Dundalk are within touching distance of the Europa League group stage tonight, following a dramatic finale defeating Sheriff Tiraspol on penalties.
Sheriff are the dominant force in their domestic league and have reached the group stage of the Europa League on four occasions, so this one-off match was never going to be a straight forward task for Fillipo Giovagnoli's men.
Veaceslav Posmac made the task appear tall, if not insurmountable, as he rose to head the home side into the lead after only eight minutes after a corner from the right.
https://twitter.com/DundalkFC/status/1309240849398718465?s=20
Sean Gannon only lasted another four minutes and had to leave the field with an injury, but Dundalk stayed in the game and as half-time approached, the moment that would change the night came, when a ball in to the box was met by the advancing Sean Murray who found the back of the net.
Dundalk had the better of the second-half chances and a disallowed goal in the second half. With extra time came some moments of pressure from the home side, but Dundalk remained compact and the match entered the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
Gary Rogers saved to put Sheriff on the back foot, before captain Chris Shields sent Dundalk through to set up a meeting with Ki Klaksvik of the Faroe Islands.
Life under Giovagnoli, continues to flourish.
The Season Ticket is now accepting donations. For the one-off cost of a coffee or pint, you can help us to expand our audience and content offering.