Michael Duffy channeled his inner Marco van Basten last night with a stunning goal as Dundalk advanced to the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
Dundalk led Levadia Tallinn 1-0 from the first leg away before last night’s return game at Oriel Park.
Patrick Hoban put the Lilywhites ahead and a moment of magic by Duffy in the 33rd minute put the game beyond the Estonians.
Duffy has been name checked by Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and his goal was a further feather in the cap.
“Michael Duffy’s goal was really a bit special, worth the admission money – goal of the season probably,” Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny said.
“It is a Marco van Basten-esque strike on his weaker foot. He’s right-footed and he hit it with his left foot coming at an incredible angle on the volley into the top corner. The technique was amazing and something you see very rarely.”
Levadia pulled a goal back through Roman Debelko, but Dundalk move onto a tie with AEK Larnaca from Cyprus.
Duffy signed for Dundalk last year after leaving Celtic. In Scotland, Duffy had loan spells at Alloa and Dundee.
Duffy played for Derry City before moving to Celtic. He played underage football at Kildrum Tigers and the Duffy family still have strong ties in St Johnston.
Pick that out! What a goal from Michael Duffy. @DundalkFC lead Levadia Tallinn 2-1 at Oriel Park (3-1 on aggregate) and you'll do very well to find a better finish anywhere in Europe tonight than this peach of a volley #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/ArDW8MxkAt
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 19, 2018
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