ORIEL ROARS AFTER DUNDALK’S LATE SHOW OVER DERRY
TRAILING TWO NIL, DUNDALK COME FROM BEHIND TO WIN AND KEEP DOUBLE DREAMS ALIVE APRIL 1988
ON the trail of a league and cup double Dundalk stage a remarkable Easter Monday comeback to beat Derry City at Oriel Park.
The goal Dessie Gorman scores in the dying minutes to make it 3-2 is one that will be talked about for many years.
The goal itself isn’t all that remarkable, Gorman’s pace being the crucial factor, but it climaxes a most magnificent rally.
With thirteen minutes remaining Dundalk trail 2-0 their title hopes in ruin.
Supporters are baying for manager Turlough O’Connor’s blood, puzzled by his refusal to introduce substitutes or to alter a rigid defensive formation.
Then, from one of many corners conceded by Derry, Terry Eviston swings over a ball more in hope than expectation. Gino Lawless gets the final touch and it’s 2-1.
Dundalk are transformed. A team without hope, without conviction, suddenly sees the prospect of at least a draw.
Players are suddenly actively seeking the ball, as Derry’s rear-guard begins to crumble.
Larry Wyse, a tireless worker throughout, opens the way for Martin Murray on the left and his cross is hooked into the net by Barry Kehoe.
Now, the seemingly impossible within reach.
Indeed, a great escape is complete when Gorman is able to latch on to a weak pass to slip the ball past an advancing ‘ keeper.
Oriel Park erupts and the fans are is delirious, while the Derry supporters, boisterous earlier, are drowned out by a crescendo of sound.
‘I have never seen a finish like that,’ remarks the manager.
He is lavish in his praise of the players and singles out Harry McCue as an example of the character running through the side.
McCue enters a gruelling programme of four-matches in eight days with just one reserve game behind him following a three-month lay-off.
O’Connor hands a large share of the credit to fans.
‘ They will us to get those last two goals. I have not come across support like this before.’
Meanwhile, Wyse comments, ‘Snatching victory is what dreams are made of. I really enjoyed it.’
Lawless, who ignites the charge with his score, says ‘It was a matter of getting a goal. It gives us the heart to fight back.’
The scenes at the final whistle are in sharp contrast to when Derry establish a 2-0 lead, both goals coming from Owen De Gama.
Dundalk enjoy the majority of possession and create most chances but bad luck and poor finishing combines to deny the team goals.
The Lilywhites missed opportunities, and there are plenty of them, look set to deny them until Lawless brings a ray of hope.
A lot of credit for the victory goes to the midfield pairing of Wyse and Kehoe.
Wyse’s control is brilliant and Kehoe keeps plugging away when things are not going well.
Up front, Terry Eviston is irrepressible in the first half, and after the break Gorman is a most willing worker.