Galway United 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
Friday, 19 September 2008There was late drama at Terryland Park with two goals arriving in a hectic last seven minutes as Galway United and Shamrock Rovers divided the spoils.
Though the Hoops hadn't played since a smashing win over Cork City at the end of August a high level of expectation followed the Dubliners into this contest.
Joesph Ndo's arrival has injected a dash of creativity into Rovers' midfield and this fixture would provide another test of resolve as lowly Galway required a positive result.
And Galway showed plenty of heart at the start and should have clipped a seventh minute opener, but Jesper Jorgensen couldn't supply the necessary finish to Jonathan Keane's cross.
Then moments later Jay O'Shea forced Robert Duggan to make a reflex save as Galway searched for a goal.
Rovers had chances themselves with Seanie O'Connor denied by Gary Rogers in the 23rd minute following a move that featured Pat Flynn, Padraig Amond, and Jo Ndo.
Galway's approach was admirable and John Lester unleashed a blistering 30-yarder that fizzed inches wide before the break.
After the restart Galway continued to pour forward and with only seconds on the clock John Russell fashioned a chance for Jonathan Keane who rolled the ball wide.
The Hoops hit the front on 83 when Darragh Maguire thumped a header to the back of the net following a neat Ndo corner.
But Galway recovered instantly levelling 90 seconds later as Jorgensen nodded home to delight the local support.
Jorgensen then struck the timber in stoppage time, but no further goals were scored despite the excitement.
Galway United: Rogers; Conneely, A Keane, Fitzgerald, McCulloch; J Keane (Murphy, 58), Foley (Glynn, 72), Lester, O'Shea, Russell; Jorgensen.
Shamrock Rovers: Duggan; Madden, O'Brien, Maguire, Stapleton; S O'Connor (Langtry, 68), Flynn, Rice, Ndo, Purcell (McGill, 80); Amond (Leech, 68).
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
