Walsh brace inspires Galway to Pearse Stadium victory over Derry

Galway United lined out at the home of Galway GAA for the first time

Stephen Walsh's double earned Galway vital points in their relegation battle. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Galway United 2 Derry City 1

Stephen Walsh netted a brace for Galway United as they avoided a late scare to win 2-1 over Derry City.

It was a historic occasion as the Tribesmen lined out in Pearse Stadium for the first time in the club's history. John Caulfield's men wasted no time imposing themselves on the contest as Lee Devitt struck the crossbar and Jimmy Keohane saw his attempt smothered by Eddie Beach within the first five minutes.

United were the far more inventive team and deservedly broke the deadlock after 23 minutes when the talismanic Walsh rose highest to nod in a looping Ed McCarthy cross. Beach got down well but couldn't get a strong enough hand on it to deny United's number seven.

It was a toothless display from a Derry City side who looked well short of the team that dispatched Bohs last weekend. Caulfield's men limited the Candystripes to a number of speculative long range efforts. Michael Duffy, however, would have felt slightly aggrieved not to have gotten a penalty after Keohane dragged the Derry forward down in the box in the 43rd minute.

United picked up where they left off after the interval when Hurley launched a cross-field ball from the right-wing into Walsh. Bearing down on goal he rifled a left-footed shot past Beach to make it 2-0 after 48 minutes.

Tiernan Lynch's outfit improved in the final 20 minutes as they searched for a route back into the contest and were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute as Boyce's shot struck Walsh's arm. Duffy stepped up to coolly dispatch past Evan Watts.

United's season has been defined by late disappointments but they remained resolute to see out a priceless victory as they bid to avoid the drop.

Galway United: Watts; McCormack, Brouder, Facchineri, Devitt; Wolfe (Williams 81'), Hurley (Piesold 58'), Bolger (Thiam 89'); Keohane, Walsh, McCarthy.

Derry City: Beach; Barr, Dummigan, McClean; Santos, O'Reilly,  Olayinka, Markey (McClean 55'), Flemming; Clarke (Boyce 46'), Duffy