Galway United 1
Dundalk 1
Caomhán O’Connell reports from Eamonn Deacy Park
A LATE EQUALISER from Eoin Kenny in the 96th minute might have more consequence at the top end of the table than the bottom, but will help to keep Drogheda United honest in the run-in.
It salvaged a point for Dundalk who probably merited it for a gutsy performance.
Standing Room Only was the Galway United supporter’s fanzine in the early 1990s, a light jibe at the former facilities in Terryland Park. On the 30th anniversary of the ground’s redevelopment, it was once again the case as the Galway public packed Eamonn Deacy Park in hope and some expectation of something special.
The football in the early stages might have felt familiar to veteran fans as there was plenty of blood and thunder in the middle. Paul Doyle laid down the biggest marker on Conor McCormack when he was cautioned in the 10th minute.
Dundalk did boss the opening half-hour but created few clearcut chances after Robbie Benson’s fouth minute header was straight at Brendan Clarke.
The home team eventually got to grips with the contest and they broke the deadlock with a header from Patrick Hickey, who bustled free and steered home sub Karl O’ Sullivan’s cross.
The tide had turned by that time as Hickey had threatened, as well as Stephen Walsh, in the lead up to the goal.
There was more fluency after the turnaround. Dundalk asked questions, with subs Normann Garbett and Dara Keane both coming very close to an equaliser. Keane’s header was turned off the line by Killian Brouder.
Garbett’s opposite number O’Sullivan could just as easily have made it two; Ross Munro just managing an outstretched foot to turn his deflected shot wide.
Dundalk’s spirit was notable and they continued to carry a threat on the counter.
Another sub, Eoin Kenny — son of former Ireland and current St Pat’s manager Stephen — had the best chance for the Lillywhites but he couldn’t provide the finish during a goalmouth scramble.
He made amends shortly after for a costly draw from a home perspective.
Galway United: Clarke; Horgan, Buckley, Brouder, Cunningham; Keohane, Borden (Hurley 70), McCormack, Hickey (Slevin 84, , McCarthy (O’ Sullivan 27); Walsh
Dundalk: Munro; Mountney, Boyle, Cann, Keogh (Kenny 80); Horgan (O’ Kane 74), Dervin, Ooostenbrink (Hakiki 74), Doyle (Garbett 45), Benson (Keane 45); Gullan
Referee: E O’ Shea.
First Division Results
- UCD 1-1 Bray
- Cobh Ramblers 2-1 Kerry
- Cork City 1-1 Treaty United.
Matt doherty starting. Anyone want my ticket?
@Dave Moran: take it easy, he’s on the comeback through rough times.
@Dave Moran: Mother of God ,anyway I’ve an idea bring back Bazunu and play Kelleher outfield ?
@Dave Moran:
@Dave Moran:
Be better off playing Pierce Doherty
@Brian Keogh: Gemma Doherty ,she’d vex someone anyway…
Ireland are back! Like trump
@Buster Lawless: do you have to infect every article?
@ecrowley ecrowley: we are together
@ecrowley ecrowley: you old crow
@ecrowley ecrowley: he even comments at 2 in the morning
@ecrowley ecrowley: MIGA
@Dermot Blaine: the dedication to spasticity is admirable.
@ecrowley ecrowley: Tooooo harsh ,if it’s too hot ,get out of the kitchen.
As a rule I NEVER have a punt on IRELAND in soccer…… but tonight the devil’s lured me in with the ‘special offer’– 9/4 on the double– England and Ireland both to win… threw a twenty at it!!
@Frank Mc Carthy: You might just have hit the jackpot tonight Frank.
@Ray Ridge: new BMW 5 series looks tasty, lol
@Frank Mc Carthy: Well deserved if you win Frank. Good luck, a great bet.
@Frank Mc Carthy: You might have to settle for a new BMX, Frank.
@Ray Ridge: these Finish lads aren’t that bad, looking likely another 20euro to bet365 Christmas party
@Frank Mc Carthy: The width of the post, Frank. Ireland will knick a winner 2nd half.
@Ray Ridge: Ray…..got a bad feeling we’re looking at a nil all result
@Frank Mc Carthy: aged well
@Frank Mc Carthy: Told you Frank. It was going to be Irelands night especially after Finland hitting the post on two occasions.
@Frank Mc Carthy: YES!!!!!!! Tasty header from Ferguson
@Frank Mc Carthy: a few grand you should win, great prediction well done
@Frank Mc Carthy: Nice!!!!! Great win for Ireland…… the brits made short work of the Greeks
@Frank Mc Carthy: Brave man ,congratulations.
@Frank Mc Carthy: Well done, Frank. Off to a showroom near you tomorrow!!
@Ray Ridge: maybe steak instead of pizza friday, lol
@Frank Mc Carthy: I’ll have to make do with aldi burgers!
On the boys in green
If we avoid defeat today, it would pretty mean that we are guaranteed to qualify for the next Euros as it would keep us ahead of Northern Ireland in the nations league (2 automatic qualifying spots for host nations). We’d then just need England and one of Scotland or Wales to qualify automatically, presuming we don’t. So saying all of that, my prediction is 2-0 Finland
@Dave Moran: not necessarily. If we come
Third we are into a playoff with second in league C so still could get relegated.
@Dave Moran: didnt age well
@Dave Moran: Infairness your consistent Dave, whether it is rugby or football, your predictions are predictably brutally wrong. Impressive that you are completely clueless about both sports.
A win for Ireland tonight and think we go back up to 8th in world rankings. Good progression.
@Buster Lawless: 8th in the world?
@Buster Lawless: 8th in the vicinity of western Europe heading out to the Atlantic
Warm up for the rugby tomorrow night. Like the minors before the senior game.
@Tom tom: That went really well there last week Tom?
God help us with Cullen and knight
@Tom Tom, another pointless friendly tomorrow night in a minority sport. Not sure what is worse been poor at football or been very good at Rugby and not making in past a quarter final and let’s face it only about 7 or 8 countries take Rugby seriously.
@WFVedF99: Minority or not minority sport at least one gets the opportunity to represent Ireland.
@WFVedF99: being*
Is O’Shaughnessy related to Niall Quinn?
Useless
Turned over to the match to do a quick catch up. Oh Jaysus!
3 points is 3 points. Couldn’t have asked for more, COYBIG