Moses Dyer hits double as Galway come from behind to beat Drogs

The New Zealander has score four goals in the last five days. 

Galway United’s Moses Dyer celebrates scoring a goal against Drogheda United. Pic: ©INPHO/Evan Logan

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Galway United 2 Drogheda United 1 

Four goals in five days for Moses Dyer has elevated Galway United to another level. His star turn in the second half, was just one aspect of an utterly compelling night in Eamonn Deacy Park, to which both teams and the officials contributed handsomely.

The home side drove the tempo early. David Hurley shot from the kick-off and from a free-kick, both had Luke Dennison scrambling. The American would be called upon twice to deny Moses Dyer twice in the first half from point-blank range. The first was an instinctive save at the near post, the second an impressive save with his foot to deny the Kiwi’s flicked effort.

After weathering the storm, Drogheda grew into the contest and were on top for much of it. The pace of Thomas Oluwa offered an outlet, and he went close twice. Outmuscled in midfield, Ryan Brennan and Darragh Markey would not be outfought, and they caused problems too going forward.

Conor Keeley was also a danger. Despite the size of his opponents, he won three headers in the opposition box, one of which had Brendan Clarke scrambling. The ‘keeper had no answer for Markey, who struck sweetly from the edge of the area for 1-0 in added time in the first.

Vince Borden nearly had his side back on terms after the break, a vicious half-volley was only thwarted by the post. It was the crossbar that stopped Dyer, for what could have been his hat-trick on another night. His 66th minute effort had the Galway crowd rethinking their pre-match superstitions.

Then it all changed. Dyer scored twice in two minutes. Just on, Stephen Walsh was influential in both. The first was a fine header from a sumptuous ball by Jeannot Esua. The second, a stretching finish after Walsh had bravely won a header in the box.

Drogheda were full-blooded in their search for an equaliser and caused problems at set-pieces. Douglas James Taylor nearly grabbed an equaliser at the death but was denied by the woodwork. Warren Davis couldn’t turn in the rebound either, as the home team clung on to win a classic.

GALWAY UNITED: Clarke; Esua, Slevin, Brouder, Cunningham (Buckley 37), Burns (Kerrigan 81); Borden (Walsh 60), Byrne, Hurley; Hickey, Dyer 

DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison; Lambe, Quinn (Bosakani 78), Keeley, Bolger, Kane (Cruise 72); Farrell, Markey (Heeney 72), Brennan (Doyle 72); Davis, Oluwa (Taylor 62) 

Referee: R Hennessy