Both of these sides will have regrets after a scoreless scrap on a horrible night for football in Galway.
The home side had by far the better of it and more chances in a game devoid of same – but referee David Dunne had to make a big call in the second half, denying Drogs what looked a penalty.
Galway's fine defensive record – three goals conceded in their last six games against Premier Division opposition – got better, but their lack of potency in front of goal again curtailed them on a night when John Caulfield will m be thrilled with the effort and drive of this improving side.
It is difficult to be sure what either of these sides can achieve this season yet, at this early stage, it is apt to conclude few would relish coming to Galway – especially on a night as unfavourable as this.
United restored club legend Stephen Walsh, back from suspension, and full-back Conor O’Keefe to the starting 11, with the hugely impressive Aodh Dervin on the bench. Warren Davis started for Drogs, Adam Foley missing out through injury.
It was a really blustery evening in the West but the Terryland pitch was produced in good nick considering its state in recent weeks.
United came really close on five minutes. A clever Conor McCormack dink from a free-kick put Ed McCarthy in and he dragged left, going beyond the post and Rob Slevin’s despairing attempt at connection.
Galway United were well on top, with set-pieces in the blustery conditions causing issues, and Karl O’Sullivan smashing over from a corner at the end of the game’s first quarter.
It was remarkable that the hosts did not go ahead from another corner on 29 minutes as Walsh’s header from a handful of yards was deflected wide.
McCarthy has been exceptional since the start of last season for the Corribsiders and he dinked a sweet ball to O’Sullivan, whose effort was smothered by young Andrew Wogan.
Darragh Markey was always probing for Drogs and he was one of the main actors in the most controversial moment of the game early in the second half. He chipped into the box initially and when it fell to him from an O’Keefe intervention, the ball seemingly came off the arm of Conor McCormack, with Galway looking blessed to get away with it.
Galway again looked near certain to score just shy of the hour mark when, from a quick McCarthy throw, Evan Weir brilliantly denied O’Sullivan at the back post.
By the middle of the second half, John Caulfield had brought in three off-season signings – Patrick Hickey, Al Amin Kazeem and Leo Gaxha – in a bid to translate dominance into a goal.
The visitors were not averse to winning the game too, with the lively Steve Bawa forcing Brendan Clarke into a save with six minutes to go.
Reagon Donelon has a gorgeous left foot and his cross to Hickey with two minutes to go saw the former Athlone Town player head just wide.
Galway United: Clarke; Horgan, Slevin, Brouder, Donelon; O’Sullivan (Gaxha 67), Borden (Hickey 58), Hurley (Dervin 83), McCormack, McCarthy (Kazeem 67); Walsh (Lomboto 83).
Drogheda United: Wogan; Heaney, Cann, Weir; Davis (Cailloce 90), Keaney, Deegan, Gallagher, Bawa; Markey; Pierrot (Brennan 81).
Referee: David Dunne (Dublin)
