Late first-half goals from Ross Gaynor and Garry Breen, and a fine midfield performance from Tom Miller, extended Dundalk’s winning sequence to six matches as they defeated local rivals Monaghan United 2-0 at Gortakeegan on Friday night. The Lilywhites were on top for long periods and a late flurry at the end of the opening half was enough to secure victory, their first at the ground in six visits and almost four years.

Malsom effort
Monaghan caused little threat throughout the first half as it was Dundalk who took the initiative, and Sam Malsom, signed earlier in the day, almost marked his return to the jersey with a goal. However, after finding himself in a good position inside the area his effort was blocked by the last defender. It was the story of the first 40 minutes for Ian Foster’s side, but they eventually made their possession count shortly before the break as they hit the hosts with two well-worked goals.

Quick-fire double
Dundalk went ahead three minutes before the break when JJ Melligan, who scored the winner against Derry City last weekend, this time turned provider as he broke the offside trap down the right wing before delivering from the by-line to the back post where Gaynor was on hand to finish with a diving header and grab his third goal of pre-season. Then on the stroke of half-time they doubled their advantage as Stephen Maher’s fine pass into the box landed at the feet of Neale Fenn before breaking to Breen on the left who netted well at the ‘keeper’s near post.

Further threat
Dundalk could have added further goals in the second half through Gaynor and Melligan, while Matt Gregg had to be alert at the other end as he tipped over well in the only real scare to his clean sheet. The quick-fire double at the end of the first half, though, was enough to give the Louth club their first win at the venue since July 2006. It also extends Foster’s unbeaten reign as manager to seven games ahead of next Friday’s league kick-off against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

Man of the Match: TOM MILLER (Dundalk) - The standout performer in another solid performance from Dundalk.

DUNDALK FC: Matt Gregg; Shaun Kelly (Alan Cawley 68), Liam Burns (Ciarán McGuigan 68), Garry Breen (Michael Coburn 68), Wayne Hatswell (Jason Mok 77); JJ Melligan, Stephen Maher (Michael Synnott 77), Tom Miller, Ross Gaynor (Nathan Murphy 77); Sam Malsom (Kyle Moran 68), Neale Fenn (Johnny Breen 77).

Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).