Dundalk overcome Bray Wanderers to proceed to the 1/4 finals of the FAI Cup in a rain soaked Carlisle Grounds. Daryl Horgan's first goal since his return to the club is enough to see of the Seagulls. A Connor Malley first half penalty miss and a Daniel Kelly's 73rd minute effort which was cleared off the line are the only other major moments in a game where the elements didn't favour flowing football. As Derry City exit the competition at the hands of St Pats, Dundalk will now see the Cup as the most feasible route into European Football.

At first glance 4 points from 2 games against Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers should have Dundalk fans content, but as the race for European Qualification intensifies fans will remain concerned about defensive fragility of a team that conceded too easily and struggles to create chances. Ep 140 asks if Dundalk's current struggles are a temporary dip in form or a reflection of more deeply rooted issues.

With a mountain to climb after the 1st leg, Dundalk's defensive frailties surface again as visitors KA weather initial pressure before taking an early lead at Oriel Park. Despite goals from Greg Sloggett and John Martin the Lilywhites fail to find the quality to put KA under real pressure as the Icelanders maintain a 2 goal cushion for the majority of the tie. Focus now returns to upcoming crucial league games as the race for European football next season intensifies.

Defeat by KA in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League prompts a reflection on where Dundalk and the wider League of Ireland currently lies in the European pecking order and the factors which have seen the league go backwards in recent years regarding European competitiveness. While Stephen O'Donnell remains confident the tie is very much alive the Lilywhites face a tough, though not impossible task, to overcome a 2 goal deficit and earn a lucrative place in the next round.

Dundalk prevail in the FAI Cup first round against reigning Champions Shamrock Rovers in a display of immense grit and character. Despite having to endure over an hour with a man disadvantage the Lilywhites manage to protect Hayden Muller's first half goal to enter the hat for the next round in a morale boosting win prior to their midweek trip to Iceland. Ep 137 reflects on the a great day for Stephen O'Donnell's men in a week where things could get even better.

Dundalk see off the challenge of FCB Magpies with a 3-1 home victory to secure over €500,000 in prize money and a place in the next round against Icelandic 9th place side KA. With success in the first round and a winnable tie in the 2nd, Dundalk fans should be on a high, but Ep 136 is a somewhat downcast podcast, as questions remain regarding the quality of the display against minnow opposition as Dundalk face into a season defining week.

Episode 135 catches up on Dundalk FC's recent action with discussion of our Win, Lose and Draw combination against Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and FCB Magpies. We also look at the relatively underwhelming performances of other Irish teams in Europe in the first leg ties and who's likely to progress after this weeks matches. We also ask if the solution to our defensive midfield frailties might be sitting on the subs bench in the form of the recently returned Mayowa Animasahun?

Patrick Hoban breaks records and Drogheda hearts as he bags a brace to become Dundalk's all time leading goal scorer, before the 10 man Lilywhites comes from behind to earn a point against Pats on Monday. With 10 points taken from the last 12 fans should be optimistic, but Ep 134 discusses the inconsistency and frequent lack of quality that have been somewhat concealed by Dundalk's spirited fightbacks and strokes of good fortune.

Dundalk reach the international break by securing a comeback win away to Cork City. A Louie Annesley OG is redeemed by a Ryan O'Kane goal direct from a free kick before a rejuvenated Dundalk go on to dominate the second half snatching the lead with a John Martin header 5 minutes from time. We discuss how despite inconsistent form, the race from Europe is now on between Dundalk and 3 Dublin clubs, we also discuss the Acun Medya takeover of Shelbourne and the rumored comings and goings at Oriel park

A ying and yang weekend for Dundalk FC as the Lilywhites fail to land a glove on 10 man Shamrock Rovers in an away defeat at Tallaght before getting back to winning ways against basement club UCD in a game in which hatrick hero and club legend Patrick Hoban equaled Joey Donnelly's all time scoring record for Dundalk FC. Ep 132 also discusses the upcoming clash with Cork City and the prospect of losing a player to ITV's Love Island