Super-Sub McDaid at the Double as Dundalk Leapfrog Into Third

Match Report: Dundalk 2-1 Galway United

Dundalk 2
Galway Utd 1

Declan McDaid emerged as the hero of Oriel Park this evening, coming off the bench to net a quick-fire double that propelled Dundalk to third in the Premier Division table.

In what was Dundalk’s first victory over the Tribesmen since 2017, Ciarán Kilduff’s side dominated the vast majority of the contest. Despite their control, it looked like being a night of frustration for the Lilywhites until McDaid’s late intervention ended Galway’s hopes of a third consecutive top-flight win.

One-Way Traffic in Oriel

The opening 45 minutes saw Dundalk lay siege to the visitors’ goal. Eoin Kenny and Ronan Teahan both tested Evan Watts in the Galway goal, while Bobby Burns and the veteran Daryl Horgan orchestrated play from the middle.

The frustration continued well into the second half. Horgan looked certain to score in the 64th minute but saw his effort rattle the crossbar from point-blank range. Minutes later, Harvey Warren’s goalbound header was heroically cleared off the line by Greg Bolger, as John Caulfield’s side clung on.

“Dundalk were second best for long spells, but the quality of the Lilywhites’ bench proved the difference in the final quarter.”

The McDaid Impact

Ciarán Kilduff introduced Declan McDaid in the 73rd minute, and the Scot wasted no time in making his mark. On 81 minutes, Tyreke Wilson delivered a teasing cross from the right flank which McDaid bundled home at the back post to send the Oriel faithful into raptures.

Just three minutes later, McDaid was in the right place at the right time again. After Harry Groome’s strike was parried by Watts, the Scot was on hand to tap in his second of the night and effectively kill the game.

Late Drama and Consolidation

Galway did manage to set up a nervy final few minutes when Stephen Walsh produced a moment of magic in the 90th minute, firing an unstoppable bicycle kick into the net. However, it was too little, too late for the visitors.

The result sees Dundalk continue their impressive form under Kilduff, as they now sit firmly in the European qualification spots as the season heats up.

Dundalk: Minogue; JR Wilson, Animasahun, Warren, T Wilson; Buckley, Burns (Groome 73); Kenny (McDaid 73), Teahan (Tracey 68), Horgan; Arubi.
Galway Utd: Watts; Parker, Brouder, Facchineri, Devitt (Lomboto 87); Bolger (Piesold 72), Wolfe (Barratt 55); Twardek, Hurley, McCarthy (Williams 87); Pierrot (Walsh 55).

Referee: Daryl Carolan | Attendance: Oriel Park