League Report: Dundalk 5 - 1 Bray Wanderers

Kurtis Byrne was in inspirational form for Dundalk, having a hand in four of their five goals, as he fired them three points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

He scored twice and set up another two as his side romped past a disappointing Bray Wanderers side at Oriel Park on Sunday night.

It took Dundalk just three minutes to go ahead as Bray were caught all at sea from their own free kick with Patrick Hoban finding Towell with a long ball.

He in turn laid off for Byrne and although his quick volley was saved by Shane Redmond, Towell stayed alert to turn the ball in from a tight angle.

Midway through the half, Dundalk should have been two ahead. They took full advantage of the space Bray were giving them to play as Ruaidhri Higgins sprayed right for Towell who took one touch inside and crossed to the back post where Hoban flung himself at it but headed wide when he looked set to score.

Two minutes later, they did double their lead. Michael Barker was penalised for trying to steal yards from a throw in and it would prove a fatal, and needless, error.

Dundalk were awarded the throw instead and a quick one caught Wanderers out again with Hoban sending a cross to the back where Jake Kelly and Joe Gorman made a mess in trying to clear their lines, gifting the ball to Darren Meenan.

His shot may have been saved by Redmond but for the second time of the game, Dundalk were the more alert to the rebound and this time it was Byrne who was following up to score his second in as many games after his winning goal in Croatia on Thursday.

With Dundalk controlling the game they were unlucky not to make it more before the break as Daryl Horgan headed into Redmond’s arms, Dane Massey volleyed off target and Byrne cracked one just past the post following a lovely team move.

Bray showed more intent at the start of the second half, Philly Hughes going close with efforts on his full debut for the club either side of a Richie Towell shot after running in on goal which ended up over Redmond’s goal.

There was no Lilywhite let up and before long, they had added two more goals in quick succession. Firstly, the excellent Byrne claimed the ball on the left and crossed for Hoban who stuck out a leg to get himself on the scoresheet.

Shortly afterwards, it was four thanks to a stunner. Towell raced at the defenders and when the ball broke away from him unfortunately, it did do so kindly for Byrne who met it first time with a sublime right footed volley that flew to the top corner.

The goals for the night were not quite done there though as Bray pulled one back through Ismahil Akinade  despite the striker looking to be well offside when he ran through to drive the ball past Cherrie.

But 60 seconds later, Dundalk restored their four goal cushion when Donal McDermott showed good feet on the left to beat his marker and drill across goal where Hoban supplied another simple close range finish as the Lilywhites move out on their own at the top.

Dundalk: Peter Cherrie; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; Ruaidhri Higgins, Richie Towell; Darren Meenan (John Mountney 81), Kurtis Byrne (David McMillan 86), Daryl Horgan (Donal McDermott 63); Patrick Hoban.
Subs not used: Simon Kelly, Mark Rossiter, Marc Griffin, Gabriel Sava (GK).

Booked: Towell (88).

Bray Wanderers: Shane Redmond; Michael Barker, Adam Mitchell, Shane O’Connor, Joe Gorman; Dean Zambra, Graham Kelly (Eric McGill 68), David Cassidy (Ryan Coombes 76); Ismahil Akinade, Philip Hughes (Shane O’Neill 65), Jake Kelly.
Subs not used: Ciaran Byrne, Niall Cooney, Gareth McDonagh, Stephen McGuinness (GK).

Booked: None.

Referee: Tomas Connolly.

Attendance: 2,243.