Duffy: Now watch us shift gears

MICHAEL DUFFY is convinced Dundalk are only warming up.

Before the midweek games, the Lilywhites were the only Premier Division team yet to find the net after back-to-back scoreless draws.

But then they annihilated sorry Limerick 8-0 at Oriel Park on Tuesday with Duffy bagging a brace of his own.

It was a devastating show of strength and flagged up a warning that Stephen Kenny’s charges are hitting their stride and mean business.

“We needed that big time after the first two games,” said flying winger Duffy. “It was frustrating because we didn’t play badly in those first two games.

“We missed a couple of early chances which makes it harder as the game goes on, because teams getting a draw against us would be a good result.

“We just needed to get the early goal to settle us, but we’re delighted with Tuesday’s win.

“I was delighted to get a couple of goals. That’s what I’ll be looking to do this year – score a lot more goals and get more assists.”

Due to the snow, Dundalk’s next outing is next Friday against champions and league leaders Cork City at Oriel Park.

The Rebels look the real deal once again having already hit their stride without blinking this season.

But Duffy feels the competition in Dundalk’s squad will stand to them.

“We’ll have a lot of people fighting for positions this season,” said the former Derry City midfielder.

“We showed glimpses in the first two games but it didn’t come off – but the Limerick game showed what we can do with our all-round attacking threat.

“Every game is huge this year. We just need to keep winning now. We can’t slip up like we did last year.

“We’ve got a huge game next week and and we’ll be confident. Everyone will be buzzing for it.”