A stunning free-kick from Mark Kilgallen was enough to give Dundalk SL a share of the spoils against Sheffield United at Castlerock.
The Republic of Ireland outfit could have taken the lead inside the first 30 seconds as a long ball over the top found Tom Adeyinka but his effort was saved by Hugo Warhurst.
On 8 minutes, the Blades created their first chance as a cross from Joe Stanley was met by Jordan Doherty but the ‘keeper gathered the ball with ease. Doherty again was denied following a neat turn and shot which forced Mark Byrne into a smart save.
Dundalk had Byrne to thank moments later as Rodney Bruce ran through the defence with speed, but the ‘keeper was alert to go to ground and make an important intervention. The English outfit were starting to click into gear and Doherty again nearly scored but was denied by a goal line clearance from Jack McKenna.
On the stroke of half-time, Sheffield United nearly scored once again as Owen Clarke rose highest from a corner but he was denied via the keeper and defence.
Dundalk had the first chance of the second half as a cross from James Prendergast found Daniel Mullen but his header went wide.
Mark Byrne was having the game of his life and he denied Reon Potts following a great pass from Bruce.
Moments later, Byrne was there again to deny Doherty and had the reflexes to grab the ball at the second attempt as Potts was there to pounce the ball home.
The English League One outfit took the lead on 45 minutes as Owen Clarke received the ball inside the box and turned his marker before finishing with aplomb.
However, Dundalk drew level soon after as Kilgallen hit an unstoppable curling free-kick into the top corner that left Warhurst rooted to the spot.
Sheffield United chased a winner as Doherty whistled an effort just wide and Joe Redmond heading narrowly wide from a corner. In the dying stages, Cameron Hawkes flicked the ball into the path of Potts but Dundalk cleared as both sides had to settle for a point.
Sheffield United will feel disappointed not to secure all three points but will look to respond against Sydney United in Limavady. Meanwhile, Dundalk take on County Fermanagh at Anderson’s Park.
Jonathan McNabb