AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION Dundalk 3 Galway Utd 2:SHANE GUTHRIE was the hero for Dundalk as the towering centre-back popped up in the 86th minute to sink former club Galway United in front of 1,450 spectators at Oriel Park last night.
Just when it looked like Seán Connor’s men had earned a well-earned point Guthrie rose highest to meet a Ross Gaynor corner to give Ian Foster’s men their first win of the campaign.
Oriel Park was in raptures after only 18 minutes as the home side went in front in spectacular fashion. Daniel Kearns’ trickery drew a foul from Gary Curran and Mark Quigley stepped up to fire an unbelievable free-kick past Greg Fleming from 35-yards.
The lead lasted just three minutes. A mix-up between Ross Gaynor and Nathan Murphy allowed Shaun Kelly to force his way into the Dundalk penalty area. His progress was halted unfairly by Gaynor and Joseph Yoffe made no mistake from the penalty spot.
The home side went back in front in the 71st minute when Jason Byrne nodded home. Seán Kelly looked to have earned a point for Galway until Guthrie’s late winner.
DUNDALK: P Murphy; Madden, Hawkins, Guthrie, N Murphy; Kearns, Bennett (S Maher, 44 mins), Ward, Gaynor; Quigley, Byrne.
GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Shaun Kelly, S Maher, Sinnott, Walsh; Ryan (Cash, 59 mins), Sean Kelly, G Curran, Moore; Yoffe (Murphy, 68 mins), Feeney (E Curran, 80 mins).
Referee: P Tuite(Dublin).
