Ward earns Dundalk a point in thriller against Sligo Rovers

Keith Ward's 92nd minute goal rescued a share the spoils for Dundalk against Sligo Rovers at Casey’s Field but the home side may well feel this was a missed opportunity to open up a proper gap in the race for third place and the final guaranteed spot in Europe next season.

It looked as though Stephen O’Donnell’s side would capitalise on St Patrick’s Athletic losing against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium when goals either side of half-time from Alfie Lewis and Ryan O’Kane cancelled out Frank Livvak’s opener.

However, an ultra-clinical Sligo took their chances, with two goals inside eight minutes in the closing stages from Aidan Keena and Max Mata to leave the Lilywhites on the brink of back-to-back home defeats.

But upped popped substitute Ward in stoppage time to deny John Russell’s side the win and ensure Dundalk’s points advantage over Pat’s is two with two games to go.

The home side started well on top, with Runar Hauge passing a big chance to break the deadlock inside the opening three minutes when John Mountney’s free-kick dropped kindly for him in the box, but the Norwegian couldn’t keep his effort down.

David McMillan then headed just over before teeing up Hauge for another chance on 11 minutes but the on-loan Hibs man delayed too much, allowing Nando Pijnaker to get across and block.

Dundalk then had a let-off on 20 minutes when Lewis Macari almost put the ball into his own net when he chested past Nathan Shepperd in his attempt to deny Keena an opening.

It looked destined to be an own goal but the grandson of the legendary Lou Macari recovered well to hook it off the line.

Sligo would take the lead two minutes later as the hosts switched off from a corner. Kailin Barlow was unlucky not to make his full debut with a