Galway United suffered their first defeat in three games on Friday night, after picking up a narrow loss against Dundalk at Oriel Park.

Two second half goals from Declan McDaid sealed the win for the hosts, in a game the 2025 First Division champions deserved to win.

This fixture was the first time the westerners wore their new third kit, a strip which is a tribute to their late assistant manager, Ollie Horgan, who passed away last August.

It was the home side who started this contest brightly though, and they almost took the lead in the 7th minute, however Ronan Teahan's header went narrowly wide.

Moments later, Daryl Horgan fired a right footed effort at goal from outside the penalty area, but his attempt was superbly saved by Evan Watts.

The Lilywhites continued to threaten the United defence, and on the half hour mark, Horgan had an effort tipped onto the crossbar by Watts in the United goal.

Ten minutes later, the Galway native had another attempt at goal for the hosts, after a scramble in the United box. However, his effort was hit straight at Watts.

Galway's first real chance in the opening period came three minutes before the break, however Ed McCarthy saw his effort from close-range blocked.

Seconds later, Frantz Pierrot had an effort at goal go narrowly wide, as John Caulfield's side grew into the contest.

In truth, the tribesmen were lucky to go in level at the break, but to their credit they defended strongly in the opening half.

Arthur Parker produced the second half's first shot in anger, inside the first two minutes of the second period but his effort was easily dealt with by Enda Minogue, in the Dundalk goal.

Four minutes later, the newly promoted side had a huge opportunity to take the lead, but Gbemi Arubi saw his attempt saved by Welsh U21 keeper, Watts.

Infront of an attendance of 2763, Arubi had another huge chance to give Ciaran Kilduff's side the lead in the 61st minute, but he failed to finish his header to the net, following an Eoin Kenny cross.

The home side's dominance continued towards the end of the third quarter, and three minutes later Horgan hit the crossbar, despite having an open goal to aim at, following good Dundalk play down the left flank.

In the 81st minute, the hosts deservedly took the lead, when McDaid finished from close range, after good play by the hosts on the left wing.

Moments later, McDaid got his second goal of the game, from inside the six yard box.

Galway didn't lie down though and Stephen Walsh pulled one back for United in the 90th minute, through a spectacular bicycle kick.

The goal would turn out only to be a consolition however, as Dundalk held on for all three points.

Next up for United is a trip to the RSC to face Waterford, next Friday night.

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