Match Report – Galway United v Drogheda United

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

Galway United 1-1 Drogheda United

Galway United drew with Drogheda United in their final home game of the season, following an entertaining 1-1 draw at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night.

In a physical affair, the hosts started brightly. Following their good start, Galway’s first chance of the game fell to Patrick Hickey in the 15th minute, but his header went wide after good play down the left flank by the hosts.

Kevin Doherty’s side grew into the game in the second quarter, and former Galway United U19 player, James Bolger went close for Drogs with a header in the 22nd minute. However, Brendan Clarke saved the Roscommon man’s effort comfortably.

In the 37th minute, the Tribesmen were forced into a substitution when Dara McGuiness sustained a nasty injury, after colliding with the wall behind the goal at the Dyke Road end of the ground. Ed McCarthy replaced the former Finn Harps man.

On the stroke of half-time, David Hurley almost gave John Caulfield’s side the lead, but his shot from a free-kick was saved by Luke Dennison, in the Drogheda goal.

It was the away side who started the second half on top and they took the lead in the 49th minute, when Luke Heaney’s cross ended up in the Galway net.

Just under ten minutes later, the westerners equalised. After a good save by Dennison, and a block on the line from Hickey’s rebound effort, the ball fell to Stephen Walsh and he bundled the ball over the line.

10 minutes later, the home side almost took the lead following a brilliant corner by Jimmy Keohane was not dealt with well by Dennison, the ball fell to Walsh but his close-range effort hit the side netting.

The away side were the next team to go close in the 81st minute. Conor Keeley got on the end of a Drogheda corner, but his header flew over the bar.

Moments later, Drogheda came close again. Following good play on the right wing, the ball found its way to Keith Cruise but his save was superbly saved by Clarke.

Both sides pushed for a winner but the game finished all square, at 1-1.

Next up for United is a trip to Tallaght to face Shamrock Rovers, next Wednesday at 8pm.