Dundalk FC rescue a point late at Eamonn Deacy Park

Dundalk FC rescued a point late on as they drew 2-2 with Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division on Friday night, salvaging a result that at one stage looked beyond them.

In a contest already being framed as an early-season relegation six-pointer, Dundalk arrived having lost just once in their opening four league games but still searching for a first victory of the campaign.

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They made the brighter start and took the lead after 12 minutes following a swift counter-attack initiated by goalkeeper Conor Kearns.

His quick distribution released the move that ended with Daryl Horgan delivering a cross for Gbemi Arubi, who guided a header past Evan Watts to give the visitors a deserved advantage.

Dundalk nearly doubled their lead soon after when Bobby Burns — who joined The Lilywhites from Galway during the close season — was presented with an opportunity against his former club.

Watts reacted sharply, however, extending his left foot to deny the full-back after the home side failed to clear their lines.

The visitors fashioned another promising opening shortly after the half-hour mark when Eoin Kenny found space in a dangerous position, but his effort lacked conviction and was comfortably gathered by Watts.

Galway manager John Caulfield turned to his bench before the interval, introducing Kris Twardek — a move that would prove decisive after the restart.

It was Twardek who helped spark the turnaround six minutes into the second half. Latching on to David Hurley’s ball over the top, his challenge caused the ball to ricochet kindly for Stephen Walsh, who finished from close range to bring Galway level.

The hosts completed the turnaround on 61 minutes when Jimmy Keohane’s free-kick from the left was met by Twardek, whose header at the back post made it 2-1.

Buoyed by the momentum, Galway pressed for a third. Keohane dragged an effort wide, Conor O’Keeffe produced a timely block to deny Ed McCarthy, and Hurley’s dangerous cross-shot forced Kearns into a firm save.

Dundalk, however, found a response nine minutes from time. Horgan’s corner caused confusion in the Galway penalty area before Burns drilled home the equaliser, prompting jubilant scenes among the travelling supporters.

Ciaran Kilduff’s side pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Danny Mullen’s header from a Horgan cross struck the post before Horgan himself fired narrowly wide.

Further chances followed as the visitors pressed forward: Harry Groome’s effort was beaten away by Watts, Ronan Teahan saw a shot deflect just wide, and Declan McDaid dragged an attempt off target from the resulting corner.

Mullen tested Watts again from distance late on, while McDaid came close to turning in Horgan’s cross deep into stoppage time. Despite their late surge, Dundalk were ultimately forced to settle for a point that at least prevented defeat on the road.

Galway United: Evan Watts; Arthur Parker, Gianfranco Facchineri, Killian Brouder, Lee Devitt; Connor Barratt (Kris Twardek 41); David Hurley (Matty Wolfe 82), Jimmy Keohane (Axel Piesold 89), Aaron Bolger, Ed McCarthy (Conor McCormack 82); Stephen Walsh (Frantz Pierrot 89)

Subs not used: Hugo Cunha (gk), Francely Lomboto, Wasiri Williams, Al-Amin Kazeem

Dundalk FC: Conor Kearns; JR Wilson, Conor O’Keeffe, Rob Cornwall, Bobby Burns; Keith Buckley (Tyreke Wilson 68), Aodh Dervin (Declan McDaid 68); Eoin Kenny (Danny Mullen 68), Ronan Teahan, Daryl Horgan; Gbemi Arubi (Harry Groome 68)

Subs not used: Enda Minogue (gk), Harvey Warren, Shane Tracey, Sean Spaight, TJ Molloy

Referee: Alan Patchell (Dublin)

Attendance: 1,933