Dundalk too hot to handle

Dundalk continued their climb up the table with another good win at Oriel Park last night. Finn Harps enjoyed much of the possession and dominated midfield for long periods, but just could not find their way through to score. They suffered a big setback on the hour mark when Stephen Kelly, who had been an important influence for them in midfield, was stretchered off. Indeed, Dundalk could have gone further ahead at this stage as the Harps' efforts became very ragged.

Dundalk, on the other hand, played much the better football on the ground and their man of the match Brian Byrne looked easily the best player on the pitch.

The home side took a rather fortunate lead after only nine minutes when a Noel Melvin shot was deflected past the helpless Darren Nash in the Harps goal.

There was nothing fortunate, however, about Dundalk's second three minutes before half time. It was set up by a pass into the box from the right by Raymond Campbell. Byrne dummied brilliantly and young David Hoey ran on to slam the ball home.

This double blow proved too much for Harps. Their only player who looked like scoring was Sammy Johnston who himself missed a sitter in injury time. But overall, it was Dundalk's night and if they can keep this form up, they will be challenging at the top as the season progresses.

Dundalk: Williams, Reddish, Crawley, Doohan, Brady, Melvin, Campbell, Carlyle, Hoey, Withnell and Byrne.

Finn Harps: Nash, O'Brien, Minnock, Boyle, Dowling, Kelly, McGrenaghan, Johnston, Speak, Mulligan and Gauld. Subs: Cullen for Kelly (62 mins), O'Kane for Gauld (78 mins). Referee: J Stacey (Athlone)