Dundalk beat Finn Harps in an entertaining encounter that saw the Lilywhites make it to the next round of the FAI Cup. Stephen Kenny exploited the spoils of his extensive squad in order to ensure the hectic schedule that the Lilywhites face is met
Dundalk beat Finn Harps in an entertaining encounter that saw the Lilywhites make it to the next round of the FAI Cup.
Stephen Kenny exploited the spoils of his extensive squad in order to ensure the hectic schedule that the Lilywhites face is met head on and using his experience of 2016.
Dundalk took the game to the visitors as they tried to exert the home field dominance that has made the a force this season. John Mountney had the pick of the chances in the first half as a shot from the edge of the area looked goal bound only for the cross bar to deny him.
Ronan Murray a set piece specialist in some quarters could only see his free kick be parried by the outstretched Gallagher to force a corner. Mountney had another chance moments later only for Gallagher once again to be on hand to deny the boy from Bohola.
Gabriel Savas was on hand to ensure the visitors did not get a shock lead, Mark Timlin hit a hard shot which Sava had to stretch to tip it over. Ronan Murray gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot after an on rushing Dane Massey was felled in the area.
Murray made no mistake slotting the ball past Gallagher. He was not to be outdone despite Gannon’s best efforts, the right back hit a fantastic volley from a Connolly cross but it just goes over the bar. The second half was a more attacking game with both sides trying to exert possession and dominance on the game.
However Dundalk all their experience to ensure the tie was put out of reach of Finn Harps, Ronan Murray sent in a brilliant cross to the area and Georgie Kelly scored with a sublime header to open his Dundalk account since joining from UCD in July.
He almost doubled his account only for Gallagher to deny him and while chances fell to Connolly and Mountney neither could convert to further Dundalk’s lead. While Dundalk rung in seven changes you will feel in the quarter final stage that Stephen Kenny will do less tinkering with his starting line up as the competition gets serious.
