Noel King still believes he can oversee Dundalk’s escape from relegation despite a series of setbacks on Bank Holiday Monday.
The new Lilywhites boss had begun life back as a League of Ireland boss by beating Bohemians 1-0 and drawing 0-0 against Shelbourne but the basement side lost a tense Louth derby 2-1 to Drogheda United on Monday.
That loss opened up a five-point buffer for Drogs but wins elsewhere for Galway United, Waterford and Sligo Rovers also afforded gaps to others potentially getting dragged into the fight to avoid the direct drop into the First Division or the relegation playoff.
“Drogheda have extended the gap but there’s still 22 matches to go,” insisted the veteran coach.
“If we had won, it wouldn't have saved us; if we'd lost, it doesn't put us down.
“You might would have thought we might have been able to see it out for a point at 1-1 but you are not going to go through a season without getting defeated.
“It’s just run-of-the-mill stuff: we'll get going again and we’ll see how it pans out in Waterford on Friday.”
King has now had a chance to assess after going straight into a run of three games in 10 days following his shock appointment by new club owner Brian Ainscough.
“We’ve had a win, loss and draw,” he said, also confirming one his caretaker assistants Brian Gartland would return to his original role as head of football operations.
“Brian is a good lad and an experienced fella.
“In time he will have to do his other post as well, but maybe not just yet.
“I think we’re alright, I think we’ll be okay - I hope.
“It’s a good group and it’s about how we respond now.
“They are experienced players. You have to deal with defeats, you can’t go through a season without experiencing that. I don’t
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