MATCH REPORT | Galway United 3-2 Cabinteely

Galway United made it three wins from three against Cabinteely thanks to a brilliantly taken brace from Conor Barry and an early strike from Eoin McCormack.

The scoreline flattered the visitors, who couldn’t have complained if United won by five or six.

Alan Murphy’s side couldn’t have made a better start at Eamonn Deacy Park. Marc Ludden crossed for Gary Shanahan, who headed back across goal to Eoin McCormack, who took a touch before calmly slotting past Stephen McGuinness.

The Tribesmen pressed for more and McGuinness had to get a crucial hand to Marc Ludden’s in-swinging free-kick. Moments later, Robbie Williams poked Conor Barry’s free-kick goal-ward, but he flashed his effort just wide.

Cabinteely defender Jack Tuite had the the visitors first attempt on goal, but his header was straight at Tadhg Ryan, who made a routine save.

A great ball into the box from Christopher Horgan was met by a diving header from Carlton Ubaezuonu, but the ball flashed narrowly wide of goal.

Cabinteely got back on level terms against the run of play when Joe Doyle sprang the home sides offside trap before firing past Tadhg Ryan.

Conor Barry scored a crucial goal just two minutes after Cabinteely had pulled level. The midfielder let fly from 25 yards, leaving Stephen McGuinness hopelessly stranded. The ball nestled perfectly in the bottom corner.

United received a let-off just before half time when Zack O’Neill side-footed wide from an excellent position just inside the box.

The second half started off with similar intensity from the home side. Robbie Williams headed Marc Ludden’s long-throw off the upright, then Alan Murphy set Carlton Ubaezuonu racing down the wing, the winger opted to cut inside before attempting to bend the ball into the far corner, but his shot flew over.

United’s second half pressure finally told when Conor Barry finished off a well-worked team move. Alan Murphy whipped the ball into Eoin McCormack’s feet and he back-heeled the ball into the path of the on-rushing Conor Barry, who shot low and off the foot of the post and into the back of the net.

Conor Barry then went within inches of securing a well-deserved hat-trick. Carlton Ubaezuonu played the ball into Barry’s feet and he swivelled onto his left foot before seeing his shot cannon off the woodwork.

Cabinteely spurned a big chance to pull a goal back when Kevin Knight skied the ball in the box after connecting with Daniel Blackbyrnes long-throw.

The visitors did pull a consolation back when Marty Waters scrambled the ball home from close range but United were not troubled in the closing stages and held on for a deserved win.

Galway United: Ryan; Horgan, Williams, Walsh, Ludden; Shanahan (Manning 76), Byrne, Barry, Murphy, Ubaezuonu (Waweru 89); McCormack (Furlong 72)

Cabinteely: McGuinness, Byrne, Knight, Doyle, Dalton (Blackbyrne 75), Waters, Tuite, Fitzpatrick (Clucas 70), Maher, O’Neill, O’Reilly (Morgan 68)

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea