Dundalk have lost 1-0 against Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia in the first leg of their third round Europa League qualifier.
David Holman scored the only goal of the game four minutes from time to give Bratislava the advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Tallaght.
Dundalk almost scored a crucial equalizer in stoppage time when John Mountney’s header from Jamie McGrath’s cross struck the underside of the crossbar.
Gary Rogers was once again superb, making save after save as Bratislava asserted their dominance on home soil.
The hosts also had three separate penalty claims, but Vinny Perth’s visitors survived each scare.
Slovan controlled possession in the early stages, putting pressure on Dundalk in the Slovakian heat.
Michael Duffy forced Dominik Greif into a smart save during a rare Dundalk attack on the half hour mark.
Rogers and Andy Boyle goth produced great blocks five minutes into the second half to deny Slovan the breakthrough, with Jurji Medvedev eventually firing a rebound into the side-netting.
Pat Hoban found McGrath in the box just after the hour mark, but the midfielder’s strike was tame.
Andraz Sporar and Myenty Abena forced Rogers into good saves before Slovan eventually took the lead on 86 minutes.
Holman was in the right place st the right time to finish after Dejan Drazic’s shot hit the post.
Dundalk pushed for a late leveller, but return to Ireland 1-0 down on aggregate.
It’s all to play for next week.
FULL TIME: Slovan Bratislava 1-0 Dundalk. Agg 1-0. David Holman's 86th minute goal proves the difference in Slovakia, but Dundalk will hope to turn things around in Tuesday's second leg at the Tallaght Stadium.#LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/3sjsY0A9pI — eir Sport (@eirSport) August 7, 2019
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