Relegation play-off threatened Galway secure vital win over Bohs

Galway's David Hurley celebrates scoring his side's second goal. Pic: Dan Clohessy/Inpho

Galway United 2 Bohemians 0 

On a night of consequence at either end of the table, Galway United breathed new life into their survival push with their biggest win of the season.

Despite the stakes, it was an oddly subdued start in Eamonn Deacy Park. News filtered in about early goals going against the home team elsewhere. A couple of costly bookings were picked up.

But a couple of balls did bounce their way. Rob Cornwall hit the net early but was penalised for a foul on Killian Brouder. Ref Rob Harvey levelled the scores later, denying Dara McGuinness’s strong shout for a penalty.

This was after the home side took an unlikely lead in the 35th minute. Bobby Burns burst to the byline and drilled a cross. Patrick Hickey and Cian Byrne challenged for the ball before it bounced in. The big American claimed it, no one would the toss with him.

Alan Reynolds rolled the dice at half-time, introducing Connor Parsons and Colm Whelan. But United had momentum and played the game on their terms.

A pivotal moment came in the 58th minute when Niall Morahan made an unforced error in his box and handled the ball. David Hurley punished the infraction and drove home for 2-0.

The home team were comfortable thereafter. Bohs had some possession but struggled to penetrate. Hurley, Garry Buckley and Aaron Bolger excelled in their defiance.

The tempo slowed, the good news from around the grounds rolled in, and after a difficult few months, two wins in a row will renew belief in Galway.

Galway United:

Clarke; Esua, Buckley, Brouder, Burns; McGuinness (McCarthy 65), Bolger, Hickey (Slevin 73), Hurley (Piesold 90), Keohane; Walsh (Sivi 90).

Bohemians: Chorazka; Morahan (Kavanagh 77), Cornwall (Parsons 45), Byrne, Flores; Meekison (Whelan 45), Devoy, Tierney (Strods 89), McDonnell (Buckley 68), Rooney; Clarke  

Referee: R Harvey