Match Report: Dundalk 0-0 Galway United

Galway United secured what may prove to be a vital point away to league champions Dundalk on Friday night.

The Tribesmen earned their first league result of the season against a top four side, and they could’ve stolen all three points if it wasn’t for some crucial Gabriel Sava saves and a timely saving tackle from Andy Boyle.

Conor Winn wasn’t overly tested by the hosts but John Mountney and Daryl Horgan both rattled the post with efforts from outside the box.

In a fairly low-key opening period, Dundalk holding midfielder Chris Shields saw his low and powerful volley fly narrowly wide of the post.

Conor Winn then had to stretch to get a hand to Shane Grimes cross from the left wing, the ball dropped at the back post but Marc Ludden was alive to the danger and he cleared.

Out of nothing, Dundalk almost took the lead. It was a moment of magic from John Mountney, the ball sat up nicely for the Mayo native and his piledriver of a shot crashed off the inside of the post.

Ronan Finn set up Ciaran Kilduff but the former St Patrick’s Athletic striker leaned back and blasted over the crossbar.

Finn then created space and time for himself with a neat turn, he then drove at goal before shooting low and wide of Conor Winn’s post.

Jake Keegan spearheaded United’s attack and he went close to breaking the deadlock. The American got behind Dundalk’s defence but his approach was from a tight angle, nonetheless Keegan tried to squeeze the ball in at the near post but Sava saved brilliantly.

Ryan Connolly, then tested Gabriel Sava from 25 yards with a stinging effort but he was equal to his effort.

Early in the second half, United were denied what looked like a strong penalty appeal when Gary Shanahan was upended in the box after a mazy run, but nothing was given by referee Tomas Connolly.

Jake Keegan’s duel with Gabriel Sava continued, for the second time, Keegan beat the offside trap to get through on goal but Gabriel Sava rushed from his line and spread himself to smother the danger.

Dundalk winger Darren Meenan curled a free-kick narrowly wide from the edge of the D.

A mistimed header from Dundalk centre-half Andy Boyle gave Ryan Connolly space to exploit, he did just that before shooting low and hard but Sava saved once again.

Dundalk cracked another effort off the post with 10 minutes remaining. Substitute Daryl Horgan cut in from the left wing before unleashing an unstoppable effort that had Winn beaten but the ball rebounded off the post.

United almost stole the points late on, Ryan Connolly saw his near post effort saved by Gabriel Sava, Gary Shanahan swept in to apply the finish touch but Dundalk centre-half Andy Boyle made a magnificent saving tackle to ensure the Town shared the spoils.

Dundalk: Sava; Mountney (Gannon HT), Barrett, Boyle, Grimes; Shields, O’Donnell; Meenan, Finn (McMillan 77), Maguire (Horgan 61); Kilduff

Galway United: Winn; Horgan, Walsh, Oji, Ludden; Sinnott, O’Leary; Shanahan, Connolly, Saarelma (Melody 87); Keegan

Referee: Tomas Connolly

Official attendance: 3,122