Galway United survived a few scary moments at Terryland Park as Derek O’Brien’s 43rd minute goal proved decisive.
Galway were enthusiastic early on and fashioned opportunities as Jonathan Keane and Jay O’Shea both went close.
Still Waterford were competitive and enjoyed a pocket of supremacy as Willie John Kiely forced Gary Rogers into making a save, while midfielder Kevin Waters nearly hit the opener with a cute free-kick in the 39th minute.
But Galway recovered briskly regaining the initiative as Derek O’Brien swept the home side into the lead in the 43rd minute.
Seamus Conneely and Jay O’Shea fashioned the opportunity for O’Brien, who swept the ball home from ten yards.
In the third quarter Waterford troubled Galway as Vinny Sullivan and Kevin Fitzpatrick squandered chances.
O’Shea was prominent throughout for Galway and following clever play featuring Vinny Faherty and John Russell the former Ireland under 19 international’s effort clipped the post.
Galway United: Rogers; Conneely, Fenn, Fitzgerald, Nootimer; O’Shea, J Keane, Russell, O’Brien; Leech, Faherty.
Waterford United: Spicer; Fitzgerald, Breen, Hayes, Clarke; Fitzpatrick (Mulcahy, 76), Waters (Grencell, 84), Dunphy, Foley; Sullivan, Kiely (Bermingham, 69).
Referee: M Gough (Limerick).
