Dundalk 4 Galway United 1:DUNDALK EASED into the fourth round with a convincing win over struggling Galway United at Oriel Park yesterday.

Ian Foster’s side opened brightly but Galway goalkeeper Greg Fleming did well to parry the ball wide from a Marc Griffin shot.

Galway took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute through Alan Murphy but Dundalk levelled seven minutes later when Dean Bennett headed to the net. Dundalk took the lead into the break when Johnny Breen dinked a beautiful finish over Fleming.

Dundalk were denied a penalty on 73 minutes when referee Paul Tuite waved play on despite Shaun Maher holding a chunk of Griffin’s shirt but the official pointed to the spot seconds later when Kearns was brought down by Stephen Walshe and Quigley converted. The win was sealed two minutes later when Kearns curled a free-kick to the net.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, Bennett, Guthrie, Gaynor; Kearns, Ward (Kerr, 77 mins), Bolger (Duffy, 77 mins), Quigley; Breen, Griffin.

GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Shaun Kelly, Sinnott, Maher, Walshe; Moore (Keogh, 63 mins), Sean Kelly, Curran (Cash, 51 mins), Ryan (G Kelly, 76 mins); Gilmore, Murphy.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).