Dundalk will be hoping for a commanding performance from Richie Towell as they look for victory over Cork City in the final game of the season to claim the league title. Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE

The Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny is refusing to indulge in self-pity after a farcical night on Friday saw his team lose top spot in the League of Ireland title race.

Having spent nearly five months on top of the table, Dundalk slipped to second place after failing to overcome Bray, and the treacherous weather conditions, at the Carlisle Grounds.

They now have to weather a different kind of storm next Friday when they meet the League's new leaders, Cork City, at Oriel Park in their final game of the season with a simple equation in front of the two sides - Cork need a draw to secure their first title since 2005, while Dundalk require a victory to end their 19-year wait for Irish football's biggest prize.

"Listen, I haven't encountered a game like that in years, since the old winter football days, when the wind was an absolute lottery," said Kenny.

"Most of the players wouldn't have encountered it, a match where the goalkeeper clears it from his own box and the ball goes back over his own head for a corner.

"Some were suggesting the game should have been postponed but I've never heard of a game stopped by wind. And, look, the league table doesn't state that on a certain date the pitch was unplayable and the wind was a nightmare. It just gives the facts and figures.

"We drew the game and we have to make sure we get it right for next Friday and give it everything.

"The draw in Bray was a kick in the teeth for us and I won't deny that. Still, we have to react in the right way this week."

Kenny has done just that before. Over a decade ago, when managing Bohemians, he was placed in a similar scenario, when Shelbourne had cut into the sizeable lead his side had built at the summit.

Then, when facing into the eye of a storm, Bohs defeated Shels 1-0 at Tolka Park and secured the title.

Other seasons have been less kind, however. In 2005, Kenny took his Derry City team to Turner's Cross for the last game of the season needing a draw to secure the championship. Cork won.

"I have experienced both sides of it and think we are well capable of beating anyone home or away on our day when we play to our full potential. We have to get ready for Friday," he said.

"At the moment we are all disappointed. But by Friday we will have only one focus and that's on winning the game. Still, you would rather be in the other position - I won't lie to you."

Indo Sport