Two David McMillan goals helped secure Dundalk's passage through to the third qualifying round of the Champions League as they drew 2-2 with Icelandic side FH Hafnarjordur. The Irish side progress on away goals (3-3).
Dundalk came out in the second half a team transformed, having trailed at the break through to Sam Hewson's wonderful opener. He played a delightful one-two to carve open the Dundalk defence and finished with a neat side-footed effort.
But the Lilywhites refused to wilt. They came out a totally different side after the interval and the Premier Division champions won a penalty just minutes after the restart. Ronan Finn's effort was saved.
David McMillan dragged them back into the game when his effort from distance flew past goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen and into the net.
The second came not long after that, Daryl Horgan played in a wonderful cross after beating his man down the left wing. He had the awareness to get his head up and pull it back for McMillan to strike low from six-yards.
Horgan atoned for his earlier miss in the game when he skipped by two challenges to race clear of the FH defence but his effort was straight at Nielsen.
Dundalk looked on top, their pressing and possession play seemed like it would be enough to see them through but they conceded late thanks to Kristjan Floki Finnbogason.
It was a nervy finished but they held on for the victory and now look forward to another tie against BATE Borisov who knocked them out of the competition last year.
"I felt for the last 25 minutes of the first half that we had a lot of good play and we were unlucky not to go in at least level," Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny told Eir Sport after tonight's game. "We had some good chances in the first half.
"We said at the break that it was only a matter of time before we cut these open. We looked like we had more energy... The second goal was a brilliant team goal.
"It's two-all but it's an away win and that's a big victory for us."
A very happy man! @DundalkFC boss Stephen Kenny reacts to tonight's massive win! #FHvDUN https://t.co/HmPEZ56aEU
— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 20, 2016
Re-cap!
Watch both the @DundalkFC goals, and the missed penalty from tonight's huge win in Europe! #FHvDUN https://t.co/aa3wmGoqnf— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 20, 2016
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