Connor earns point on his return

Galway Utd 0 Dundalk 0

SEÁN CONNOR marked his return to Oriel Park by taking a well-earned point from his old employers, but the Galway boss will have made the long trip back to the west disappointed by not taking all three.

Galway produced a confident second-half display to outplay a lacklustre Dundalk who missed out on the opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the table. And but for some poor finishing the Tribesmen would have got the result to match their performance.

Ian Foster was able to call on injury doubts JJ Melligan, Tom Miller, Liam Burns and Garry Breen to start for the home side.

With second-placed St Patrick’s Athletics in Setanta Cup action, Dundalk knew a win would move them clear at the top. They started brightly, with Fahrudin Kuduzovic smashing over from the edge of the box after doing well to make the space for a shot.

Galway gradually established a foothold. Rhys Mennell headed over from a Cian McBrien free-kick and Anto Flood went within inches of putting them in the lead after 24 minutes, but the big striker’s close-range effort deflected just over the crossbar.

Dundalk finished the half strongly, but Ross Gaynor badly miscued a right-footed volley.

The winger fared better minutes later, delivering a lovely cross to Melligan but his glancing header just cleared the post.

Melligan had the best chance of the half just after the half hour. Neale Fenn showed great control and vision to tee him up from 18 yards but Galway goalkeeper Barry Ryan stood tall to save brilliantly with his legs.

Flood tested Cherrie with a blistering drive five minutes into the half and it proved the launchpad for an assured display from Connor’s visiting side.

Gary Curran had Dundalk hearts fluttering with a crisp drive that beat Cherrie but not the post, the shot coming on the end of a well-worked move started by Karl Sheppard.

Cian McBrien then waltzed past Alan Cawley on the edge of the box but just couldn’t put any venom into his attempt.

DUNDALK:Cherrie; Kelly, Burns, Garry Breen, Hatswell; Miller, Cawley (McGowan, 68 mins); Kuduzovic, Melligan, Gaynor; Fenn (Mulvenna, 84 mins).

GALWAY UNITED:Barry Ryan; Connelly (Heary, 53 mins), Sinnott, McKenzie, Meynell; Bobby Ryan, Curran, Foley, McBrien (Creaney, 70 mins); Flood (King, 85 mins), Sheppard.

Referee:Anthony Buttimer (Cork).