Galway United 4-2 Wexford Youths
A much-improved Galway United claimed a deserved SSE Airtricity League victory over Wexford Youths at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Wexford took a 21st-minute lead courtesy of Shane Dunne, but Galway drew level when Gary Shanahan replied on 23.
Seven minutes before the break Vinny Faherty headed Galway’s second, while the commanding Ryan Connolly added a third on the hour mark.
Wexford’s Paul Murphy was red carded, but while visiting substitute Andy Mulligan trimmed the gap, Vinny Faherty replied in stoppage time.
Wexford set up with a 3-5-2 formation so Galway were keen to involve wingers Gary Shanahan and Kevin Devaney in the early exchanges.
In the centre of the park Galway skipper Ryan Connolly craved involvement, but Wexford were diligent defensively in the first quarter.
A clever reverse pass from Faherty released Conor Melody in the 16th minute, but Wexford goalkeeper Graham Doyle made a fine save.
Galway were probing and moments later Faherty manufactured a chance for Paul Sinnott, who was unable to direct a shot on target from the edge of the area.
Then against the run of play Wexford hit the front courtesy of a splendid strike from Dunne as a Galwegian defensive lapse was ruthlessly punished.
Craig McCabe’s long throw-in wasn’t dealt with adequately by the Tribesmen with Dunne slamming a fine shot into the back of the Galway net.
Within 90 seconds, though, Galway were back on terms when Gary Shanahan levelled following an inviting Faherty assist.
Melody, impressive in an attacking midfield role, examined Doyle’s reflexes with a 30th-minute drive before Galway bagged again.
Unsurprisingly Melody was instrumental dashing clear on the left to supply a cross that was headed into the back of the Wexford net by Faherty.
Six minutes after the restart Connolly’s thoughtful flick found Shanahan, but Doyle saved, and defender Lee Grace cleared the danger.
A pumped-up Galway outfit hit a third in the 60th minute courtesy of a delightful individual goal from the influential Connolly.
Wexford’s cause was scarcely aided by the 72nd-minute dismissal of Paul Murphy for a foul on Galway’s Sinnott.
Youths replacement Andy Mulligan narrowed the gap with five minutes remaining, but Galway made sure of the points as Faherty’s last-gasp goal sealed the deal.
Galway United: Conor Winn; Colm Horgan, Armin Aganovic, Stephen Folan, Stephen Walsh; Gary Shanahan, Paul Sinnott, Ryan Connolly (Jose Garcia, 90), Kevin Devaney; Conor Melody; Vinny Faherty (Padraic Cunningham, 90).
Wexford Youths: Graham Doyle; Craig McCabe, Stephen Last, Lee Grace; Aidan Friel (Aidan Keenan, 62), Chris Kenny (Shane Dempsey, 75), John Bonner (Andy Mulligan, 82), Shane Dunne, Danny Ledwith; Paul Murphy, Danny Furlong.
Referee: David McKeon (Dublin).
