Dundalk FC 1-2 Galway United: Report

Galway United recorded a 2-1 victory over Dundalk FC in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division at Oriel Park, with goals from Ed McCarthy and Kris Twardek enough to secure all three points despite a late Dundalk rally.

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The visitors made a bright start and opened the scoring after nine minutes. Goalkeeper Hugo Cunha's long kick-out was helped on by Stephen Walsh into the path of McCarthy, who took a touch before lifting an excellent finish over Enda Minogue.

Dundalk responded positively and enjoyed plenty of possession during the remainder of the first half. Ronan Teahan, Trevor Clarke and Bobby Burns all tested the Galway defence, while Daryl Horgan caused problems from the left wing. Galway also looked dangerous on the counter, with Minogue producing a fine save to deny Walsh from close range.

The Lilywhites continued to press after the restart, but Galway doubled their lead on 55 minutes. McCarthy's long throw created uncertainty in the Dundalk box and Anthony O'Connor kept the ball alive before picking out Twardek, who finished from close range.

Dundalk continued to search for a way back into the contest and threatened through Clarke, Burns and substitute Egor Vassenin. Their reward arrived five minutes from time when Declan McDaid won a free-kick just outside the area and Clarke curled an excellent effort beyond Cunha to reduce the deficit.

The hosts pushed forward in the closing stages and nearly found an equaliser when Burns' low cross reached Clarke at the far post, but the effort was blocked before it could reach the net. Clarke also had a late free-kick opportunity, but Cunha gathered comfortably as Galway held on for victory.

Dundalk FC: Enda Minogue; Aodh Dervin (Declan McDaid 59), Mayowa Animasahun, Rob Cornwall (Shane Tracey 71), Tom Grivosti (Harry Groome 59); Keith Buckley, Bobby Burns; Ronan Teahan (Egor Vassenin 71), Daryl Horgan, Trevor Clarke; Cian Dillon (Leo Gaxha 59).

Galway United: Hugo Cunha; Wasiri Williams, Anthony O'Connor, Gianfranco Facchineri; Jimmy Keohane, Leigh Kavanagh (Matty Wolfe 62) (Junior Thiam 90+5), Lee Devitt, Ed McCarthy; David Hurley; Kris Twardek (Frantz Pierrot 74), Stephen Walsh (Francely Lomboto 74) (Al-Amin Kazeem 90+5).

Referee: Mark Houlihan (Dublin) Attendance: 3,152.