Galway bench too weak

LEAGUE OF IRELAND:Galway Utd 0 Dundalk 3

RAVAGED BY suspensions, this fixture was always going to stretch Galway young squad, and Dundalk ruthlessly demolished the home side at Terryland Park.

Dundalk’s physicality was a key factor in a tight opening period.

Prompted by the midfield bustle of Mickey Collins and Chris Turner, Seán Connor’s improving team dictated vast chunks of the half.

And Dundalk’s zeal was rewarded in the 28th minute when a sharp set-piece routine wasn’t adequately patrolled by Galway. Kevin McKinley’s corner was exact, and Mickey Collins’s close-range header was firm as Dundalk seized the initiative.

They added a second in the 58th minute when Alex Williams smashed a delightful shot past Barry Ryan following a drop of Ger Rowe class.

The Dundalk success was decorated in the 71st minute when Collins headed home another McKinley corner.

GALWAY UNITED:Ryan; Conneely, Breen, Kelly, Davoren; Cooke, McBrien, Russell, O'Toole (Synott, 60); Murphy (Molloy, 70), Faherty.

DUNDALK:Cherrie; Shaun Kelly, Simon Kelly, Heary, McGowan; Mulvenna (McAreavey, 78), Collins (Coburn, 80), Turner, McKinley; Rowe, Williams.

Referee:D Hanney (Dublin).