St Patricks Athletic 0 - 1 Galway United
Credit:
Galway United moved out of the relegation zone on Monday night with a one nil win over St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park. The result moves Galway level on points with Cobh Ramblers, but the Tribesmen have a superior goal difference.
Pats lined up with just two players who started in Saturdays win over Shamrock Rovers - Derek O'Brien and Jason Gavin. Incidentally those two are cup tied for this Fridays FAI Cup semi final. Much to the disgust of Galway manager Jeff Kenna, Jay O'Shea was away with the Irish U23 squad.
The first half was all Galway, as Pats struggled to string more than two or three passes together. Ciaran Foley should have opened the scoring after ten minutes. He took advantage of a mess up in the home defence, but shot straight at keeper Lance Friesz from close range.
John Lester was controlling the game in midfield and had a shot from thirty yards well saved by Friesz just before the quarter hour mark. Alan Murphy then wasted a good opportunity from the edge of the box when he shot tamely.
Midway through the half Galway took a deserved lead. Seamus Conneely and John Russell held possession before passing to Murphy to cross. The former Shamrock Rovers man whipped a dangerous cross into the area, and Vinny Faherty powered home a header after doing well to get in front of his marker.
The visitors should have been two up a few minutes later, but Jonathan Keane somehow managed to fire wide from just five yards. One again the home defence were slack, presenting the chance to the young winger on a plate.
Pats only attempt on goal in the first half came courtesy of former Galway man Derek O'Brien - but his header from fifteen yards lacked power and was straight at Gary Rogers.
Galway took up where they left off at the beginning of the second half, controlling the game and breaking down Pats half hearted attacks with ease. Murphy turned smartly in the box just before the hour mark, but shot straight at Friesz.
Pats boss Johnny McDonnell introduced Keith Fahy, Jamie Harris and Ryan Guy, but in truth they made no difference to a performance that lacked any effort of note.
Glen Fitzpatrick lazily gave possession away in midfield after seventy five minutes, and Galway should have doubled their advantage, but the impressive Russell couldn't make the necessary connection at the back post. Marc McCulloch then fired into the side netting after Galway moved the ball quickly from right to left.
Pats woke up somewhat in the final five minutes and injected a little urgency into their play, but even then all they managed was the one opening, and Fahy hit the side netting with that from a tight angle.
St Patricks Athletic: Lance Friesz; Stephen Brennan, Dave Partridge, Jason Gavin, Joe O'Cearuill; Noel Haverty, Jaroslaw Bialek, Des Byrne (Keith Fahey 62), Derek O'Brien (Jamie Harris 75); Glen Fitzpatrick, Stephen Fitzpatrick (Ryan Guy 66).
Subs not used: Barry Ryan, Dave Rogers.
Galway United: Gary Rogers; Seamus Conneely, John Fitzgerald, Marc McCulloch, Alan Keane; John Russell (Derek Glynn 87), John Lester, Jonathan Keane, Ciaran Foley (Iarfhlaith Davoren 81); Vinny Faherty, Alan Murphy.
Subs not useed: Alvin Rouse, Cian McBrien, Jesper Jorgenson.
Referee: Richie Winter.
