Galway United have secured their fifth victory of the SSE Airticity League First Division campaign after a 3-0 away victory over Athlone Town. The opening minutes of the game were relatively uneventful, with Galway unable to turn their dominance in
Galway United have secured their fifth victory of the SSE Airticity League First Division campaign after a 3-0 away victory over Athlone Town.
The opening minutes of the game were relatively uneventful, with Galway unable to turn their dominance in possession into anything to trouble the Athlone defence.
Their first real opportunity came after 16 minutes of play, but captain Ryan Connolly was unable to properly connect with a Marc Ladden cross from only six yards out, his shot going tamely into the opposing keeper’s hands.
In the 24th minute, Stephen Kenny received the ball on the right flank before cutting in and striking a low shot towards the bottom corner, forcing an excellent save from Mick Fogarty. Fogarty was once again called into action before the 40 minute mark.
This time Galway winger Carlton Ubaezuono was played through on goal, but was unable to beat Fogarty who produced a stunning save from close range.
From the resulting corner, Galway would finally take the lead. Connolly’s delivery was met by the head of striker Eoin McCormack, and despite the best efforts of the Athlone defenders, the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line by the officials.
The visitors extended their lead ten minutes into the second half, when after some good work down the left Connolly played the ball to Marc Ludden just inside the penalty area, who dispatched the ball coolly past the Athlone ‘keeper.
Athlone never really threatened the visiting defence, with United goalkeeper Tadgh Ryan remaining untroubled throughout the evening. Galway would wrap up the victory with their third goal in the 78th minute, when Stephen Kenny was afforded far too much space just outside the Athlone box, before cutting inside on his left and steering the ball beyond Fogarty.
Next up for Galway United is a home game against UCD, while Athlone Town will be visited by Drogheda United.
