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■ Worst start to a season

Dundalk’s defeat to Bohemians on Monday night means it is the club’s worst start to a season in its history. The return of just three points from nine matches prior to kick-off had mirrored that of the 1998/’99 side which were ultimately relegated for the first time in the club’s history. However, that side won on game day 10 with a 2-0 victory over UCD courtesy of goals from Lee Thew and Shane Reddish. The Lilywhites also have two points less than the UCD side who finished bottom last season had after 10 matches, with the Students also winning their first game of 2023 on matchday 10 against Cork City.

■ Boyle into top 10

Andy Boyle made his 327th appearance for Dundalk against Bohemians on Monday, moving him up to joint 10th place in the club’s all-time appearance list alongside Alan O’Neill. On Friday, club captain John Mountney also moved up to 12th in the list, overtaking Joe Ralph. Landmark for Doyle Paul Doyle returned to the Dundalk starting XI against Bohemians on Monday night for what was his 175th career appearance. The midfielder, who turned 26 last Wednesday, first career start came seven years ago this week for Sligo Rovers in their 1-0 victory after extra-time against Finn Harps in Ballybofey in the EA Sports Cup on April 17, 2017.

■ League debut for Kenny

Eoin Kenny came on for Robbie Benson against Bohemians on Monday night to make his league debut for Dundalk. The 18-year-old scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 Leinster Senior Cup defeat to Drogheda United at Oriel Park at the start of February. His dad, former Republic of Ireland boss Stephen, wasn’t in attendance that night but was in the crowd at Dalymount Park on Monday.

■ Unwanted scoreless record

Dundalk’s inability to find the net in their first five home games of the season is a new club record. While there had previously been two runs of four matches without a goal, the current barren spell is the first time that any Lilywhites side in the club’s history has gone five matches in-a-row at Oriel Park without scoring.

■ First clean sheet for Shelvey

George Shelvey kept his first clean sheet for Dundalk in the scoreless draw with St Patrick’s Athletic at Oriel Park on Friday night. The former Nottingham Forest shotstopper was making his first appearance for the club since being substituted at half-time of the 5-0 loss at home to Sligo Rovers at the start of March.

■ Friday milestones

Robbie Benson made his 200th appearance for Dundalk against old club St Patrick’s Athletic at Oriel Park on Friday night. Cameron Elliott also came off the bench on the night for what was his 150th career appearance while it was also a first Oriel Park outing as a Lilywhites player on the night for Dara Keane.