Dundalk manager Jon Daly admits tonight’s clash with Bohemians is a ‘must-win’ if his side is to avoid automatic relegation from the Premier Division.
Drogheda United’s victory away to the Gypsies last Friday, and their subsequent scoreless draw with Galway United on Monday night, saw Kevin Doherty’s side stretch their lead over their Louth neighbours to five points with just five games to play.
Daly admitted that Dundalk had to find the points to ensure they were still in with a chance of leapfrogging the Boynesiders when the two sides meet on the final day of the season at Weavers Park on November 1st.
“We have to beat Bohs if we’re going to get out of this,” said the manager following his side’s 2-1 defeat in Sligo on Saturday.
“Drogheda had a fantastic win in Dalymount. We knew we needed to respond and I thought we played relatively well for large spells and obviously took the lead.
“We needed to hang onto that and we needed to respond but we didn’t and it gave them a free hit at home to Galway on Monday night.
“We need to try as best we can to take it to that last game to give ourselves a fighting chance and give ourselves the opportunity to stave off relegation.”
Daly challenged his players to up their performances for the final five games to ensure their own futures.
“People need to step up. I said to them there, ‘Where do you go if you do get relegated?’ It’s not a case of just going and finding another club,” he said.
“There are thousands of players out of contract every year. I’m still getting sent players even though we can’t sign anyone because we don’t have the money to bring them in and we’re outside the transfer window. I’m getting sent players from agents and people who are looking to place players so it becomes difficult and they need to quickly get results on the pitch to try and save our season and save their own careers I suppose.
“It’s up to us to make sure we bring it for 90 minutes, not just for 45 or 60 minutes. We have to turn up for 90 and make sure that we’re fully focused for that 90. As I said inside, I think the game intelligence and being a little bit more streetwise… there’s just a naivety at times in moments that have cost us tonight.”
Daly said there would be no easy games for his side between now and the end of the season.
“The way the games are coming, we’re playing against teams that have a lot to play for. Bohs probably can’t push for Europe but they’ve potentially got a Cup final to look forward to so players are pushing to get in to get in the team there. Then playing against Galway away is always a difficult game and they’re pushing for Europe as well.
“Then you’re against two title contenders, Derry and Rovers, both at home and then Drogheda away so it’s five massive games but this was an opportunity missed. We were ahead in the game and then the manner of the goals was really, really disappointing.”
Daly also said his and the players’ thoughts were with well-known supporter Mark ‘Maxi’ Kavanagh.
The local taxi driver is a devoted Dundalk FC supporter and is known throughout the League of Ireland. Unfortunately, he is battling for his life right now, with Daly adding his name to the dozens of well-wishers encouraging him to pull through.
“It’s terrible news,” he said of Maxi’s condition.
“We were speaking about him before the game (in Sligo) and could we go and get a result for him? Myself, the players, and the staff are all rooting for him and hope that he pulls through.
“He’s obviously in a difficult spot just now but we’re sending our support and our love and we hope that he pulls through.
“He’s a great character and he’s somebody who has been around training at times and is always there to lend his advice.
“We’re hoping that he pulls through and that he gets the help that he needs,” said Daly.
