Dundalk 2
Galway United 0
DUNDALK AVENGED APRIL’S defeat to Galway United at Oriel Park tonight as goals from Dane Massey and Patrick McEleney either side of the break helped Stephen Kenny’s men to a straightforward 2-0 victory over the visitors.
While it was by no means a vintage showing from the champions, the minimum effort always looked as if it was going to be enough against a Galway side whose struggles look certain to continue.
The hosts dominated the opening period and Massey deservedly put them into the lead with a bullet header after 15 minutes. The left-back rose unchallenged at the front post to meet Michael Duffy’s sweet corner-kick.
Robbie Benson and David McMillan — who was chasing his 13th goal in his last 14 league games — had efforts on goal in subsequent attacks as the home side continued to dominate.
Although as the half progressed, the atmosphere died to an almost silent notch and it seemed to translate onto the pitch as the high tempo of Dundalk’s play gradually decreased.
Seán Hoare acrobatically shot off target from another pinpoint Duffy corner in the lead up to the break. That proved to be the final action of note in a disappointing opening half, where the visitors never once threatened the target.
Paddy Barrett headed a glorious opportunity over the top and McMillan shot at Conor Winn when through on goal as the second half began along the same lines as the first; with the Lilywhites in complete control.
Dundalk were still in need of a second goal though and when it arrived you could almost sense the sigh of relief from around Oriel Park.
McEleney was the source, his third strike in as many outings, as he punished Alex Byrne’s hesitancy in firing low past Winn.
The final third of the game settled back to a pedestrian pace with Galway content to continue their policy of containment despite trailing, and eventually losing, by a two-goal margin.
DUNDALK: Gary Rogers; Seán Gannon, Paddy Barrett, Sean Hoare, Dane Massey; Chris Shields, Robbie Benson; Michael Duffy (John Mountney 71), Patrick McEleney, Jamie McGrath (Thomas Stewart 84); David McMillan (Ciaran Kilduff 69).
GALWAY UNITED: Conor Winn; Colm Horgan, Lee Grace, Stephen Folan, Marc Ludden; Alex Byrne, Paul Sinnott; Gary Shanahan (Ronan Murray 71), Conor Melody (Aaron Conway 87), Kevin Devaney; Vinny Faherty (Owen McCormack 87).
Referee: Robert Harvey.
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