Alan Murphy was in splendid form as Stephen Lally’s vibrant Galway United side blasted out an early season warning at Terryland Park with a 2-0 victory over Limerick FC in the eircom League First Division.
The Tribesmen comprehensively outwitted a promising Limerick side in a game that belonged to the majestic Murphy.
Both sides fashioned gilt-edged goal-scoring opportunities in an entertaining opening period that featured some thoughtful attacking football.
Galway, playing with substance and style, went close early on, but Noel Mooney denied Alan Murphy twice with impressive saves.
United custodian Alan Gough also demonstrated his prowess making a superb save to deny a blistering Robbie Kelliher drive in the 24th minute.
The home-side seized the initiative in the 33rd minute when Pat Purcell headed the ball into his own net after Ronan Frawley had connected with Philip Reilly’s cute corner.
Five minutes into the second period Murphy steered a sublime second past Mooney. Mixie Harty fashioned the chance with a barnstorming run and Murphy applied a crisp finish much to the delight of the vociferous home crowd.
Substitute Paul Rose impressed for Limerick following his second half introduction and he went close in the 71st minute, but sufficient Galwegian damage had been inflicted.
Galway United: Gough; Keady, Frawley (Carter, 46), Clery, Keane; Cretaro (Gavin, 57), Harty, Reilly, O’Brien; Murphy, Lavine (Moran, 75).
Limerick FC: Mooney; Wolfe, Buckley, Purcell, Watters; Costello (Rose, 63), Lester, Barrett, Heffernan; McCarthy (Guerin, 77), Kelliher (Kiely, 79).
Referee: Dan Deady (Cork)
