Saints power to victory as Galway’s woes grow
Pete Mahon’s side were utterly dominant in the first half, but only had one goal to show for their efforts at half-time, and it was United who were shading the second half until the harsh dismissal of Steve Feeney in the 67th minute by referee Damien Hancock for two yellow cards.
Danny North continued his excellent scoring streak for the visitors, netting his 10th league goal of the season in the seventh minute, but the visitors could — and should — have been out of sight at the break as the United goal led a charmed life at times.
Evan McMillan had two shots taken off the line in quick succession, while Anto Murphy hit the post with another.
United keeper Greg Fleming also made a couple of crucial saves, denying Derek Doyle and Daryl Kavanagh as the visitors completed dominated the first 45 minutes.
The home side threatened only once in the opening half, Mikey Gilmore turning Neil Harney wide on the left before drilling a low shot goalwards, which Gary Rogers did well to turn around at his near post for a corner.
United were a different proposition in the second half as they took the game to the title-chasers, but while they enjoyed plenty of possession, they struggled to create any chances of note, and any chance they had of getting back into the game disappeared in the 67th minute when Feeney was given his marching orders.
The visitors didn’t wait long to make their numerical advantage count, Evan McMillan getting on the end of Stephen Bradley’s corner from the left in the 72nd minute to finally beat Fleming.
GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Dusi, Sinnott, Preston-Kelly, Kelly; Moore, Ryan (Gavin 73), Curran, Gilmore; Feeney, Caldwell.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Rogers; Harney (Daly 73), McMillan, Shorthall, Carroll; Murphy, McFaul (Crowley 66), Bradley, Doyle; Kavanagh, North (D McMillan 79).
Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin).
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