Visitors run riot against outclassed United

Date Published: 21-Jul-2009

DUNDALK fans spent the last 20 minutes of Friday night’s game in Terryland Park taunting the small home following with chants of “Galway are going down” – more displays like this from United and that will unquestionably be their fate.

Additional Gardaí were drafted in for the game because of trouble with Dundalk fans when the two sides met back in March. There was no repeat on Friday night on the terraces, but it was a different matter on the pitch as the visitors simply ran riot against a pathetic United side.

Granted, United were missing three key players on the night, with Shane Guthrie, Jay O’Shea and Michael McGrath all missing out through suspension, but that does not excuse the lack of performance or passion from the home side.

Ian Foster noted in his programme notes that because of the absentees, the game “gives other squad members an opportunity to come in and impress”. It’s a pity none of them took that opportunity.

Garry Breen had a decent game in defence, and Barry Ryan didn’t really have much of a chance with any of Dundalk’s goals, but that was about it as Dundalk were in control from first whistle to last to make it four wins from five and continue their push up the table.

Tiernan Mulvenna gave Iarflaith Davoren a torrid time, and the United fullback got no support from Mark O’Toole.

Michael Collins and Chris Turner completely dominated Cian McBrien and John Russell in midfield, while Vinny Faherty and Alan Murphy – making only his second start of the season – rarely threatened
up front.

The fact that…