airtricity league: galway united 2 dundalk 4
DUNDALK signed off on domestic duties to focus on Europe with a fourth straight league win, but the champions had to work hard for the points in a six-goal battle with Galway United.
Stephen Kenny's side head to Belarus for the first leg of their battle with BATE Borisov next week with confidence high but BATE's scouts in Galway last night will have much to ponder.
Dundalk had to wait just 35 minutes to take the lead, Richie Towell's free kick putting them on the way to the win.
On 58 minutes, Dane Massey got his head to Darren Meenan's corner, and Towell struck again on 67 minutes to make it 3-0.
Enda Curran struck a free kick for Galway with 15 minutes to go and a Padraic Cunningham goal on 86 minutes made the closing stages very nervy for the champions and Dundalk needed a fourth in injury time from John Mountney to make sure of the win and the points.