It was a share of the spoils at Eamonn Deacy Park as Galway United and Drogheda United drew 1-1 after Stephen Walsh cancelled out Luke Heeney's early second-half goal.
The Tribesmen came into this evening’s SSE Airtricity Premier Division encounter on the back of a significant win against Bohemians last week that boosted their survival hopes, while Drogheda travelled west still in the hunt for Europe.
On a chilly and damp evening, it was a scrappy opening to proceedings as the Drogheda defence were efficient in dealing with Galway's direct approach.
From a laid-off free-kick, it was David Hurley who had Galway’s only shot in anger in the first half, which was just about kept out by Luke Dennison.
At the other end of the pitch, Kevin Doherty’s side had similar issues in breaking down a resolute home defence, with James Bolger having their only effort on target in the opening 45 minutes.
The half-time break did the game the world of good, as two quick-fire goals transpired shortly after.
Firstly, in the 49th minute, after an overhit Shane Farrell free-kick, the ball was delivered back into the box by Owen Lambe. The delivery evaded everyone and hit the post, before Luke Heeney was on hand to loop the ball over Brendan Clarke from a tight angle.
As the away fans celebrated the opener, it was nearly cancelled out minutes later, when Galway goalkeeper Clarke had an audacious long-range attempt from his own half, which Dennsion did well to deal with.
Soon after, the equaliser arrived as the Tribesmen’s all-time appearance maker, Stephen Walsh, restored parity in the 57th minute.
Dennison first denied Jimmy Keohane’s low effort before Patrick Hickey’s rebound was blocked on the line, but it was Walsh who managed to get the precious final touch into the back of the net to send the home faithful into a frenzy.
John Caulfield’s outfit grew in confidence following the leveller, with both teams finding further openings in the opposition penalty areas as the match progressed.
Before the final whistle, opportunities fell to Walsh and Drogheda substitute Kieran Cruise, but the game would remain level in what was a tight affair on Corribside.
Galway United: Clarke; Burns, Buckley, Brouder, Esua; Keohane (Sivi 90), Hurley, Bolger (Piesold 82), McGuinness (McCarthy 38 / Slevin 82); Hickey, Walsh.
Drogheda United: Dennison; Kane (Cruise 79), Quinn, Keeley, Bolger, Lambe; Heeney, Farrell (Stretton 75), Markey; Kareem (Davis 66), Thomas (Oluwa 79).
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.
