Galway survive second-half Offaly onslaught

NHL DIVISION 1:

Galway 1-22 Offaly 1-18, Pearse Stadium

Galway withstood a strong second half Offaly onslaught to claim their third victory in Allianz NHL Division 1, running out four-point winners at Pearse Stadium this afternoon.

An 11th minute goal from Aidan Harte helped Galway to a 1-13 to 0-08 interval lead, with Ger Farragher claiming two excellent points from sideline cuts.

Offaly were strongest in the second half with a Shane Dooley goal cutting the gap to seven points as the game entered the final quarter, but Galway held out for victory.

In a keenly-contested opening period, the sides were level at 0-03 apiece after nine minutes. following a Shane Dooley point for the visitors.

Galway were minus their Portumna contingent, but it mattered little as Harte's strike to the left corner of the Offaly net gave the Tribesmen a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the opening half.

The sides were well balanced in terms of scoring chances over the following seven minutes, and although both teams added to their wides tally, a brace of points each ensured the scoreline stood at 1-05 to 0-05 at the end of the first quarter.

Farragher and Eanna Ryan landed points for the hosts during this spell, while Derek Molloy and Derek Morkan kept Offaly in touch.

Galway began the second quarter brightly with a superbly executed sideline cut from Farragher, but Offaly raised their game as points from Dooley and Conor Mahon cut the deficit to two points, 11 minutes from the break.

The hosts took control once more before the interval, with a superb run of seven unanswered points.

Scores from Ryan, Farragher (0-03), Niall Healy, Kevin Hayes and Tony Og Regan gave them a 1-13 to 0-08 buffer at the break.

Offaly manager Joe Dooley rung the changes with Joe Brady replacing Molloy and David Franks coming on for Kevin Brady, and Ger Oakley partnered Rory Hanniffy at midfield.

The chances had the desired effect as an inspired Offaly side began the second half brightly with Shane Dooley particularly impressive. Just five points separated the teams, nine minutes into the half.

Ger Healion and Brian Carroll also fired over excellent long range scores for the visitors. However, despite Dooley landing a much-needed goal, Galway always held an extra edge when push came to shove.

The introduction of Richie Cummins helped freshen up John McIntyre's side and the 18-year-old scored a fine point in the closing stages, despite some late Offaly pressure.

Joe Bergin forced a very goal save from Colm Callanan late on, but with Niall Healy claiming Galway's 22nd point, the hosts took the verdict to continue their league charge.