Dundalk recorded their best win of the season at a windswept Oriel Park last night. In truth, Monaghan, languishing at the bottom of the table, were poor opposition, but the Dundalk fans did have the satisfaction of seeing their side score three excellent goals and an in-form Gary Haylock put the icing on the cake with a great strike midway through the second half.

Monaghan had the advantage of the strong breeze in the first half, but only had two shots on goal, the best coming from Jonathan King, which brought a good save from goalkeeper John Connolly.

Dundalk took the lead in the 37th minute after a move, started by Stuart Connolly in his own half, finished with Martin Reilly finding the net for the first time for the home side since the middle of September.

The wind increased in strength in the second half and both sides found it difficult to control the ball, but Haylock settled the issue in the 71st minute with a great left-foot shot from the edge of the area.

In added time, Reilly got his second goal when he ran onto a kick-out by goalkeeper Connolly and scored with an excellent shot from an acute angle on the right wing.

Dundalk's best players on the night were Stuart Connolly and David Hoey in defence, while Ciaran Kavanagh worked hard in midfield to give Gary Haylock the chance to show his ability in front of goal.

DUNDALK: J Connolly, Hoey, S Connolly, Callaghan, McGuinness, Flanagan, Kavanagh, Reilly, Haylock, Prizeman, Keddy. Sub: Lawless for Prizeman (81 mins).

MONAGHAN UNITED - Downey, McCarville, McDonnell, Brunton, Scully, Sheils, Murphy, O'Callaghan, Vaughan, McKenna, King. Subs: Lundy for Murphy (74 mins), Carroll for McCarville (84 mins).

Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin).