League Report: Galway 2 - 0 Waterford Utd

Waterford United made the long trip to the West of Ireland on Friday evening to face Galway FC in search of their third win on the trot. But the hosts had other ideas.

From as early as the fourth minute, Galway attempted to assert their dominance after Marc Ludden launched in a cross for Jason Molloy to connect with. And although the header was on target, the 'keeper was more than equal to it.

Then, in 23^rd minute, Waterford had a shot in anger through Shane Murray but his shot was deflected off Alex Byrne, and Galway's man between the sticks, Conor Gleeson did well to get down and save.

Waterford's manager Tommy Griffin came to Eamonn Deacy Park with a very clear game plan. And they did their best to get the ball down and play – particularly in the opening exchanges. But Galway just had the clinical touch to put them to the sword.

Stephen Walsh's audacious over-head kick- a great example of their conviction. 

And with Galway growing into the game, after a scrappy first-half spell from both teams, they forced Waterford to concede an own goal in the 32^nd minute, after Ryan Manning whipped in a dead-ball to cause havoc in the visitors' box.

In the ensuing chaos, Stephen Walsh rose to the occasion and, keeping a clear head, he did well to get a shot off from about 8-yards out that rebounded off the post, on to Kevin Burns and then in.

Taking a one-goal cushion into the second half, it was obvious that Galway needed to grab an insurance goal or two to make their lead secure.

But they were forced to wait a while until they could net their second goal as the Blues did their best to claw their way back in to the encounter.

Phillip Drohan, who performed well on the left flank for Waterford United fashioned an opening for himself five minutes after the restart, but he couldn't break through the Connacht side's cover.

But it was Galway's Stephen Walsh who was the stand-out player on the pitch as he excelled in his role just behind Vinny Faherty to give the home fans plenty to cheer about on the night.

Showing great energy to drive forward, he made himself available time and time again to receive the ball and cause Waterford's back-four a few headaches. Along with central midfielder, Ryan Connolly, he was instrumental to their win.

Grabbing the headlines with, what was, in effect, the game-clincher, Connolly wowed the crowds with a stunning long-range goal that had the 'keeper beaten all ends up. Lapping up the applause, Galway knew they had the momentum after that, and they started to play with greater fluidity on the attack.

Jason Molloy's screamer from around 30-yards out, a real testament to their hunger and belief.

Because when they did play well, it was absolutely scintillating stuff, and a real treat to watch.

All in all, it was an entertaining game of football that Tommy Dunne will be more than pleased with. As for Waterford, it was a real wake-up call as it could have ended with an even larger margin of defeat.

Galway FC: Conor Gleeson; Colm Horgan, Alex Byrne, Martin Conneelly, Marc Ludden; Jason Molloy (Marty Owens 87), Paul Sinnot (c), Ryan Connolly, Stephen Walsh, Ryan Manning (Derek O' Brien 80); Vinny Faherty (Jake Keegan 83).
Subs not used: Ger Hanley (gk), Shane McGinty, Gary Shanahan, Cian Fadden.

Bookings: Walsh (44)

Waterford United: Kevin Burns, Patrick Barrett, Kevin O' Connor, Patrick Fitzgerald, Gary Delaney (Thomas Whitty 78) Shane Murray (Conor Whittle 78), Vinny Sullivan (Capt.), Brian Nolan, Paul Quilty (Conor Meade 60), Willie John Kiely, Philip Drohan.
Subs not used: Mathew Conor (gk), Thomas Croke, Kynan Rocks.

Bookings: B Nolan (46).

Referee: Robert Hennessy

Attendance: 904

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Stephen Walsh (Galway FC)