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Galway United 1 Dundalk 0
Thursday, 12 March 2009 21:36

This Terryland Park was always going to be monitored with interest as Galway United and Dundalk endured differing opening night experiences.

Galway’s shock success in Inchicore injected confidence and hope into a young squad, and a large crowd gathered on the banks of the Corrib to see how they would cope with a new look Dundalk.

And armed with the knowledge that Galway had never previously defeated a team managed by Sean Connor Dundalk were determined to put some points on the board.

Having watched their players produce competent performances on the first night of the season managers Ian Foster and Sean Connor resisted the temptation to tinker as both named the same starting XI’s.

Early on Dundalk probed for openings with Chris Turner impressive in the centre of the park, while George O’Callaghan carried an attacking threat.

Still for all Dundalk’s early industry they didn’t threaten Barry Ryan in the first half hour as a long range Turner free-kick on 23 minutes whistled wide.

With the interval looming Galway became more competitive and might have pinched the lead, but Chris Bennion saved a Cian McBrien effort.

After the restart Galway enjoyed a purposeful spell and Vinny Faherty’s 54th minute header hit the crossbar.

Dundalk were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute when Simon Kelly was sent off for a second caution after hauling down Derek O’Brien.

The drama continued, and Galway hit the front in the 82nd minute when Gary Breen proved the unlikely match winner with a bundled finish past Bennion after a Jay O’Shea free-kick had caused panic in a packed area.



Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Breen, Guthrie, Daveron; O’Shea, McBrien (Edwards, 76), Kelly, McGrath, O’Brien; Faherty (Murphy, 86).


Dundalk: Bennion; Simon Kelly, Burns, Heary, Rogers; Shaun Kelly (Mulvenna, 46, McGinley, 76), Daly, Turner, Singh; O’Callaghan; O’Brien (Mansaram, 46).


Referee: M Gough (Limerick).
 
 
 
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