They say that good things come to those who wait, and for the first time since May 22nd, Galway United returned to Eammon Deacy Park on Friday night as they played out a stalemate with Drogheda United, in another crucial relegation six pointer, in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

United returned to Terryland after playing five home games in all competitions outside their traditional home venue, due to renovations taking place on the pitch surface at the Galway FA owned stadium.

Backed by a large home following, the home side began this game on the front foot, with Aaron Bolger and David Hurley dictating matters in the middle of the park.

Kevin Doherty’s charges did look dangerous on the counter though, with Thomas Oluwa’s pace stretching the pitch for the visitors.

The previous six meetings between these sides have either seen one side win by one goal, or else the games have ended level, and this game was no different, and was a cagey one, with both sides content with playing long balls and competing for aerial duals.

In the early parts of the second period, the 2024 FAI Cup champions looked more lively than John Caulfield’s men, but they failed to really hurt their western counterparts.

The final quarter of the game was all Galway and with 14 minutes remaining they had a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, but David Hurley missed his effort.

Galway goalkeeper, Hugo da Cunha has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, and the Portuguese man made a number of key saves for his side on Friday, in his first ever appearance in Terryland.

Despite Friday’s result, both sides still remain in the relegation dogfight, alongside, bottom placed Sligo Rovers, Waterford and Derry City.

The Boynesiders are now winless in three games, and will be disappointed with their season so far.

On the other hand, the 2023 First Division champions will be relatively happy with their performances so far this season, and it hard to see them finishing in the automatic relegation spot.

Next up for Galway is a home tie in the Men’s FAI Cup against Bray Wanderers next Friday, while next Saturday, Drogs travel to face Cork amateur side, College Corinthians in the same competition.

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