GRUEL RUN-INS
Kenny knows there will be plenty of twists and turns down the track
TRAVELLING fans at the Showgrounds sang about winning the League – but Stephen Kenny insists steering Dundalk through a ‘gruelling’ schedule is his only focus.
The Lilywhites took a big step towards a fourth league title in five years by seeing off Sligo Rovers just 24 hours after champions Cork City were held at home by St Pat’s.
With eight games left – one more than the Rebels – Dundalk enjoy a threepoint lead at the top of the Premier Division and know their destiny is in their own hands.
Kenny also believes the experience of winning three titles in a row before last season will stand to the bulk of his squad.
But he warned jubilant supporters that they are premature with their predictions.
Monday’s hard-fought 2-0 win in Sligo was their second on the spin, having seen off bottom side Bray at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday.
Finn Harps are next up in the FAI Cup on Friday while Shamrock Rovers visit Oriel Park in the League on Tuesday before an away trip to Limerick the following weekend.
Kenny said: “These are testing times for us – it’s a really gruelling two weeks. We have a tough run of games coming up and we’ve looked after the first part of it with two wins.
“They are a very level-headed group.
“Most of the players going for their fourth title – like Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Dane Massey, Chris Shields, John Mountney, Stephen O’donnell – are humble.
“They know you get nothing without hard work. The players have shown a lot of talent, keeping clean sheets and scoring a prolific amount of goals.
“It’s a good balance to have and we want to keep it going for the run in.”
Kenny was thrilled to capitalise after Cork’s slip at home to Saints.
He said: “When any result goes your way it’s a positive but you have to make sure you win your own matches.
“It was a tough game as Sligo were very motivated. They had a good win over Limerick at the weekend which cements their status to some degree.
“They signed some good players in the window and look a better team now.
“We deserved to win but we had to fight hard.
“We travelled to Bray on Friday and it’s a four-hour trip to Sligo for us as we pick up some players in Dublin.
“It was a long day so to get a win is a big one. Michael Duffy was a threat all night and he has come to the fore in the big games, which is very important.”
After Duffy’s (inset) opener, Pat Hoban sealed the points with a late header. It was his 25th of the season and a 100th career goal.
Kenny feels his striker’s return this season is remarkable and said: “Only three of them are penalties and he doesn’t take free-kicks. He’s been so consistent.”