DFC | Benson knows that Dundalk FC need to get their show going on the road
Lilywhites head to Limerick’s Market Field on Friday night
Robbie Benson knows that Dundalk must start winning on the road if they are to have any chance of reeling in league leaders Cork City — beginning with this Friday night’s trip to Limerick.
The Lilywhites cut the gap on the Leesiders to 13 points with a confidence boosting 4–0 win over Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park last Friday night.
However, their form on the road has been a real cause for concern with Stephen Kenny’s side losing five of their seven away games this season, picking up just six points from a possible 21.
Leinster Senior Cup quarter-final | Dundalk FC 6–0 Thomastowndundalksport.ie
“It was a great win for us against Sligo, especially after the two defeats away from home,” said Benson.
“Our form at Oriel Park has been very good and, aside from the Bray debacle, we’ve really played well here but we really need to get ourselves right when we’re on the road now, starting with Limerick on Friday.”
The trip to the Market’s Field is followed by a home game against Derry City four nights later.
A Patrick McEleney wonder goal gave Dundalk a win against the Blues in the first series of games but they were beaten 3–1 by the Candstripes three days later and Benson said the champions cannot afford to make the same slip up this time around.
“The last time we played Limerick and then Derry we dropped three points on the road in Buncrana, he recalled.
“It’s very difficult to keep your level of consistency up when you play so many games in a tight space of time but having the second game against Derry at home should make a big difference to our energy levels.”
The game against Sligo Rovers was Benson’s first since he tore a hamstring in the 2–1 defeat against Cork City on March 25th. The former UCD man played 88 minutes and, thankfully, suffered no ill effects afterwards.
SSE Airtricity League | Dundalk FC 4–0 Sligo Roversdundalksport.ie
“I felt alright and had no problems,” he said. “I wasn’t sharp enough in the mind but that’s the norm when you come back from a long lay-off. That will ease itself out over time and a run of games will do me the world of good.
“The game against Sligo was one of the first nights where we had a big squad available,” he added. “
“Winning is a consequence of what you do day-to-day and we need to get ourselves right to put us in a position to win games consistently.
“There aren’t too many players who have played a run of games and that can take its toll so hopefully everybody can stay fit now and we can build some momentum.”
