Johnny Kenny's late goal earned Shamrock Rovers their first Premier Division win of the season after victory over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.
On a calm evening on Corribside, the atmosphere was upbeat as First Division champions Galway United welcomed four-in-a-row SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division winners Shamrock Rovers to the west.
The Hoops, who came into the encounter without a win in their first four league fixtures, demonstrated their quality to dig out a much-needed three points.
In a first half largely dominated by Rovers, the first shot in anger came from the left boot of Graham Burke in the 15th minute.
Following a tidy passage of play by the away side, Burke unleashed a long-range effort but United shot-stopper Brendan Clarke was equal to the strike.
The former Preston attacker came close again a few minutes later after breaking in behind the home defence. This time Galway left back Al-Amin Kazeem came to the rescue thanks to a last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal after Burke almost capitalised on Clarke’s palm away in the penalty area.
The Tribesmen, content to let the Hoops have the lion’s share of possession throughout proceedings, started the second half on a positive note as Stephen Bradley’s team struggled to break down a resolute United backline.
There were half chances for both sides in a lacklustre second 45 minutes; Rovers striker Rory Gaffney dragged an effort just off target while opposing striker Stephen Walsh saw his header go narrowly wide of the post to the relief of Leon Pohls in net.
GOAL - Galway United 0-1 Shamrock Rovers
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 15, 2024
What a time for substitute Johnny Kenny to open his account for the season as Shamrock Rovers find the breakthrough
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With five minutes to go, the reigning Premier Division champions found the decisive goal to the joy of the away faithful. MK Dons loanee Darragh Burns received the ball on the right wing and his pinpoint cross found an unmarked Johnny Kenny to tap home.
The on-loan Celtic striker’s introduction proved to be vital as the Tallaght club picked up their first win of the season.
Galway United: Clarke; O’Keeffe, Slevin, Brouder, Walsh; Hurley, O’Sullivan (Dervin 30), Borden (Hickey 89), McCormack, McCarthy (Lomboto 89); Kazeem.
Shamrock Rovers: Pohls; Honohan (Noonan 71), Lopes, Grace, Cleary; Watts, Burke, Nugent (Kenny 71), Poom, Gaffney (Greene 79); Burns (Hoare 89).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
