Match Report – Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Galway United

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division – Fri 30th May – 8PM – Tallaght Stadium

Galway United picked an important point on the road on Friday night, as their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division clash against Shamrock Rovers ended goalless at Tallaght Stadium.

United defended superbly on the night to earn a share of the spoils, in a game Rovers dominated possession for large periods.

United did start the game on the front foot, and they almost took the lead in the third minute, but Vincent Borden saw his right footed effort from outside the box go narrowly wide. The next big chance of the contest came four minutes later, but McCarthy was unlucky not to find the target with his effort.

The hosts grew into the game after this, and minutes later they almost took the lead through an Aaron McEneff effort, but Evan Watts saved well.

McEneff came close again midway through the half, but the Derry native’s acrobatic effort just went over Watts’ crossbar, to the relief of the Welsh man in the Galway goal.

The second quarter of the game turned into an end to end affair, and Moses Dyer was next to go close in the 32nd minute. Following a delightful delivery from a free kick, Dyer headed the ball towards goal, but his effort came back off the post.

Seven minutes before the break, Watts made another good save, this time from Danny Grant.

Despite both sides creating half chances in the final five minutes of the half, the sides went in level at the break.

The home side started the second period lively and they created numerous good openings in the first ten minutes of the half, but John Caulfield’s side held firm, as the game remained 0-0, heading into the final quarter.

Graham Burke almost gave the hoops the lead in the 65th minute, but his curling effort from outside the box just went wide, as Rovers started to turn the screw.

Caulfield’s charges did look lively in attack at times, and Bobby Burns had a big chance for the Westerners with just over 15 minutes remaining, following an United corner, but the former Hearts players attempt went harmlessly wide.

In truth, the home side dominated the final twenty minutes of the game and deliveries from the likes Grant and Danny Mandroiu were causing chaos in the Galway defence, but to their credit the visiting side’s defence dealt with every question asked by them.

Tuam native, Rory Gaffney, had a big opportunity to win it for Rovers in the 92nd minute, but his header from five yards out was comfortably saved by Watts.

Minutes later, referee, Kevin O’Sullivan blew the final whistle as United hung on for an important point.

United’s next fixture is on Friday, the 13th of June when they travel to face Derry City, at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.