John Lester and Ciaran Foley grabbed the goals as Galway United comprehensively outwitted a youthful Longford Town side in the League Cup at Terryland Park.
Though Alan Keane missed a 48th minute penalty with Neil Gallagher making splendid save Galway still advanced.
Lester struck a delightful effort from distance on 54 and midfielder Foley added a second in the 69th minute as Galway confidently closed the deal.
The win ensures Galway will face Connacht rivals Sligo Rovers in the second round of the competition.
Galway bossed the opening period fashioning several opportunities, but they were unable to rattle the Longford net.
With Gary Deegan providing the midfield industry and with winger Jay O'Shea showing some clever touches United were in the ascendancy.
Deegan, John Russell, O'Shea, and skipper John Fitzgerald all went close during a sustained spell of Galway pressure, but Longford survived, and departed at the break on terms.
When Alan Keane's penalty was saved by Neil Gallagher three minutes after the restart Galway must have wondered when they would rattle the Longford net, but that eventually occurred on 54.
Centre half Lester rifled an unstoppable 40 yard shot into the top corner as Galway grabbed a merited lead.
Substitute Stephen O'Flynn and Gary Deegan were involved in Foley’s second as the midfielder's shot took a wicked deflection past Gallagher.
