COLLINS AT THE DOUBLE FOR THE DUNS.

Byline: CIAN O'CONNELL

Galway U 0 Dundalk 3

DUNDALK destroyed a depleted Galway United at Terryland Park to confirm that they are a team on the rise.

Four wins in their last five matches have seen Dundalk move into the top half of the table, and Sean Connor's side were always in control.

Dundalk had the first opportunity of a tight opening quarter in the 17th minute as goalkeeper Peter Cherrie's clearance found Alex Williams, who was denied by Barry Ryan.

An understrength Galway were courageous with John Russell impressive in the centre of the park, and they had a couple of chances.

Alan Murphy, restored to the starting XI in a striking role, smashed a volley wide, while Vinny Faherty went close too following a Sean Kelly delivery.

But Dundalk ploughed on, and their determination was rewarded in the 28th minute when they grabbed the lead. Kevin McKinley's corner located Mickey Collins, who guided a delightful header through the traffic to steer Dundalk ahead.

Connor's charges continued to attack before the break with the pacy Tiernan Mulvenna nearly adding a second in the 36th minute.

But they did add another on 59 when the excellent Williams converted a Ger Rowe assist with a tidy right footed finish.

A third was poached in the 71st minute when Collins climbed high again in the area to head a McKinley corner beyond Ryan.PREMIER DIVISION P WD L F APts Bohemians........19 13 2 4 32 11 41 Shamrock Rvs ..19 10 6 3 26 15 36 Cork City..........20 11 3 6 24 13 36 Derry City ........19 10 4 5 25 12 34 Dundalk............20 8 2 10 22 24 26 St Pat's Ath........20 7 2 11 18 29 23 Galway Utd......20 6 4 10 17 26 22 Drogheda Utd 20 4 7 9 13 22 19 Bray Wndrs ......20 4 6 10 17 30 18 Sligo Rovers ....19 4 6 9 15 25 18