Player Ratings: Dundalk 3 - 1 KI Klaksvik (October 1, 2020)

Andrew Dempsey reports from the Aviva Stadium

Dundalk have reached the Group Stages of the Europa League for the second time in their history thanks to a 3-1 playoff win over Faroes KI Klaksvik.

Sub Daniel Kelly of course made the game safe in the 79th minute as he coolly slotted home on the counter-attack, but the Lilywhites must thank their goalkeeper Gary Rogers for making a string of big saves.

Greg Sloggett and Sean Murray also impressed in the middle of the park for Dundalk, and Brian Gartland rolled back the years to help calm his side down at crucial junctures of the game as KI threatened.

All in all, it was a good night for Dundalk, but they will be acutely aware that bigger tests lie in waiting as the Europa League Group Stage draw takes place tomorrow lunchtime.

Gary Rogers 8.5/10

Had a quiet game by all accounts up the hour mark, but he was forced into action after Dundalk took a two-nil lead. He could not do much for the KI opener and he made a vital save to keep the game at 2-1. He made a crucial stop to deny Odmar Faero’s close-range header going in during the 81st minute after Dundalk went 3-1 up.

Sean Hoare 7/10

Launched the ball into the box that Patrick Hoban headed into the path of Sean Murray to give Dundalk the lead. Went forward when he could but didn’t have an awful lot to do during the game. Solid is the word.

Brian Gartland 7.5/10



Had a quiet enough opening half as Dundalk stood firm to a number of KI Klaksvik set pieces and helped bring a sense of calmness to the fore when Dundalk struggled in the second-half.

His clearance off the line to deny Jakup Andreasen would prove crucial as the game went on into its latter stages.

Daniel Cleary 6.5/10

Was caught out in possession early on in the game once or twice but the former Liverpool youth did well to compose himself as the first-half wore on. Scored a vital goal to make it 2-0 on the night.

Darragh Leahy 6.5/10

Was a real threat at times during the first-half and had precious little to do in a defensive setting. Continued to impress in the second half – albeit in a less prevalent way.



Greg Sloggett 7.5/10

Impressed during an all-action first-half display. Struggled at times to get going in the second ball but all in all it was a good performance from the former UCD midfielder who filled the boots vacated by Chris Shields quite well.

Sean Murray 8/10

Scored the opening goal of the night and set up Daniel Kelly who wrapped up the win for Dundalk in the 79th minute. The former Watford midfielder stepped up to the plate in Europe again for Giovagnoli’s charges and his contributions were just as important as his goalkeeper’s.  

Patrick McEleney 6.5/10

Oozed class at times to relieve Dundalk of the unnecessary pressure they were subjecting themselves to. Faded a bit during the second-half before being replaced by John Mountney ten minutes from time.

Michael Duffy 6.5/10

Not exactly as effective as he usually is, but Dundalk’s Michael Duffy certainly put a shift in for the Lilywhites on Thursday evening. Breezed past Joannes Danielsen on several occasions but often lacked that final ball.

Patrick Hoban 7/10

Proved a real focal point to the Dundalk attack while on the pitch for the 70-odd minutes that he was on for. Barring a few headers, he didn’t look like scoring himself, but he did get two important flick-on’s to grab two goals for the Lilywhites.

Stefan Colovic 6.5/10

Colovic proved to be a real livewire in the Dundalk attack until he was taken off and replaced by Daniel Kelly. Was good at times, although he did go quiet at other times.

Daniel Kelly 7.5/10

Took his goal well after being found by Sean Murray’s pass. Used his fresh legs to his advantage and earned plenty of praise by both his teammates and coaching staff late on when he won a corner-kick.

David McMillan 6/10

Worked hard following his introduction but didn’t do an awful lot both with or without the ball.

John Mountney N/A

Not on long enough to rate.