Drogheda United 0-1 Galway United

• Eimear Taaffe
• Sat, Jun 26 2010


Stephen O’Donnell’s goal on the 16th minute from his free kick at the corner of the 18yard box was enough to separate the sides at Hunky Dorys Park. Drogheda were without a number of starters, while Galway were at full strength with Derek O’Brien, their only worry coming on in the 70th minute.

Galway United started the better and were on top. On the ten minute mark, it was the home side who produced a great shot, after a quick throw from Ryan Brennan. Glen Fitzpatrick picked it up and rolled it to Kevin Ross but he had his efforts saved by Ryan, who was formidable in the Galway net.

The visitors did well and held up the ball with midfielders Meynell and O’Donnell controlling the play. Anto Flood made a quick dash through the Drogheda defence but it came to nothing. Drogheda came into it as their midfield began to gain in confidence and pass the ball around.

However it was on 16 minutes that the deadlock was broken, as Paul Murphy scooped the ball out of the back of his net, after a fine goal from O’Donnell.

Further on in the first half it became evident that Galway’s experience was superior to their youthful claret and blue brothers.

The second half was all the home side, with youth perhaps winning out, as the fitness and skill of the Drogheda United players shone through.

Kevin Ross was on for his first cap and showed some promise with many remarking on his outstanding performance. Galway attempted to stop the siege on their goal, as wave after wave of Drogheda attacks mounted.

Ciaran Foley played a long ball into Sheppard, who rounded McNally. Karl Sheppard’s shot was on target, but right into the hands of Drogheda keeper Paul Murphy.

His opposite number Barry Ryan put in a Man of the Match performance to keep the home side at bay. He was It is fair to comment that he alone kept Galway in the match.

Fitzpatrick and Crowley went close with efforts but it was not to be. On another night Drogheda could have scored half a dozen but Galway were not giving up the three points so easily, as they clung on for the win.

Other players of note were Karl Sheppard for Galway and Stephen O’Donnell, although he drifted out of the game after the break. Ryan Brennan on the right wing for Drogheda United was also in fine form, creating problems all over the park for the visitors.

Drogheda United: Paul Murphy; Corie Treacy (Chris Kerr, 87), Alan McNally, Mick Daly, Eoghan Osbourne, Paul Crowley, Kevin Ross, Ryan Brennan, Brendan McGill, John Flood, Glen Fitzpatrick (Colm Smyth, 82)
Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Damien Brennan, Stephen Murphy,

Galway United: Barry Ryan; Seamus Connelly, Jamie McKenzie, Ciaran Foley, Paul Sinnott (James Creaney,45); Bobby Ryan, Stephen O’Donnell, Rhys Meynell, Gary Curran (Thomas Heary, 90); Karl Sheppard, Anto Flood (Derek O’Brien, 70)
Subs not used: Cian McBrien, Darragh Geraghty

Extratime Man of the Match: Barry Ryan, Galway United
Referee: D. McKeon
Attendance: 600