Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers feels their Unite The Union Champions Cup is in the balance heading into Monday's second-leg at Oriel Park.
Daniel Kelly was on target for the Lilwhites as the League of Ireland winners earned a 1-1 draw against Northern Irish Premiership champions Linfield at Windsor Park last night.
“It was a very enjoyable game, coming to a fantastic stadium here and playing Linfield was a great opportunity to get back on the pitch after last week,” Rogers told Dundalk's official website.
“With the disappointment of losing the cup final, it’s great to have another competition to look forward to. Usually you’d have a three month gap at the end of the season where you’d have to stew over it before you get back in, so I think the lads were grateful of the opportunity to get out and play a game tonight.
“We didn’t start as well as we would have liked but we came good in the second half and got the equaliser and really tried to push on and get the winner.
“I think for the neutrals looking in, it was probably an enjoyable game and obviously it’s good for neutrals when there’s goals in the game. It’s not so good for us goalkeepers but, all in all, I thought it was a pretty good game.
“I enjoyed playing in it and I’m sure the other lads did as well. Now it’s all setup nicely for the home leg on Monday.”
After the disappointment of last week’s cup final defeat to Shamrock Rovers – which denied Dundalk their treble dream – Rogers was glad to focus on another game rather than head off on holiday.
Now the 38-year-old shot-stopper – who signed a contract extension with the Lilywhites last month – is looking forward to the chance to round off the season in front of a big home crowd at Oriel Park on Monday night.
“I suppose we’ve been there before. We’ve had ups and downs in the cup final and it’s good to have a game and a training week, rather than thinking about it for a couple of weeks before going away,” said Rogers.
“Now at least we’ve another competition to play in and we’ve another opportunity on Monday to pick up some silverware and finish the season on a high."
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