Bad run continues as Galway United fall to another defeat

Galway United   0                                                                                                        

Shamrock Rovers 1

GALWAY United slumped to a fourth defeat in five games as once again a lack of prowess in the final third cost them dearly as a Gary Shaw header just before half time was enough to seal all three points for the Hoops.

Tuesday’s fixture was a rescheduled game from a month ago, when the Tribesmen were still in the hunt for Europe, but with the season petering out quickly and United having nothing to play for, it was a tie for just the hardcore fans of both teams – just over 600 turning up for what is usually a marquee fixture.

Despite the result, those who attended were treated to a decent encounter, full of chances for both sides, with many leaving the Dyke Road venue feeling United could have taken all three points themselves.

Like many homes games of late, it was a slow burner early on, with little separating the sides in the opening 10 minutes, Tommy Dunne’s men looking that little bit more menacing, as Stephen Folan and Ryan Connolly put decent chances wide.

Sam Ramsbottom was one of three changes to the side which faced Derry City on Friday, and he was called into action inside the opening 15 minutes when Rob Cornwall got a touch onto a Brandon Miele free, forcing the Merseyside native to make a point blank save.

The Hoops relied heavily on wing play throughout the contest to break down the Utd defence, with Trevor Clarke having as good a half as anybody has had this season in Deacy Park, causing havoc down the left wing.

Set pieces were also a vital cog in the Rover attack, and when Trevor Clarke won a free just outside the box, it took another super save from Ramsbottom to deny Gary McCabe, as he hit a low but powerful free kick towards the bottom left corner on the half hour mark.

While Rovers were utilising the wings and set pieces, Dunne’s charges focused on quick counter attacks and darting up the middle at speed. United cleared a corner quickly allowing Ryan Connolly to pounce down the middle with Marc Ludden and Conor Melody in support to provide a three on two advantage, but despite neat link up play between Connolly and Melody, the latter would pull his shot well over.

Soon after another quick turnover through the middle led to Marc Ludden receiving the ball with acres of space down the right wing, and despite going one on one with keeper Barry Murphy, the left footed Ludden struggled to shoot with his right and skied a great chance over the crossbar.

Full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.