Friendly: Galway United 0-0 Finn Harps

On a crisp and chilly evening, Galway United took on Finn Harps at Moyne Villa in Headford as both teams went in search of a positive opening to their preseason. In the end, the match ended in a draw, but there was lots of positives to take home for each club.

Tommy Dunne's men, who had plenty of new stars on show, started the brightest as attacker Padraic Cunningham came close with two early chances from open play, but he just couldn't find the breakthrough.

Then just a few minutes later central midfielder Ryan Connolly took a shot from distance but his effort was palmed around the post by Harps 'keeper Ciaran Gallagher – but the early warning signs were there that last season's promotion winners still had a fierce attacking threat.

But the Donegal-based club were also doing their best to ensure The Tribesmen wouldn't have things all their own way. Moving forward with intent on quite a number of occasions, they found their forages shut down by some decent defending from Marc Ludden and Stephen Walsh, but still they persisted.

And in the 14th minute of the game Gareth Harkin came close to rattling the back of the net with a well-directed header, but it flew just marginally over the crossbar.

Both sides continued to press hard for a goal but, although the couple hundred spectators weren't to see one, there was to be a great deal of drama right at the very death of the match.

First, Harps were awarded a penalty but Damien McNulty was unable to stick it away thanks to a super save from Conor Gleeson, who had been introduced at the interval. Then, United's Enda Curran saw a headed effort smack the top of the crossbar, much to the player's disbelief. It was a tremendous opportunity to steal the win but, on the balance of play, it was probably fair that the match ended all square.

Up next for Galway is a friendly against Athlone Town in Eamonn Deacy Park, while Finn Harps continue their preparations for another season in the First Division.

Galway United: Zac Lubin; Colm Horgan, Alex Byrne, Stephen Walsh, Marc Ludden; Stephen Molloy, Paul Sinnott, David O'Leary, Ryan Connolly, Sweeney; Padraic Cunningham
Subs: Conor Gleeson, Conor Winn, Enda Curran, Antaine O'Laoi, Aaron McDonagh, Nugent.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher, Ciaran Coll, Matthew Crossan, James Gallagher; Raymond Foy, Michael Funsten, Gareth Harkin, Gerard O'Callaghan, Wilfried Tagbo; Garbhan Friel, Kevin McHugh
Substitutions: TBC

Referee: 

Attendance: 250 (estimate)

Man of the Match: Padraic Cunningham (Galway United)