REPORT | Collinstown 1-2 Galway United

Galway United booked their place in the second round of the FAI Cup with a comfortable 2-1 win against Collinstown at Whitehall Stadium.

The full-time score did not reflect United’s dominance in the fixture and perhaps with a little bit more confidence and ruthlessness in front of goal, the Tribesmen could’ve added 3 or 4 more goals to the scoreline.

Collinstown to their credit put it up to United in the early goings, which was impressive for a side out of season. They took the lead through Jamie Aherne, who turned smartly in the box before planting the ball in the bottom corner.

United’s response was immediate however. Maurice Nugent, who was industrious in midfield, set up Conor Barry to calmly slot home.

Barry fired home a second moments later to put United in the driving seat in the tie. Great wing play and an inviting cross from Conor Melody set up the Portumna native and he made no mistake again.

Maurice Nugent was playing in a more advanced role for United and he went close twice, narrowly shooting over as Alan Murphy’s side searched for goals to create some breathing room between the sides.

Conor Barry was unlucky not to seal his hat-trick moments before half time, the midfielder saw his effort crack off the post with Collinstown goalkeeper Declan Woods stranded.

The upright denied United a third goal once again early in the second half when Stephen Christopher saw his sensational volley rattle off the crossbar.

United raided forward in search of more goals late in the game. Substitute Colin Kelly was twice denied by Woods in nets.

Donal Higgins had the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out due to offside. Higgins went close again late on, but the young midfielder pulled his shot narrowly wide of the post.

In the end, Barry’s brace was enough to secure United’s passage into the second round, setting up a tasty FAI Cup tie with Cork City at Eamonn Deacy Park on August 23rd.

Collinstown: Woods, McNeil, Nolan, Fitzpatrick, Carpenter, Sibanda (Doyle 83), McMahon, Matthews, Aherne, Conway (Delaney 57), Grogan

Galway United: Horgan; Horgan, Lynch (Higgins 59), Brouder, Walsh; Collins, Nugent; Melody, Barry (Kelly 74), Christopher; Faherty (Costelloe 68)

Referee: Paul Tuite