Faherty leads United’s goal bonanza in vital league win

Galway United   4

Wexford Youths 2

Patrick Flaherty  at Eamonn Deacy Park

SEVEN weeks was a long time for the Deacy Park faithful to wait to see the Tribesmen play at home again, but Galway United were quick to make up for lost time as they treated the loyal crowd to a six goal thriller on Friday night.

Two weeks ago in Finn Park, United didn’t have a single shot on target as they slumped to a very disappointing defeat to Finn Harps, but with no game since, the break seemed to do Tommy Dunne’s charges a world of good.

United put in a dominating performance, looking much more threatening and menacing in front of goal as they easily accounted for a Wexford side which paid the price for playing so open.

A goal from Vinny Faherty in either half, along with pivotal efforts from Gary Shanahan and Ryan Connolly saw United earn a valuable three points, and a first win at home since defeating Finn Harps in early April.

While the game ended up being an entertaining one, you’d be forgiven for expecting a drab affair on first viewing, with both sides failing to come close to scoring in the opening 15 minutes – Gary Shanahan’s skied effort being the only chance of note in a rather dull opening.

But things began to pick up soon after, with United really hitting their stride and now looking sure to open the scoring. Some neat passing from Faherty set up both Conor Melody and Paul Sinnott with clear-cut opportunities in quick succession, but neither shot really tested Doyle in the Wexford net.

Wexford were really struggling at this stage, but despite having not had a single chance in the opening 20 minutes, it was Shane Keegan’s charges who took the lead against the run of play on 21 minutes – a deflection from a Craig McCabe throw fell sweetly for Shane Dunne, who slotted home a bullet past Conor Winn.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.