Dundalk in European mix after two late goals sink Bohs

The long-term future of Dundalk might be up in the air but late goals from Paul Doyle and Daniel Kelly against Bohemians at Oriel Park has given the Co Louth side an outside chance of Europe heading into the final day of the season next weekend.

The Lilywhites were forced to issue a statement on the eve of the game to say they are in ongoing investment talks which they hope to resolve soon.

One of the many stories to break from Oriel throughout the week was the news that captain and all-time leading goalscorer Patrick Hoban had been told he was free to find another club next season despite having a year left on his current deal.

The 32-year-old was benched by Stephen O'Donnell for the second week running but proved the game changer as he set up both goals for fellow substitutes Doyle and Kelly to see the Lilywhites leapfrog Bohs into fifth.

Declan Devine’s side are now outsiders for the race for fourth place, which Shelbourne currently lead, and may have to rely on winning the FAI Cup against St Patrick’s Athletic on November 12th to ensure their European place.

PREMIER DIVISION TABLE

The visitors almost took an instant lead on the 60 second mark with Jonathan Afolabi breaking through only to be denied at point blank range by Nathan Shepperd, who also frustrated him moments later.

Jordan Flores’ inswinging free on 19 minutes was then met by the unmarked Krystian Nowak but he couldn’t direct his effort on target.

There was then another let-off for the hosts three minutes later when Shepperd’s kick-out from a Greg Sloggett pass back was charged down by Dylan Connolly, who was unlucky to see the ball cannon off him and go wide.

Dundalk grew into the game as the half progressed and fashioned their first opening on 29 minutes when