Christopher strikes late as 10-man Galway Utd continue winning run

CABINTEELY 0

GALWAY UNITED 1

Daire Walsh in Stradbrook

STEPHEN Christopher was the matchwinner in Stradbrook on Monday night as his 99th-minute finish propelled 10-man Galway United to the most dramatic of triumphs over Cabinteely in the SSE Airtricity League First Division.

Restored to the United side in place of the injured Conor Barry, Christopher produced the goods for John Caulfield’s rejuvenated charges. Cabinteely had seemingly gained the upper hand when Marc Ludden was dismissed on 67 minutes, but United ultimately held firm to secure all three points.

United have now won five league games in succession since Caulfield assumed the reins from Alan Murphy. Although they remain outside the play-off spots for the time being, only goal difference currently separates them from fifth-place UCD.

The Tribesmen were facing a Cabinteely side that began the day three points adrift of table-toppers Bray Wanderers. It was the hosts who had the first opportunity with Steven Kinsella’s long-range strike forcing a routine save out of Galway netminder Kevin Horgan.

Midfielder Dylan Thornton had a subsequent header cleared off the line by Killian Brouder as Pat Devlin’s Metropolitan outfit looked to set out their stall. Nevertheless, United posed a considerable threat of their own – not least from wide attackers Mikey Place and Shane Doherty.

The latter got his head to an enticing Place cross during the early exchanges and even though Corey Chambers was equal to his effort, it was a sign of things to come. After the Cabinteely custodian turned away Place’s half-volley, Doherty fired agonisingly over the opposition crossbar on the first-quarter mark.

United suffered a setback on 27 minutes when Doherty was forced out of the action. He was replaced on the left-wing by Timmy Molloy, who was also unavoidably withdrawn before the half was out.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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