- Andrew Dempsey
- Tue, Oct 10 2023
Galway United eased past Waterford on Tuesday night thanks to an Ed McCarthy brace as they edge closer to the 90-point mark in the First Division.
The Tribesmen have been the standout performers in the second tier this term and are now 23 points clear of the Blues on 88 points.
But Keith Long’s side have been unable to compete with United’s consistency, and that was laid bare on Tuesday night.
McCarthy’s first-half brace and a Wassim Aouachria hit in the 53rd minute eased John Caulfield’s side past the Blues.
And while the Blues netted a consolation through Sam Perry, Galway were never in trouble.
McCarthy opened the scoring in the 19th minute of the game when he danced past three laboured Waterford defenders before finding the far corner of the net.
And the former Treaty United man doubled his tally just five minutes before the interval when he latched onto Brendan Clarke’s long ball.
Former Waterford forward Aouachria then sealed the deal just eight minutes into the second half when he slotted home past Waterford sub goalkeeper Jason Healy.
The Ireland under-17 netminder could do little to deny his former clubmate.
But with time running out, Waterford grabbed a consolation through Perry.
The former Walsall youth tapped in on the line after a cross was headed back into danger by Blues striker Ronan Coughlan.
Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Killian Brouder, Evan O'Connor, Conor O'Keeffe, Robert Slevin; Vincent Borden (Steven Healy 65), Aodh Dervin, David Hurley (Francely Lomboto 65); Wassim Aouachria (Robert Manley 64), Edward McCarthy (Ronan Manning 75 (Daire McCarthy, 82)), Stephen Walsh.
Subs not used: Alexander Rutter, Oisín O'Reilly, Darren Clarke, Maurice Nugent.
Waterford: Sam Sargeant (Jason Healy 46); Ryan Burke, Harry Nevin (Darragh Power 62), Derik Osede; Barry Baggley, Cameron Cresswell (Dean McMenamy 70), Roland Idowu, Rowan McDonald (Shane Griffin 70), Samuel Perry; Ronan Coughlan, Connor Parsons (Christie Pattisson 62).
Subs not used: Killian Cantwell, Drew Baker, Serge Atakayi, Niall O'Keeffe.
Booked: Harry Nevin (26), Cameron Cresswell (50).
Referee: Oliver Moran.
Attendance: 566.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Ed McCarthy (Galway United).
