United crash out of FAI Cup as set pieces haunt them again

Galway United 1              

Dundalk 4

Cian O’Connell reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

AN FAI Cup tie which started so promisingly eventually ended up being an exercise in damage limitation for an understrength Galway United outfit which were soundly defeated by Dundalk at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday.

Jake Keegan’s 11th minute goal provided United with hope before the chronic and lingering issue of failing to adequately deal with set pieces proved costly. Two of Dundalk’s four goals arrived courtesy of delightful Darren Meenan deliveries which completely flummoxed the home team which weren’t able to cope.

Unsurprisingly, Dundalk punished such hesitancy as Brian Gartland’s headed equaliser was quickly followed by Richie Towell and Paddy Barrett goals before the break. Seven minutes from time, impressive right back Sean Gannon sealed the deal with a blistering strike as an honest United performance culminated in a heavy loss.

Few would dispute the gulf in quality and physicality between the two teams, but it was such a pity that the three goals United leaked in the first half were so soft. After the restart Dundalk’s football and passing was slick, but even by that stage sufficient damage had been inflicted.

Despite the reversal, United could locate crumbs of comfort in the reversal as so many youngsters gained experience against a Dundalk side which is 10 points clear in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. Stephen Kenny has constructed a fine squad which had enough drive, desire, and depth to rest a string of regulars.

There was still an imposing cut to the Dundalk starting XI and within 30 seconds Ger Hanley had to be alert when making a save from Towell. United were earnest from the outset as David O’Leary battled manfully in the centre of park, while Enda Curran flashed a ninth minute volley wide.

Amazingly considering the lengthy and considerable absentee list, United still pinched the lead in the 11th minute. Gary Shanahan’s right wing cross was on the money enabling Keegan to nod Galway ahead. Could another August Cup win over Dundalk at the Dyke Road venue be posted?

Initially United were compact and cool enough, but the Lilywhites were back trading on terms in the 23rd minute. Brian Gartland supplied a deft, glancing header to a Meenan free-kick ensuring United were left reflecting on what might have been.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.