Dundalk 1
Rosenborg 1
DUNDALK REMAIN FIRMLY in contention for a place in the third round of the Champions League qualifiers following tonight’s 1-1 draw between Stephen Kenny’s men and Rosenborg at a packed Oriel Park.
David McMillan’s seventh European goal for Dundalk put the hosts into a thoroughly deserved lead after 18 minutes, however, a Rosenborg equaliser from centre-back Tore Reginussen three-minutes from the break ensured the Norwegians take an away-goals advantage into next Wednesday’s second-leg in Trondheim.
The Lilywhites performed admirably throughout having opened the game at an incredible pace. Robbie Benson had an opportunity to put the hosts in front after 50 seconds, when connecting with a Dane Massey cross, before Michael Duffy missed a gilt-edged chance after the tireless McMillan had chested into his path.
Duffy, who performed superbly throughout, saw his left-footed strike saved by visiting keeper Anders Hansen with the goal at the attacker’s mercy.
Dundalk were mounting wave-after-wave of pressure at this point, with Patrick McEleney and Duffy the pivots, and they ultimately went ahead to the delight of the home support.
A wonderful, teasing ball in from Duffy saw McMillan glance past the rooted Hansen to send Oriel Park into raptures. The goal was all Dundalk had deserved though with the opening quarter having been dictated on the terms of Stephen Kenny’s men.
Their tempo was relentless; unfortunately, it wasn’t something that they could maintain as the Norwegians forced themselves back into proceedings as the frantic half of play transpired.
Nicklas Bendtner — who was anonymous beforehand — had Gary Rogers at full stretch before the home custodian was forced into action from Pal Andre Helland in a subsequent attack.
After all their good work, for Dundalk to concede in the manner they did was regrettable. A free-kick, harshly awarded against John Mountney, saw Reginussen bundle into the net after a goalmouth scramble. The goal sent the sides to the break level; a scoreline that hardly reflected the efforts of the home side.
Given the enthralling nature of the opening-half, the second-period was more subdued in terms of action.
There were chances apiece for Mike Jensen (2) and McMillan. Dylan Connolly’s impact off the bench was almost immediate, but Eggen Vegar Hedenstad’s presence was enough to put the former Bray winger off at the back post, before both Brian Gartland and Ciarán Kilduff headed off target in the closing moments.
So, just as they did against FH 12 months ago, Dundalk draw their opening Champions League qualifier 1-1. Next week remains firmly in the melting pot.
Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Seán Gannon, Brian Gartland, Niclas Vemmelund (Paddy Barrett 64), Dane Massey; Chris Shields, Robbie Benson; John Mountney, Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy (Dylan Connolly 72); David McMillan (Ciarán Kilduff 81)
Rosenborg: Anders Hansen; Eggen Vegar Hedenstad, Johan Laerdre Bjordai, Tore Reginussen, Jorgen Skjelvik; Mike Jensen, Anders Agnes Konradsen, Matthias Vihjalmsson; Pal Andre Helland (Milan Jevtovic 42), Nicklas Bendtner, Frederik Midtsjo (Yann De Lanlay 81)
Referee: Radu Marian Petrescu (Romania)