Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers broke the European appearance record by an Irish domestic player when he played in the 1st leg of their UEFA Champions League 2nd qualifying round tie against Qarabag last night.
Rogers 37, started off his European run as part of the St. Patrick’s Athletic‘s team in 2009, which saw the club reach the 2009-10 Europa League play-off round, keeping clean sheets against Maltese side Valletta and Krylia Sovetov.
Last night was his 42nd game in European competition, passing both Ollie Cahill and Owen Heary who have 41.
The game didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts, as Dundalk found themselves 1-0 down after only four minutes, thanks to a deflected header from Mahir Medatov. But credit to the home, they battled back well in the second half and got their rewards when striker Patrick Hoban equalised with twelve minutes to go.
Dundalk had their chances to take a lead to Azerbaijan next week, but efforts from substitute Georgie Kelly, Patrick McEleney, Dane Massey and Michael Duffy missed the target.
You can watch highlights of the match by clicking on the following link;
https://twitter.com/dundalkfc/status/1154139287694262278?s=21
All in all a satisfactory result, one which leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg.
Photo Credit: Getty Images (Sportsfile) Ben McShane