Improved United earn deserved away point

Date Published: 06-May-2008

A STRING of top class saves from Gary Rogers and an altogether more disciplined performance from the back four ensured Galway United left the Brandywell with a much deserved share of the spoils last Friday night.

In reality,United had held the upper hand for the majority of the contest and had sufficient chances to notch up their maiden victory, most notably from Vinny Faherty and Stephen O’Flynn.

Only the introduction of Paddy McCourt on the hour mark halted United’s progress, but Derry City continued to be held at bay by a solid performance from the back line.

After an opening 45 minutes of ennui and little action, the game sprung to life after the restart, with end to end football and great scoring opportunities for both sides, the best of which fell to Faherty with 18 minutes remaining on the clock.

Following a Derry corner the ball was scrambled clear by the United defence. Derek O’Brien picked up the loose ball, counterattacked down the left and fed Jay O’Shea. The right winger nut-megged the full back and swung in a pin point cross to Faherty on the edge of the area, only for the striker to fire over Gererd Doherty’s crossbar after controlling the ball beautifully.

The much criticised Rogers turned hero with a pair of excellent point blank reflex saves from Mark Farren and reserve Conor Sammon, in the 74th and 79th minute respectively.

Farren stuck a thunderous volley from 10 yards out which Rogers somehowpawed away to safety. Sammon then found himself in prime position six yards out, but remarkably saw his snap shot brilliantly saved. He fluffed the rebound and it spilled to the feet of McCourt, whose poor attempt squirted wide.

United had looked dangerous from early on, with Faherty and O’Flynn combining well up front. O’Shea was also prominent early on teasing his full back and…………….