Joyce’s side overcome stubborn opposition and heavy pitch to maintain winning start

Galway 2-8

Clare 1-5

 If you were to sum up this National Football League Division 2 round five clash between neighbours in one word, it’d be ‘forgettable’. Although, forgettable is, perhaps, a generous description.

When the silverware is being handed out at the end of the season, nobody will look back on this mediocre match at a windy Tuam Stadium on Sunday as a turning point. It was one of those games that won’t linger long in the memory; one you just have to trudge through and get over.

The main positive was Galway won it, with plenty to spare – a period of dominance after half-time, which yielded 1-5 without reply, was enough to lower the below-par Banner.

It means Galway maintain their unbeaten record this season, are top of the table, and have winning momentum as they look forward to away trips to the other two promotion contenders, Derry next Sunday, and Roscommon the following weekend. Mission accomplished.

This was the epitome of winning ugly, though. The Tribesmen’s first touch was off; the accuracy of their shooting left a lot to be desired; they fouled persistently, although referee Conor Lane, in fairness, was a bit whistle-happy and the wind and heavy underfoot conditions didn’t help; and they just lacked the sort of precision and sharpness that will be needed in the white heat of championship battle against Mayo next month.

You couldn’t fault the players’ commitment – they all tried and worked hard – but they looked and played with the gimp of a team that’s been training intensively in preparation for bigger days ahead.

Galway were far from their best but it was more than good enough against a Clare outfit that was all at sea. The Munster side were physical, and crowded out their defence, which made it difficult to penetrate. And they made life awkward for the home team at kick-out time. But ultimately, Clare, apart from a few exceptions and a decent start, posed a limited threat and were very average looking.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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