The finger out’

from our own corner. We that they had the pace that but again it’s not two, that’s a team thing in us getting back quicker. needed to identify the probwhen the ball was out with Shieldsy. If you give like that then it’s an uphill like this.’ Gartland did bemoan the fact that Dundalk had strong penalty appeals turned away with the scoreline at 1-0 and said it was a pivotal moment in the game.

‘There’s nothing you can do about the injuries or the knocks but the penalty appeal looked like a penalty to me. Then they go down the other end and score and it’s a completely different game then.

‘Ultimately you can look at all decisions but the players have to take responsibility. We know the standard wasn’t good enough there and it needs to be a lot better.’

Asked whether a clash with Drogheda was the perfect game to bounce back in, Gartland raised a rare smile, saying: ‘ I’m going to say it is anyway.’ He added: ‘They weren’t in the league last year so it’s brilliant to have them back for these derbies. People will be looking at it that Drogheda are just up and we’re champions but when it comes to the derby it’s not like that at all.

‘The atmosphere will be cracking. Our support is brilliant and for the derby it will be even better again but they will put a right tough test up to us. They have started the season well and it’s a big game for us. We need to bounce back with a big performance and three

points,’ he said.