Galway United defeated Cork City 2-1 at Eamonn Deacy Park thanks to a Stephen Walsh double during his milestone night in maroon, with the win boosting the chance of John Caulfield's side avoiding the relegation play-off.
The two clubs came into the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division clash at the wrong end of the table, with both sides desperate to pick up points with only a handful of games left to play.
The fixture also marked a career milestone for striker Walsh, who tied Kevin Cassidy's all-time club appearance record, with 368 games played.
After a cagey opening to the game, it was the United stalwart who put the Tribesmen in front in the 18th minute. Patrick Hickey was the provider when he got on the end of a Jimmy Keohane free-kick, before Walsh headed into an empty net to put the home outfit in front in the crucial relegation contest.
As the wind whirled on Corribside, Walsh continued to look lively in the opposition area, as his rebounded effort landed to Killian Brouder, but the centre-half could only sky his strike over the crossbar.
At the other end of the pitch, City began to grow into proceedings, before they equalised through a moment of brilliance in the 42nd minute.
Alex Nolan demonstrated quality to cut inside from the left wing, before he struck an unstoppable 25-yard strike into the top corner to bring the sides level.
City’s delight only lasted a few minutes, though, as United’s man of the moment put his team back in front just as the clock hit the 45th minute.
On the right wing, Dara McGuinness delivered a delightful ball into the box, which was met by Walsh, and his glanced header found the bottom corner to send United into the break with a one-goal advantage.
In the second half, Walsh almost arrowed in his third headed goal, while Sean Maguire first struck a rasping effort just over Evan Watt’s crossbar, before the City striker did find the net from close range, but the Cork celebrations were cut short as he was adjudged to be offside.
As the half progressed, Gerard Nash’s struggling side continued to push for a leveller, but the Tribesmen remained resolute in defence to keep the scoreline in their favour and pick up an important three points.
Galway United: Watts; Slevin, Brouder, Walsh (Horgan 90), Hickey; Burns, Keohane, Buckley, McGuinness (Sivi 87), Esua; Bolger (McCarthy 67).
Cork City: Brann; Kelleher (Couto 64), McLaughlin, Nolan, Crowley; Kiernan (Lyons 86), Fitzpatrick (Lee 86), Anderson, Maguire, Feely; Kamara (Nelson 54).
Referee: Rob Hennessy.
