Ten man Drogheda United blasted out a signficant early season warning at Terryland Park.
Despite conceding two early goals Galway staged a remarkable recovery to level, but Eamon Zayed pilfered a dramatic last gasp winner.
In a hectic start Glen Fitzpatrick steered Drogheda ahead with an opportunistic second minute strike.
Ollie Cahill floated a free-kick into the Galway area and after a wicked deflection the ball spun kindly for Fitzpatrick, who slipped the ball past the advancing Galway United goalkeeper Gary Rogers.
Galway created a string of half chances, but Derek O’Brien, Ciaran Foley, and Dave Cooke all going close, but Drogs weren’t bothered.
Paul Doolin’s side doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when skipper Declan O’Brien applied a sweet headed finish ending a smashing move that featured Jason Gavin and Richie Baker.
Galway halved the deficit in stoppage time when Stephen O’Flynn rifled the ball to the back off the Drogheda United after Wes Charles nodded a John Lester free kick into his path.
It was similarly action packed in the second half as Stuart Byrne was dismissed before Alan Murphy equalised in the 78th minute.
But Zayed struck in the dying embers of a fascinating clash as Drogheda returned home with the full complement.
