Galway United recorded an important 1-0 over Shamrock Rovers at a packed Terryland Park tonight.
In a thrilling opening period, both sides created gilt edged chances.
Shamrock Rovers nearly pinched a dramatic lead goal after 23 seconds, but Gerard Rowe rifled the ball over the bar from 16 yards.
After this reprieve United settled and started to dictate the game.
Derek O’Brien struck a sublime cross from the left but Davie O’Dowd just failed to make a connection with the leather at the back post.
Wes Charles nodded a Mick O’Donnell free-kick wide, while Conor Gethins forced a superb save from Rovers custodian Barry Murphy.
O’Dowd went close again, but Galway eventually scored in first-half stoppage time.
The Hoops defence failed to deal with Nigel Keady’s deep cross and O’Brien fired home - much to the delight of the sell-out home crowd.
It was tight and uncompromising after the break as Galway defended with grim determination.
Vinny Perth had a shot gathered by Alan Gough, but the Hoops struggled against a resolute defence that was superbly marshalled by Billy Clery.
