Keohane strike gives Galway edge over Sligo 

Jimmy Keohane of Galway United shoots to score his side's first goal. Pic: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile

Premier Division: Galway United 1 Sligo Rovers 0

Although they won by the minimum, Galway United were comfortable as they held Sligo Rovers at arm’s length to record an important win in Eamonn Deacy Park.

After a creditable draw in Waterford, Sligo would have expected more but fired their third blank in a row in a concerning start to the season.

The hosts were on top early but both goalkeepers were spectators. It followed that template for the first half. The home team had the initiative but failed to press it home.

They had moments. Arthur Parker pounced on a stray pass and turned David Hurley loose in the 18th minute. His shot was tame but well saved.

Jimmy Keohane made no such mistake a minute later. United raced forward and he smashed home for the go-ahead goal in the first quarter.

The same couldn’t be said about Ed McCarthy who skied his effort in the 36th minute after being teed up by Keohane.

Sligo disappointed in the first half, without much to their credit but they would have been reasonably content with a one-goal deficit at half-time.

Jad Hakiki came on at half-time and Ryan O’Kane ticked the palms of Evan Watts a couple of times after the turnaround.

Sligo had their strongest spell of possession in the third quarter and knocked it around well despite a tricky surface.

Yet, it remained a game short on chances. Stephen Walsh flashed one over as United gained a foothold again. Aaron Bolger had the goal open up for him but fired straight at Sargeant as the game became more ragged.

Normally exciting in the final third, Sligo suffered on a heavy pitch and in a big occasion. United were comfortable and saw out the contest, only having to survive a late scramble from a corner.

A late red for Carl McHugh could only compound the misery.

Galway United: Watts; Parker (Williams 90), Fachenneri, Brouder, Barratt; Keohane, Hurley (Piesold 90), Barratt, Bolger (Wolfe 76), McCarthy (Twardek 63); Walsh.

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Esua, McElroy, McHugh, Stewart (Nolan 61); O’Kane, Meekison (Hakiki 45, Patton 70), McManus (Kavanagh 80), Quirk, Fitzgerald; Traore.

Referee: R Hennessy.