Stephen Walsh’s second-half brace ended Galway United’s poor run on the road as they defeated Dundalk 2-0 in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division at Oriel Park on Friday night, as the gap at the bottom was cut to just two points.

After a bright start from Galway, Dundalk had the better of the first half with Ryan O’Kane twice going close before Jamie Gullan could not direct the ball on target when well placed, before that duo combined to find the net only for the linesman’s flag to rule it out.

However, that was as good as it got for Dundalk as they never came out after the break. Galway – who had lost their previous four away games – dominated, and deservedly led through Walsh’s close-range header which stemmed from Dundalk losing possession in the middle of the park.

Jimmy Keohane then missed an open goal but, after substitute Eoin Kenny miscued with a header and Galway’s David Hurley struck the post, the Tribesmen did score a second goal three minutes from time when Walsh headed in Karl O’Sullivan’s cross.

Ryan O’Kane of Dundalk in action during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Dundalk and Galway United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.

For the game, Dundalk manager Jon Daly made two changes to the team that drew 1-1 at Bohemians seven days earlier. Andy Boyle made a welcome return to the lineup following injury which sidelined him since the midseason break. The exciting Jad Hakiki also came in, as Bobby Faulkner and Scott McGill dropped to the bench.

In the third minute, Conor McCormack rolled a free-kick to Keohane but he struck well off target. In what was a positive start from the visitors, Vincent Borden’s attempt from distance dipped quickly but flew just over the crossbar.

On 14 minutes, Dundalk showed a threat for the first time when John Mountney’s delivery from the right was not dealt with well by the Galway defence, the ball breaking for O’Kane but he poked it wide from just outside the six-yard box.

Approaching the midway point of the first half, O’Kane went close again. After patient build-up on the left angle of the area, the local winger created space for a shot and unleashed a curling effort that went just past the top corner. In the next attack, Robbie Benson rifled over.

Jamie Gullan of Dundalk reacts after his goal was disallowed in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Dundalk and Galway United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.

On the half-hour, Dundalk were on the front foot again with Mountney’s shot across the face of goal almost turned in by the foot of Gullan but he could not direct it goalwards. On 36 minutes, a dangerous corner from Daryl Horgan fell to the feet of Mountney who turned and scooped the ball wide.

A minute later, Dundalk had the ball in the net after a flowing move which ended with O’Kane’s pass being turned in by Gullan but the linesman’s flag went up to cut short the home crowd’s celebrations. Before the break, the Hammer fired over a free-kick from a promising position.

Dundalk started the second half on the back foot and they were punished in the 53rd minute when Walsh headed in at the back post after Bobby Burns’ cross was flicked on. It should have been 2-0 soon after. Walsh appeared to be fouled by Felix Goddard but the ball broke straight to Keohane who inexplicably missed an empty goal and hit the top of the bar.

On 61 minutes, Ed McCarthy fired over from a central position in the box as Galway looked to kill the game off. Dundalk were struggling to get out of their half and Daly reacted by bringing on Kenny for Hakiki.

Felix Goddard of Dundalk in action during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Dundalk and Galway United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.

On 66 minutes, Dan Pike let fly with a 25-yard shot but a Galway head got in the way. Two minutes later, Dundalk looked to be in, firstly Gullan seeing his shot blocked before the ball fell to Benson but he was closed down as Galway held firm.

At the other end, Goddard was lucky to survive a big mistake as he passed the ball straight to Keohane but the ‘keeper just got away with it as he smothered it at the feet of the Galway player.

Galway had a couple of penalty appeals waved away before Daly made a triple substitution. Josh O’Connor entered for his debut, alongside Scott McGill and Robbie Mahon. In the 80th minute, Dundalk went close after Mountney’s cross was met by Kenny but he headed off target in what was a good chance.

On 82 minutes, Galway almost made certain of the three points when Hurley’s strike hit the inside of the post but bounced away to safety. But Galway did get a deserved second three minutes from time when Walsh headed in at the back post after great work by O’Sullivan down the right.

With Drogheda drawing 2-2 with Bohemians down the road, it leaves the gap between the bottom two now just two points with ten games remaining.

DUNDALK FC: Felix Goddard, John Mountney, Mayowa Animasahun, Andy Boyle, Dan Pike (Seán Keogh 88), Aodh Dervin, Robbie Benson (Scott McGill 75), Daryl Horgan, Jad Hakiki (Eoin Kenny 63), Ryan O’Kane (Robbie Mahon 75), Jamie Gullan (Josh O’Connor 75). Subs not used: Ross Munro (GK), Luke Mulligan, Bobby Faulkner, Hayden Cann.

GALWAY UNITED: Brendan Clarke, Jeannot Esua (Colm Horgan 80), Garry Buckley, Killian Brouder, Bobby Burns, Conor McCormack (Conor O’Keeffe 83), Patrick Hickey, Vincent Borden (David Hurley 67), Jimmy Keohane (Karl O’Sullivan 83), Ed McCarthy (Greg Cunningham 80), Stephen Walsh. Subs not used: Jack Brady (GK), Rob Slevin, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, Francely Lomboto.

REFEREE: Paul Norton.