in with four matches to go. I thought it would go to the last game or two. It’s a great position to be in in that regard, we’re delighted,’ Kenny said. ‘Mathematically we still need a point so we’ll be trying to get that against Pats. ‘The following home game (against Sligo Rovers), could be the trophy presentation and we’ll want to do well that night and in the two away games (Waterford and Bohemians) as well. We can still get the all-time points total as well. And the all-time goals title as well, there’s only two goals in that. ‘We’re delighted to be in the final. It’s a great privilege and you never take it for granted. It’s a first final for a lot of players, like Patrick Hoban who has never played in the Aviva. It’s great for him, Daniel Cleary and people like that would have never played there either.’ Patrick McEleney’s strike against UCD on Friday settled their semi-final and Kenny revealed how the playmaker’s confidence took a hit after his move to Oldham Athletic proved a major disappointment. ‘He has found a little bit of a rhythm. He was doubting himself when he came back,’ the Dundalk boss continued. ‘He has got himself into terrific condition now. The explosiveness is there and that has been evident in the past week.’