Tyreke Wilson’s stoppage-time strike earned Dundalk a crucial 1-0 victory over Galway United at Turner’s Cross on Friday night, but it was Ronan Teahan’s performance that drew glowing praise from manager Ciarán Kilduff after the final whistle.
Wilson fired home from outside the area after a loose ball broke kindly from a late Dundalk corner, handing the Lilywhites all three points in a game where they had controlled large spells and created the better chances throughout.
One of the standout performers on the night was Teahan, who completed the full 90 minutes for the first time since Dundalk’s previous trip to face Galway United back on March 6 at Eamonn Deacy Park. The former Kerry FC midfielder has adapted impressively to life in the Premier Division, and Kilduff believes there is even more to come from the 22-year-old.
“He’s a perfect sculpture of a footballer. He comes from great pedigree, we got to see him last year, he scored 2 against us in Oriel (Park). He was doing in against us last year, it wasn’t solely that. I went to watch him a few times out in the UCD bowl, when we weren’t playing till’ the Saturday and they (Kerry F.C) were playing.
He has everything, he has a brilliant left-foot, he has an engine, he’s fit and as I said I think everyone in our dressing room knows how special a player he was from last year alone. We’re trying to get him to the next level now and at times tonight you could see that.”
Kilduff was also pleased with another versatile display from Bobby Burns, who once again slotted into an unfamiliar position at left centre-half and impressed against Galway’s physical attack.
“Bobby’s played centre midfield, left-wing-back, left-back, pretty certain I tried him at right-back for a point and now he’s left-centre-half. That’s what that dressing room, he epitomises it. It stems from the culture, they’ll play anywhere.
I think I finished the game with Harry Groome right-wing and Ronan Teahan left-wing. Bobby’s a brilliant footballer, Galway had him last year and he had a brilliant time there and he has nothing but respect. He’s a competitor at the end of the day. Obviously we beat Derry (City) before the break as well, I thought he was outstanding and I thought he was again tonight.”
The Dundalk boss also provided an update on winger Gbemi Arubi, who was named among the substitutes but remained an unused replacement after suffering an injury while away with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.
“Gbemi got injured while away with Ireland so not having him we just had him on the bench, suppose more of a presence and a fear factor rather than able to use him.”
Emotions spilled over after Wilson’s late winner, with several players becoming involved in post-match confrontations. Keith Buckley and Stephen Walsh were both shown yellow cards following the final whistle, although Kilduff played down the incident.
“No, it was nothing, our fellas might’ve been a bit lippy and their fellas were lippy, and it was frustration on both halves and emotions. I don’t think there was anything too major or huge flash point. I think Walshy (Stephen Walsh) and Rob Cornwall were having words and you know just settled it down and the lads had a brilliant battle all night as well, so maybe it boiled over after, but 2 experienced professional players.”
The victory moves Dundalk to within two points of Bohemians in the race for the European places, with Kilduff’s side now preparing to host the Gypsies following their heavy 4-1 defeat away to Derry City.