Two-goal hero Jamie Gullan has praised Dundalk supporters who he says have backed the players even when they have not deserved it, with “The Hammer” delighted to put a smile on their faces after a first away win in seven months.
Gullan produced one of the best-ever free-kicks by a Lilywhites player in the 97th second to shoot Dundalk into the lead against Saint Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park in this televised Bank Holiday Monday match, in what would prove to be a crazy opening 35 minutes.
Ryan O’Kane added a second 98 seconds after the opener and then Gullan made it 3-0 with a confident finish. In just 22 minutes in the capital, Dundalk had equalled their total of league goals at Oriel Park in 2024. But Chris Forrester, from the spot, and Jamie Lennon replied for St Pat’s to ensure a stressful last hour for the Louth side.
Jamie Gullan of Dundalk celebrates with teammate Paul Doyle, right, after scoring their side’s first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
However, Jon Daly’s men, on the manager’s return to Inchicore just four weeks after being sacked by the Saints, were defensively solid for the remainder to secure a first victory on the road since the final day of last season to move off the bottom of the table for the first time in three months.
Gullan could have had four goals, with a Joe Redmond block and then Danny Rogers save denying him a hat-trick, and his performance – which, goals aside, was superb – earned him the SSE Airtricity Player of the Match award.
Dundalk supporters during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Going into the game, Dundalk had taken just two points from a possible 27 on the road this year, losing seven of their previous eight, and the striker – who turns 25 next month – was quick to thank the supporters who have stuck by the team through that.
“I’m delighted for them, because it’s not been easy for them. It’s not been easy for anyone at the club for the first few months of the season,” the Edinburgh native said.
“I’m delighted that they can go back up the road with a smile on their face, because they’ve backed us – even after big defeats, they’re always staying until the end and clapping us off the park, which sometimes we don’t deserve. Credit to them – a massive, massive help tonight with their voice. They were brilliant.”
Jamie Gullan of Dundalk celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
On that free-kick…
“I wasn’t going to hit it, I thought it was too far out and then a few boys said just give it a go, test the ‘keeper early doors. I don’t think I’ve struck a ball sweeter in my life, to be honest. It’s just flown in the top corner and it’s the perfect start for us. I couldn’t be happier with it.
“I was on free-kicks anyway, but I thought that one was too far out so I stepped away. Luckily, I went back in and hit it. I’ll be hitting them from there from now on in.”
St Patrick’s Athletic goalkeeper Danny Rogers fails to stop a goal by Jamie Gullan of Dundalk during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
On a 3-0 lead after 22 minutes…
“All year, scoring goals has been our problem. We’ve not had a lead like that all season. It was a brilliant start and one that we really needed. We came out really fast and getting the three goals early was brilliant.
“Then it’s just a case of defending the lead, which we didn’t do. We gave them two sloppy goals. At half-time, we were saying we would have taken being in the lead at half-time, so just get our heads back focussed and go again in the second half.
“We dug in brilliantly. At times, we were just men behind the ball, protecting the lead, and thankfully it paid off.”
Jamie Gullan of Dundalk celebrates with manager Jon Daly after scoring their side’s third goal during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
On almost getting a hat-trick…
“I think I should have. Thankfully, we got the win in the end, because I would have looked back and thought I should have scored. Getting more chances and on another day, I would have had the hat-trick, but I’m just delighted with the three points.”
Jamie Gullan of Dundalk celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
On four points in two games and growing confidence…
“We know what we’re capable of in the dressing-room. In spells, we’ve shown what we can do this season, but never got a consistent run together and that’s been our problem this year – the consistency.
“Hopefully, we can build on last Friday and tonight and go again on Friday with another big game, a tough place to go – the same effort, the same work-rate and we’ll just dig in again, and do our best.”
Dundalk are back in action in Dublin on Friday against league leaders Shelbourne, whose boss Damien Duff was at Monday’s match. Kick-off at Tolka Park is 7.45pm.
