In this relegation six-pointer at Pearse Stadium, Galway United and Waterford FC played out a draw on Saturday evening in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

The result sees United finish their short-term stint at the GAA stadium undefeated, as they return to Eamonn Deacy Park in just under a fortnight.

The first half of this game was an even affair, with both sides creating good chances.

The hosts somehow failed to take the lead in the 7^th minute. Midfielder, Aaron Bolger fired a right footed effort at goal from the edge of the penalty area, but his shot was miraculously cleared off the line by former Ireland international, Kevin Long.

Following that chance, the momentum switched and the visitors came close to snatching the opening goal eight minutes later, after Long’s deflected effort hit the Galway crossbar.

Very blustery and wet conditions affected Saturday’s contest, as the game was essentially a battle from minute one to 90, with seven yellow cards being dished out by referee, Paul Norton over the course of the contest.  

The sides went in level at the break, and in truth the second half of the game was uneventful.

The first shot in anger in the half didn't come until the 70^th minute. However, Jimmy Keohane’s strike was comfortably saved by Stephen McMullan.

Both teams were far cagier in the second 45 minutes, as they took far less risks when in possession of the football.

The best chance of the half came with 10 minutes remaining, but Francely Lomboto’s effort from 18 yards out went agonisingly wide.

The result sees both sides still remain in the relegation dogfight, but they will both be confident that they can avoid the drop.

Reflecting on the draw, United chief, John Caulfield said he was pleased with his side’s defensive display.

“Today is very blustery, much more than the previous weeks here. It was a good effort from the lads. The wind was very strong. Both teams were competitive. I thought we defended well and obviously came close on a number of occasions,” he said.

Next up for the westerners is a trip to Dublin to face Bohs next Sunday, while Waterford play Shelbourne on the same day, at the RSC.

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