PAST POINT RETURN..
Dundalk’s failure to secure a draw at home to Norwegians leaves them scrapping for a result even at this early stage
FILIPPO GIOVAGNOLI’S bullish points prediction was looking about right by half- time.
At the same time though, there was a nagging feeling that Dundalk’s tank would empty.
The Italian insisted in the build- up that the Lilywhitres could ‘ get points everywhere’ in t h i s g r o u p , a n d f o r 4 5 minutes they played like a team capable of claiming all three here.
But such was the intensity they brought to the party, there was little chance of it lasting.
Not with such a punishing run of league games weighing them down and the hope now is that it won’t be a recurring theme on this European run.
When they were last at this juncture four years ago under S t e p h e n Ke n ny, D u n d a l k opened with a draw away to AZ Alkmaar in Holland.
They built on that by beating Maccabi Tel Aviv and running Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg close home and away.
But with their enthusiasm zapped by Molde’s quick- fire response, and Arsenal away looming next Thursday, the question is where do Dundalk ignite their campaign?
Molde’s lethal blows midway through the second- half had been coming.
Sean Gannon was unlucky as the equaliser def lected in off him before he conceded a penalty with marginal contact soon after.
Gi o v a g noli watc h e d t h e game from the stairwell in the stand, just beside the section that housed the Dundalk subs.
Before the game, UEFA informed him that only a Pro Licence coach can patrol the touchline, so that role fell to Shane Keegan.
Giovagnoli could have sat in the dugout but, as he prefers to stand, he chose an alternative viewpoint.
“They told me that I couldn’t coach or say much, it was a complicated night for me.” he said
Still, the Italian liked what he saw during an engrossing firsthalf in which Dundalk more than held their own and duly got their reward before halft i me. Th e i r workrat e was ferocious, particularly in the middle of t h e park. Chri s S hi el d s s et t h e t on e with tremendous application that inspired those around him.
John Mountney left nothing b e h i n d e i t h e r, a n d S e a n Murray and Greg Sloggett fed off his energy.
Mountney was d o wn t h e r i g h t , rel entless b e i t i n attack or doubling up with fullback Gannon to track runners.
And lone striker Pat Hoban was his usual ball of hustle and bustle defenders hate. He had the ball in the net, too, but his 24th minute effort was ruled out as he was controversially deemed to have fouled Martin Bjornbak when heading home close in.
At t hat st age, Dundalk’s defence was rarely troubled. Gary Rogers didn’t have a save to make before the break and he could only but admire their 35th minute opener.
Giovagnoli’s t roops were patient in the build- up before showing a ruthless side when the chance presented itself.
Ga n n o n a n d Mount n e y played a one- two and Murray peeled off Stian Gregersen to meet Mountney’s cross with a meaty header. Giovagnoli and his bench were dancing in the isles – but not for long.
D u n d a l k ’s l u n g - b u s t i n g antics took a lot out of them and Molde refused to panic, emerging rejuvenated after the break before taking control.
Their 62nd minute goal was just reward for the way they pinned Dundalk deep.
Etzaz Hussain acrobatically put away Marcus Pedersen’s cross with the aid of a Gannon deflection.
Gannon’s night didn’t get any better nine minutes later when he conceded a penalty that put Molde ahead.
He clipped Erling Knudtzon’s foot and while the substitute made the most of it, there was c o n t a c t . O h i O moi j u a n f o converted.
Dundalk emptied the bench but remained under the cosh until injur y- time when they peppered the Molde box to no avail.
It was a spirited display but they ran out of juice and with Arsenal looming, the fear i s their campaign could too.