Great run puts Dundalk on brink of Euro return

February 1987

A precious 2-1 win over Cork City at Turners Cross lifts Dundalk into second place on goal difference, and increases the prospect of a return to Europe after five years.

The team is on a surging run since the turn of the year, unbeaten in 8 matches, six of those in the league.

However, that record is tested by the Leesiders, who are doing their best to pull away from the relegation zone.

Tom McNulty gives Dundalk an early lead, but Cork are on terms after 36 minutes.

There is nothing ‘ keeper Stephen Henderson can do, when, from a corner, McCarthy flicks the ball on for Daly to head in.

Henderson is deputising for the injured Alan O’Neill.

Ten minutes after the re-start, Dundalk regain the lead.

A Barry Kehoe corner puts the home defence in a tangle. The ball comes to Martin Lawlor, who sets up Dessie Gorman to score from close range.

Gorman is the league’s joint leading marksman.

Dundalk are determined to hold onto their lead, and stand up to a concerted Cork effort to get back into the match.

Lawlor, Harry McCue and Gino Lawless do well in defence, but overall it is a good hard-working team display, which yields a welcome two points, especially with Waterford losing to champions-elect Shamrock Rovers.

Dundalk: Henderson, Lawless, Malone, McCue, Lawlor, Wyse, Carroll, Kehoe, Gorman (Eviston), Joyce, McNulty.

Next for the Lilywhites is a home game against manager, Turlough O’Connor’s former club, Athlone.

The midlanders sit bottom of the table.