Galway United earned another important three points in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division thanks to a 2-0 victory over Dundalk at Eamonn Deacy Park.
It was a baptism of fire for new Dundalk manager Jon Daly as the former St Patrick's Athletic boss saw his team defeated during his first night charge.
Both sides came into the encounter in high spirits thanks to valuable victories last time out. Galway United left it late to get the better of Drogheda while Dundalk demonstrated resilience to overcome reigning champions Shamrock Rovers.
It was the home team who started the brighter on a sunny evening on Corribside.
Following two hopeful Galway penalty appeals, the first clear-cut chance of the game fell to Aodh Dervin in the 20th minute.
Dervin latched onto a bouncing ball in the box but could only direct his volleyed effort onto the crossbar with Ross Munro stranded in the Dundalk net.
Three minutes later, it was the Lilywhites shot-stopper's attempted palmed clearance that gave United the lead.
The Tribesmen were getting joy from their set-pieces and through a David Hurley in-swinging corner kick the deadlock was broken, with Munro getting the decisive touch to send the ball into his own goal.
John Caulfield’s outfit gained confidence following the opener as the Lilywhites continued to struggle with United’s direct play while they lacked creativity in the attacking third of the pitch.
Following a tactical switch at the break, Dundalk’s performance did improve in the second half, but that encouragement didn’t last long though, as Galway doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute.
The story of the night was the manner in which Dundalk dealt with set-pieces and it was once again their downfall for United’s second goal.
A Conor McCormack corner kick found the head of Maurice Nugent and it was an easy task for the defensive midfielder to score his second goal in two games.
Dundalk looked depleted as the Tribesmen remained untroubled before the final whistle to pick up a crucial win in front of their home fans.
Up next for Galway United is an away trip to St Patrick's Athletic while Dundalk host Derry City.
Galway United: Clarke; Slevin, Brouder, Nugent (Buckley 81), Walsh; Dervin (O’Sullivan 62), Hurley (Aouachria 62), McCormack, McCarthy (Gaxha 85), Kazeem; Esua.
Dundalk: Munro; Davies, Boyle, Horgan, Gullan; Johnson, Animasahun (Elliot 45), Doyle (Kenny 81), Durrant (O’Kane 69), Mountney (Muller 34); Bradshaw.
Referee: Mark Houlihan.
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