Galway shock Derry with late Walsh goal

Stephen Walsh of Galway United celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match against Derry City and Galway United at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division : Derry City 0 Galway United 1 

GALWAY United produced what will be a considered a major shock on Foyleside when John Caulfield's young side netted the vital goal five minutes from the end.

And it was a thoroughly deserved victory as Derry City lost their unbeaten record at home having enjoyed three wins on home soil.

The absence of top scorer, Pat Hoban, on the Derry City team-sheet raised quite a few eyebrows at the Brandywell and Galway United will have had no complaints.

Indeed, it was very clear which manager appeared the happiest at the half time break, John Caulfield delighted with the effort of his troops when keeping the home side contained throughout what was a very disappointing first half.

While Galway were happy to contain, the 'Tribesmen' refused to sit back and, when an opportunity presented itself they moved onto the front foot with both Karl O'Sullivan and David Hurley working hard when in attack.

Clear-cut scoring chances were at a minimum with neither keeper tested in front of an excellent attendance of 3,000 fans.

What was a totally forgettable opening period threatened to improve during the early stages of the second half with Derry owning the ball for spells but they failed to trouble keeper, Brendan Clarke.

Derry's first threatening shot on the Galway goal did not arrive until the 57th minute, Michael Duffy having taken control of a difficult pass but he ballooned his shot high over the crossbar.

Centre-back Mark Connolly headed a free over the Galway crossbar two minutes later as the Candystripes attempted to get their act together.

On the hour Derry's Paul McMullan flashed a shot high over the cossbar after Will Patching had set him up, Galway working overtime to get back into the game.

Derry then introduced top marksman Pat Hoban with Daniel Kelly called ashore, much to the approval of the Brandywell faithful in the 65th minute.

The 75th minute introduction of Ciaran Harkin, the Derry younger back to fitness after an ACL injury which kept him out of action since 2022, had the attendance on their toes as the home side continued to press.

To be fair, Galway refused to sit back and they broke again with 10 minutes remaining when sub., Stephen Walsh broke but again Maher came to Derry's rescue with a fine save.

However, Galway produced the goods and the goal they deserved when netting a vital goal, five minutes from the end, a deserved win given their overall performance.

Walsh again was set free and having outpaced Connolly, the Galway player drilled the ball low into the corner of the net to silence the home lot.

Meanwhile, it finished goalless between Drogheda and St Pat's at Weavers Park.

DERRY CITY: Maher; Boyce, Connolly, McEleney, McJannet; McEneff (Harkin, 75), Patching, Duffy; Kelly (Hoban 65), McMullan; Mullan (Mullan, 83).

GALWAY UNITED: Clarke; Esua, Brouder, Slevin, Kazeem; Dervin (Walsh, 68), McCarthy (Donelon, 90+4, McCormick, Borden (Hickey, 90); Hurley, O'Sullivan (Nugent, 90).