Kilduff welcomes selection ‘headache’ after Dundalk’s late win

Ciaran Kilduff admitted Dundalk FC had to show “grit” to overcome a stubborn Galway United side as late goals secured a 2-1 victory that lifted The Lilywhites to third in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The Dundalk manager acknowledged the visitors’ defensive organisation made for a difficult evening, with his side forced to remain patient before eventually breaking through in the closing stages.

READ NEXT: Dundalk FC announce Anord Mardix Down Syndrome Futsal sponsorship

“It’s always going to be hard,” he said. “They’re a really good team — really physical. They’ve got some technically good players. You see the quality of the goal they scored tonight.

“They have threats. We went down there and drew 2–2 with them, and we had great moments in the game. They had great moments as well.

“Tonight was a little bit similar, but what we did show tonight was probably that grit to see it out. I thought even after it went 2–1, we managed those last five minutes really well, whereas previously you might get a little bit more nervy. But I thought we showed a lot of positivity there tonight as well. It was a tough game.”

Kilduff’s changes proved decisive, with Declan McDaid scoring twice after coming off the bench and fellow substitute Harry Groome providing the assist for the second goal. The Dundalk manager said the impact reflected a competitive squad where players are pushing for starting roles.

“We’ve had that before this season as well. Decky and Harry were probably both disappointed not to start. We’re probably looking at lads disappointed to come off.

“That’s what you get with a team that’s high in confidence — you’re not losing a lot of games of late, and everyone feels like they have a bigger role to play, and I love that about them. I encourage that.

“I thought Eoin (Kenny) had a chance before Daryl (Horgan), and he might have changed things, and I thought in midfield we were dominant at times. In fairness to Bobby (Burns), he was sick all week, so I was probably worried about his energy levels as well. Ronan Teahan is only back from an injury, so lads are ready and waiting to come in.

“Most of the time in football, I like to go by the old analogy that sometimes the team picks itself — the players who are excelling, the players who are on top of their game.

“In recent weeks, lads are coming back, and there are a lot of players impressing and having big roles. So it’s probably getting harder for me, but it’s a first-world problem and a good headache.”

There was also praise for Daryl Horgan, who marked the announcement of a new two-year contract by playing a central role in Dundalk’s attacking play, though he again failed to score against his hometown club.

“The winger has now made 17 appearances against Galway without finding the net, despite coming close on several occasions during the night.

“We have him now for another couple of years, so once we stay in the division and Galway stay in the division, he’ll have many more opportunities,” Kilduff said. “He’s a huge player for us, and we’re delighted that he’s committed.

“As I said, even for the assist in that opening goal — he cuts them apart — that’s the quality he possesses. I think even in the first half he had one tipped over the bar. He’s obviously hit the bar in the second half. He’s always going to be a threat.

“It’s just one of those statistical anomalies. He’ll get the goal eventually, but he won’t care tonight. He would have rathered three points than a goal, so he’ll be delighted with his night’s work.”