"We're frustrated," said Kevin, speaking after the final whistle at Oriel Park. "Especially with the manner of the second goal from a set-piece. A couple of our boys switched off and that can be the difference when you play half-decent teams. They take their chances. We're disappointed in that respect but there were a lot of positives to take from the game."

The game went from back to front constantly, with both sides creating chances. Kevin acknowledged that this was a great game for his team to play in.

"That was their first team and it was a really good test. The was a good tempo to the game and I was really impressed with lots of aspects of our game. The result doesn't really reflect the game I don't think.

"We had a very good first half. In the second half they came out slightly different and it was more of an even game. The first half was fantastic, we controlled the tempo and looked after the ball really well then we created some good chances."

Jaakko Oksanen made his debut in Brentford colours, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Ali Coote in the midfield. Kevin told iFollow what to expect from his new signing.

"He's only just turned 17 so he's very young and you can see that on the ball he's got very good ability. Athletically, he's good as well. It will take him a while to learn how we play, how we press and what we want from him but the little cameo was okay."

Looking ahead to Saturday's game with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght, Kevin wants his team to be ready for another test.

"We've got to take confidence," he said. "Dundalk are a very good team in the Irish League and up next is Shamrock. We've got to take confidence from the way we played and hopefully get a good result Saturday."