Utd effort goes unrewarded as late goal seals points for hosts

Date Published: 14-Mar-2011

Dundalk 3

Galway United 2

Cian O’Connell

On a wicked Friday night at Oriel Park, Galway United departed with the valiant, plucky losers tag manager Sean Connor hates. A smashing encounter, sprinkled with goals and honest football ended in a cruel defeat as Dundalk eked out a win after United had twice fought back to equalise.

Ultimately all of United’s effort was in vain as an avoidable 86th minute goal from Shane Guthrie ensured a typically passionate Louth audience furiously celebrated their first League success of what promises to be a lively campaign. It was a tad harsh on the visitors, who had contributed so much to an eventful tussle, that they made the long trek home without any tangible reward.

Though United didn’t take any points, there was plenty to admire in the diligent and determined manner they examined the character of a Dundalk outfit that is blessed with decorated performers in Irish football. Any squad containing Colin Hawkins, Mark Quigley, and Jason Byrne has to be deemed serious contenders for all the silverware that is available, but United’s less heralded side competed with the necessary bite and bark.

Shaun Kelly’s invention and Karl Moore’s sparkling wing play were the main sources of United optimism on an evening which also marked a welcome return to top flight action for Alan Murphy. Though United went away empty-handed, there was a real doggedness to the display that suggests Connor has forged a battling spirit with a team that was cobbled together so briskly.

From the first whistle it was apparent that this would be a fixture dripping with goalmouth action. The artificial Oriel surface can be tricky when rain falls with such venom, and two minutes in United carved the home defence open when Gary Curran’s clever pass released Karl Moore, but Dundalk custodian Paul Murphy made a decent save.

Unsurprisingly, United were adopting a physical approach which annoyed the locals. Shaun Kelly clattered into Ross Gaynor after five minutes and was booked for the meaty challenge. Then Moore nailed Daniel Kearns moments later on the far side as United sought to disturb Dundalk’s passing style. It was certainly working as United moved the ball sharply forward into the channels where the willing Joseph Yoffe craved involvement.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.