Galway United inflict losing start on Jon Daly at Dundalk

TOUGH START: Dundalk manager Jon Daly applauds supporters after the game. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Evan Logan

Galway United 2 Dundalk 0

Jon Daly got a stark insight into the task at hand in his second day on the job as his side succumbed to two set-piece goals at Eamonn Deacy Park.

There was a spell in the third quarter when the visitors pressed for an equaliser and showed some spirit. Otherwise, they were outmuscled by their hosts who enjoyed a satisfying night.

The significance of the win for the home supporters was in creating a 15-point cushion over the bottom-placed Louth side. The outside narrative has long suggested the Tribesmen would be safe, that is now starting to be felt Corribside.

To their credit, the visitors settled well and had a couple of half-chances from headers early. But it was United who controlled proceedings thereafter.

They felt thwarted by referee Mark Houlihan who had a prominent role cast upon him in the first quarter. The home crowd bayed for two penalties.

Stephen Walsh went down in a crowded goalmouth and minutes later Andy Boyle was accused of handball when blocking a goalbound effort. Neither claim swayed the official.

Aodh Dervin’s luck was lacking too in the 21st minute. A loose Zak Johnson header steered the Longford man through. His half volley cleared Ross Munro but not the bar.

The goal came eventually. An in-swinging corner from David Hurley fizzed towards the back stick. Munro made an attempt to clear out of the ruck, but his swinging arm wasn’t strong enough and he could only help it on its way to the net.

Galway United supporters after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Galway United and Dundalk at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

There were further uncomfortable moments at the back for the visitors. Walsh caused consternation and Dervin zipped around menacingly. However, the second goal never came before the break.

Jon Daly managed to seize the initiative for his side, sacrificing one of his back three for forward Cameron Elliot at the break.

They enjoyed their best spell in the third quarter and Jamie Gullan came closest for them with a strong shot from the edge of the box that flashed just wide.

Maurice Nugent settled the issue with a header from another corner in the 72nd minute. The lack of response from the visitors thereafter might have proved the most troubling to their new manager on the trip east.

United looked the more likely to add to their tally. Wassim Aouachria had Munro scrambling again when his lobbed cross bounced back off the bar.

Galway United: Clarke; Esua, Slevin. Brouder, Kazeem; Dervin (O’ Sullivan 62), Nugent (Buckley 81), McCormack, Hurley (Aouachria 62), McCarthy (Gaxha 85); Walsh.

Dundalk: Munro; Davies, Johnson, Boyle, Animasahun (Elliot 45), Mounteney (Muller 34); Horgan, Doyle (Kenny 81), Bradshaw; Durrant (O’ Kane 69 6), Gullan.

Referee: M Houlihan.