Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny watched his side roll back the years to take all three points against Waterford at Oriel Park on Friday night.
It looked like the Lilywhites were heading for their fourth scoreless draw of the season as the clock ticked into the 94th minute but Garry Comerford’s own goal finally broke Waterford’s resistance.
And, speaking afterwards, Kenny said that the last gasp win brought back happy memories from the club’s three title winning seasons between 2014 to 2016.
“Tonight there was a determination to get that goal,” he said. “It was synonymous with what we’ve been about here over the years.
“We’ve had a lot of changes this season but that was more of a performance that people have become accustomed to from us, the relentless nature to keep going, the passing and the ability to create chances.
“It takes ability to pass the ball under pressure,” he added. “The crowd just want you to get it forward. That’s all they want at that stage but you have to ignore it and have the courage in your own convictions and know what is right.
“Waterford had a good chance to score and go one-up on the break but Gary Rogers stood tall to make a good save. It would have been a travesty because we deserved to win the game and thankfully we did.”
Michael Duffy was the creator of the goal and Kenny said he was delighted with the former Celtic winger’s all round contribution.
“I thought it was a brilliant cross by Michael,” said Kenny. “Waterford defended their box really well but He had a very good second-half and showed great wing play.”
The victory lifts Dundalk into second place, one point behind league leaders Cork City who were held to a draw against Limerick at the Market Fields.
However, with Monday night’s game against Derry City postponed due to international call-ups, Kenny’s side aren’t back in action until next Saturday when they head west to face Sligo Rovers.
“I’d prefer if we were out again on Monday but there’s nothing we can do about it,” said Kenny. “We’ve played well and created lots of chances in our last three home games against Limerick, Cork and Waterford so we have to produce a good away display in Sligo next week.”
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