Walsh’s brace of headers helps Utd end away blues

Galway United 2

Mike Rafferty at Oriel Park

HAVING suffered four away defeats in succession, Galway United stopped the rot at Oriel Park on Friday night when two second-half goals saw them register their third victory of the campaign over a struggling Dundalk side in Premier League action.

Not for the first time Stephen Walsh proved to be the hitman supreme as his brace sealed the win as United moved into a challenging position for that last European position that could be secured by any of four teams. Walsh's goals came courtesy of a pair of close range headers that gave the visitors a reward that was totally merited.

United made just one change to the eleven that started in the 2-0 defeat in Sligo the previous week as Vince Borden came in to replace Karl O'Sullivan, and the away side certainly started in impressive fashion. For the opening 15 minutes, they pinned the home side back, but there was no reward despite Dundalk continuously struggling to clear their lines.

Gradually, the hosts lifted the siege and through the prompting of Aodh Dervan and John Mountney, they played their way into a position of authority. While United goalkeeper Brendan Clarke never had a save to make, the Louth outfit went close on four occasions, while also having a “goal” ruled out for offside on 37 minutes.

The resumption saw United again on the front foot and an early goal gave them a worthy advantage, but while Dundalk responded and offered a threat for a while, it was obvious a team who have won only five from 26-games is suffering a lack of confidence.

However, to their credit, they were working hard and offering an occasional threat, but what was more worthy was the display of the United back four who offered marvellous protection to 'keeper Clarke.

Pictured: Galway United's Stephan Walsh, in action against Kacper Radkowski of Waterford, scored both their goals in Friday night's Premier Division win over Dundalk at Oriel Park.