Match Report: Galway United 2-0 Bohemians

Second half strikes from Armin Aganovic and Kevin Devaney sealed an important win for Galway United against Bohemians at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Bohemians custodian Shane Supple was in inspired form throughout and at times it seemed like United would not find a way past the former Ipswich Town netminder.

Supple thwarted Enda Curran twice before also pulling off a stunning save to deny Ryan Connolly.

Enda Curran was reinstated to United’s starting eleven and in the 8th minute, he latched onto a through ball which sent him through one-on-one with Shane Supple, but the Bohs keeper showed all his experience in standing up and spreading himself to deny Curran.

Bohemians front-man Kurtis Byrne almost caught out Sam Ramsbottom with an inventive effort from the edge of the box but the commanding goalkeeper readjusted himself to save.

Roberto Lopes drove onto a loose ball in midfield before releasing a low shot but it lacked conviction and the power required to trouble Ramsbottom.

A fantastic Galway United team move almost brought the opening goal of the game but Supple produced a brilliant save to deny Ryan Connolly. Enda Curran showed great skill and awareness to set up Connolly with a deft backheel, United’s captain looked sure to score but he found Supple in inspired form between the sticks for the visitors.

Enda Curran did well to turn Bohemians defender Stephen Best, he switched the ball onto his left foot and tried to sneak it past Shane Supple at his near post but somehow he was denied again by the 29-year-old goalkeeper.

Keith Long’s half team talk had the desired effect and the Gypsies started the second half purposefully. Stephen Folan showed good awareness to hack Keith Buckley’s angled header off the line after he connected with Eoin Wearen’s corner.

Dan Byrne gave United another scare moments later when his diving header flew narrowly wide of Sam Ramsbottom’s post.

Bohemians’ spell of pressure continued and slack play from United allowed Kurtis Byrne to roll the ball to the unmarked Paddy Kavanagh, who sided footed the ball off the foot of the post.

Despite Bohemians’ positive start to second half, United finally found a way past Supple in the 66th minute. Ryan Connolly’s free-kick made it’s way to Armin Aganovic in the box and the Swedish centre-half swept the ball past Shane Supple.

A merited second goal followed for the hosts. Skipper Ryan Connolly steamed forward on the left before trying to tee-up Vinny Faherty, the ball deflected to the edge of the box and Kevin Devaney pounced to smash the ball into the back of the net and seal the points for United.

Galway United: Ramsbottom; Horgan, Aganovic, Folan, Ludden; Sinnott, Byrne; Shanahan, Connolly, Devaney (Melody 93); Curran (Faherty 79)

Bohemians: Supple; Hayes, Byrne, Best, Pender © (Quigley 79); Lopes, Wearen; Buckley, O’Halloran (Kelly 73), Kavanagh; Byrne

Referee: Robert Harvey (Dublin)

Official Attendance: 943

PHOTOS BY Sean’s Sport Photo – www.sportsphoto.ie