Updated at 06.00
Galway United 2
Dundalk 4
RICHIE TOWELL ENJOYED another hugely productive outing against Galway United as Dundalk moved nine points clear at the summit of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table.
Having scored a hat-trick when the teams last collided at Oriel Park in April, Towell added two more to his account in the west.
With Stephen O’Donnell, Richie Towell, and Ronan Finn controlling the midfield Dundalk dictated the opening period.
Stephen Kenny’s side crafted a string of chances as Galway goalkeeper Conor Winn was forced to make several fine saves.
David McMillan and Andy Boyle were both denied by Winn following smart approach work from the influential Darren Meenan.
Galway had an opportunity in the 17th minute as a Ryan Connolly free-kick found Enda Curran, who was thwarted by a Gary Rogers save.
But following a burst of pressure Dundalk eventually hit the front in the 35th minute when Towell netted a delightful free-kick.
Thirteen minutes after the restart Dundalk scored again when Dane Massey headed home a Darren Meenan corner.
Towell returned to centre stage with a vicious volley extending Dundalk’s lead further in the 67th minute.
Galway did rally as Enda Curran struck his 10th goal of the campaign with a neat free kick in the 74th minute.
Substitute Padraic Cunningham gave Galway further hope on 86 before Rogers saved from another replacement Gary Shanahan.
In stoppage time a trademark Dundalk counter attack sealed the deal as John Mountney bagged from close range.
Galway United: Conor Winn; Colm Horgan, Paul Sinnott, Stephen Walsh, Marc Ludden (Killian Cantwell, 81); Jake Keegan, Alex Byrne, David O’Leary (Padraic Cunningham, 62), Kevin Garcia (Gary Shanahan, 56); Ryan Connolly; Enda Curran.
Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle (Paddy Barrett, 72), Dane Massey; Darren Meenan, Stephen O’Donnell, Ronan Finn (Chris Shields, 76), Richie Towell, Daryl Horgan; David McMillan (John Mountney, 85).
Referee: Padraigh Sutton (Clare)