Soccer

Dundalk celebrate as Galway pick up valuable point

Stephen Kenny made a number of changes and Galway took advantage

Galway players applaud the Dundalk team onto the pitch after Stephen Kenny’s side won their second consecutive title last week. Photo: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Galway players applaud the Dundalk team onto the pitch after Stephen Kenny’s side won their second consecutive title last week. Photo: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Gavin McLaughlin
Fri Oct 16 2015 - 22:27

Dundalk 0-0 Galway United

Galway United edged closer to safety after leaving the home of the champions with what could be a hugely valuable point.

With the league title already in the bag, Stephen Kenny made a number of changes to his starting XI. Richie Towell was the biggest absentee, the league’s top scorer laid low by a bout of pleurisy during the week.

Dundalk lacked their normal cutting edge, coming closest to breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute when John Mountney saw a rasping 18-yard drive crack the inside of Conor Winn’s left hand post.

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The Tribesmen showed signs of intent themselves and Gabriel Sava had to parry a powerful Jake Keegan drive away just before the half-time whistle.

Kenny turned to the reinforcements on his bench in the second half and substitute Daryl Horgan went past a couple of challenges on the 18-yard line before driving a blistering half volley against Winn’s post.

Play then switched to the other end and Andy Boyle had to make a fantastic last ditch block to stop Gary Shanahan from sweeping the ball home from close range.

Dundalk: Sava; Mountney (Gannon HT), Barrett, Boyle, Grimes; Shields, O'Donnell; Meenan, Finn (McMillan 77), Maguire (Horgan 61); Kilduff.

Galway United: Winn; Horgan, Walsh, Oji, Ludden; Sinnott, O'Leary; Shanahan, Connolly, Saarelma (Melody 87); Keegan.

Referee: Tomas Connolly.

Attendance: 3,122.