Defeat leaves Lilies facing zero return on Euro adventure
WITH one eye on Sunday’s 100th Extra.ie FAI Cup final, Dundalk’s Europa League struggles were extended in Norway last night.
Five defeats out of five in Group B leaves Dundalk desperate to secure something from their final game against Arsenal in Dublin.
Across the 12 groups, only Celtic have conceded more goals than the Lilywhites, one of three teams yet to pick up a point — Gent and Ludogorets are the others.
Before the glamour finale against the Gunners, Dundalk square up to Shamrock Rovers at Aviva Stadium as head coach Filippo Giovagnoli seeks to bag his first trophy in charge.
Banned from the technical area and the dressing room, Giovagnoli selected a team with Sunday in mind as he held back Daniel Cleary and Patrick McEleney and Michael Duffy until the final half hour, while withdrawing Chris Shields midway through the second half.
With three centre-backs as part of a back five, Dundalk will be furious at being undone by three crosses, all from the left flank.
The first came in the 30th minute half when dangerman Magnus Wolff Eikrem ghosted in unmarked to meet Birk Risa’s delivery and send a glancing header beyond Gary Rogers.
Four minutes before the break, Risa picked out Ohi Omolijuanfo at the far post and the centre-forward headed past Rogers.
Dundalk had their moments, notably at nil-nil when Daniel Kelly and Nathan Oduwa combined to breakthrough only for Kelly to over-hit his pass. The lively Kelly also fired over as did Jordan Flores.
However, Dundalk’s frailty from set-pieces continued in the second half as Omoijuanfo had a free header f rom a corner, which required a save from Rogers. They also escaped when Sean Hoare appeared to handle in the box.
After Rogers rode to the rescue to thwart Omoijuanfo, Eikrem’s far post corner in the 67th minute was met with a thumping header by Martin Ellingsen before Flores rifled home a stoppage time consolation. MOLDE: Linde; Wingo, Gregersen (Hussain 68), Sinyan, Risa; Aursnes (Christensen 79), Wolff Eikrem (James 79), Ellingsen; Hestad (Mostrom 39), Omolijuanfo (Bolly 87), Knudtzon. Scorers: Eikrem 30, Omolijuanfo 41, Ellingsen 67. DUNDALK: Rogers; Gannon, Gartland, Boyle (Cleary 61), Hoare; Gannon, Dummigan; Flores, Shields (Mountney 68), Sloggett (McEleney 61); Kelly (McMillan 73), Oduwa (Duffy 61). Scorer: Flores 90+4. Referee: D Siebert (Germany)