Sheppard wins it for Hoops

THIS was always going to be a revealing evening at Terryland Park for Galway United, who battled with grit and determination only for Shamrock Rovers to eke out a hard earned win.

Karl Sheppard’s flash of opportunism in the sixth minute proved to be the decisive blow as Galway United were unable to force an equaliser despite a gutsy performance.

With Stephen Rice and Ronan Finn controlling the midfield exchanges, Rovers were on top early on bagging a sixth minute goal.

Gary McCabe’s right wing cross was precise and former Galway favourite Karl Sheppard headed the visitors ahead.

Rovers were in control for the opening quarter as Gary O’Neill and Sheppard were both denied by Galway custodian Greg Fleming.

Galway did summon a burst of passion as Sean Kelly and Alan Murphy went close as the locals eventually settled into the game.

Rovers, though, were dealing with all of Galway’s attacks as Dan Murray and Ken Oman used all of their experience wisely to frustrate the locals.

Late on Galway came close to restoring parity when Murphy dragged a free-kick wide, but the Hoops could have added an insurance goal themselves, but their clever midfielder Finn was also off target.

GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Shaun Kelly, Maher (Feeney, 38), Walsh, Sinnott; Ryan (Cash, 27), Sean Kelly, G Kelly, Moore; Keogh (Gilmore 70); Murphy.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; Sullivan, Murray, Oman, Stevens; McCabe (Kilduff, 71), Rice, Finn, Dennehy; Sheppard, O’Neill (Kavanagh, 83).

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).