Dundalk win goal fest

Linfield 3 Dundalk 5

Daniel Kearns scored a hat-trick as Mark Quigley rowed in with a brace as Dundalk take a two goal lead into the return of their Setanta Sports Cup first round clash after a rousing win at Windsor Park.

Dundalk survived the early Blues’ pressure to take the lead against the run of play on 31 minutes.

New signings Jason Byrne and Mark Quigley interchanged passes to put Daniel Kearns in on goal and the winger ran on to shoot past keeper Alan Blayney.

Linfield deservedly levelled on 43 minutes when Peter Thompson slotted home a penalty after Nathan Murphy pulled down BJ Burns.

Dundalk regained the lead on 54 minutes when Ross Gaynor’s right wing cross wasn’t dealt with and Quigley shot home.

Another penalty had Linfield level nine minutes later, however. Colin Hawkins fouled Thompson, and while Peter Cherrie parried the spot kick, Robert Garrett followed up to score.

Quigley got his second of the night with a stunning 20 yard volley on 75 minutes, but the goals kept coming.

Chris Allen pulled a third goal back for Linfield, before Kearns completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to earn Dundalk a terrific win.