League Report: Galway United 1 - 0 Derry City

Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

Derry City suffered a setback in their search for the Premier Division title as a 1-0 loss to Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park drops the Candystripes into second place.

Just one goal separated the sides with Pat Hickey scoring for the second time in as many games to give Galway United the victory – and all in front of new Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Halgrímsson.

The game began with real intensity with Galway Untied operating a high press against the visitors, although there was little in the way of real chances until the 18^th minute.

Sadou Diallo with a mighty strike from distance when he took a Conor McCormack clearance on the volley and fired it at goal with the ball whizzing just outside the post.

There was a fiery battle brewing between Galway United striker Stephen Walsh and the centre back pairing of Shane McEleney and Mark Connolly. Throughout the first half – the forward getting a booking for a shove on McEleney in the 21^st minute.

United registered their first shot in the 25^th minute after some great play by Ed McCarthy who raced through the middle before threading a short pass to Jimmy Keohane, the midfielder struck a shot from outside the box drawing a good save from Brian Maher.

The visitors had a shout for a penalty on the half hour mark when Michael Duffy went over in the box clutching his legs, although referee Kevin O’Sullivan had no interest in the shouts from the Derry technical area.

Derry City should have nudged themselves in front in the 36^th minute after a great run down the right by Paul McMullan, the midfielder made it deep inside the final third before squaring the ball to Will Patching but he showed poor composure as he dragged the ball wide of goal.

Brendan Clarke pulled off a spectacular save on the hour mark after some defensive hesitancy by the home side allowed the ball fall to Patching who struck a snap shot from the edge of the box with Galway’s goalkeeper stretching fully to keep the ball from the top corner.

Despite struggling to create a lot of clear chances, the home side were still trying to break their opponents down and Patrick Hickey wasn’t too far away when he headed over the bar in the 72^nd minute after a nice cross from Greg Cunningham.

The American fired the home side in front just three minutes later though, although it was a little fortuitous, as Brian Maher went to claim a David Hurley free-kick he collided with a teammate. The ball broke to Hickey who blasted the ball into the goal for his second goal in two games.

United still had to be wary of the threat the title challengers posed, and substitute Danny Mullin went very close at the other end shortly after his side went behind – it looked like a gilt-edged chance but the forward’s header was saved by Clarke.

Tension was high as the game ticked into injury time, it might be a common sight to see a member of the Galway United management team receiving a booking – this time Kevin O’Sullivan had enough in the first minute of injury time as he produced a straight red for first team coach Chris Collopy.

City brought Maher up for a corner in the final minute of injury time, Rob Slevin emerged with the ball and could well have fancied a long range effort into the empty net only to be hacked down by the goalkeeper.

There was no equaliser to be found for the visitors with Galway United holding out for an important win for the Tribesmen as they move into third place in the Premier Division and into a great position in the race for a European spot.

Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Killian Brouder (Robert Slevin 52), Garry Buckley, Greg Cunningham, Jeannot Esua (Colm Horgan 88); Vincent Borden (David Hurley 63), Patrick Hickey, Jimmy Keohane, Edward McCarthy (Bobby Burns 88), Conor McCormack (Maurice Nugent 63); Stephen Walsh.

Subs not used: Jack Brady, Conor O'Keeffe, Francely Lomboto, Karl O’Sullivan.

Booked: Stephen Walsh (21), Conor McCormack (43), David Hurley (90).

Sent off: Chris Collopy.

Derry City: Brian Maher; Ciarán Coll (Ben Doherty 82), Mark Connolly, Andre Wisdom (Ronan Boyce 82); Sadou Diallo (Patrick McEleney 73), Michael Duffy, Shane McEleney, Paul McMullan, Adam O'Reilly (Colm Whelan 82), William Patching; Patrick Hoban (Daniel Mullen 73).

Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Duncan Idehen, Jacob Davenport, Sean Robertson.

Booked: Mark Connolly (65), Daniel Mullen (76), Brian Maher (90).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

Attendance: 3,500 (estimate)

extratime.com Player of the Match: Brendan Clarke (Galway United)

Ireland international Mikey Johnston joins West Brom on four-year deal from Celtic https://t.co/dgfOxzA4jipic.twitter.com/K5bEqbsR7w

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