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SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Galway United 0-1 Drogheda United
Galway United opened their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division campaign with a narrow defeat on Friday night, following a late goal by Jago Godden.
In a physical affair at Eamonn Deacy Park, it was the visitors who started the game brightly.
The first chance of the game for Kevin Doherty’s side came in the 9th minute. An Ethan O’Brien cross wasn’t dealt with by the Galway defence, but Edwin Agbaje saw his right footed effort just go over Evan Watts’ crossbar.
Moments later, Thomas Oluwa weaved his way through the United defence, but Wasiri Williams made an outstanding tackle to deny the Drogheda attacker a shot on goal.
The hosts started the game with four debutants and they grew into the game after this, but Drogs defended the westerners' attacks well.
United were next to go close midway through the half, when Jimmy Keohane fired a left footed shot from outside the box over the crossbar.
In the 26th minute, the home side somehow failed to take the lead. Firstly, Francely Lomboto hit the crossbar with a header, following a Killian Brouder cross. The ball rebounded to Keohane, but his effort from a tight angle was off target.
Despite the hosts being on top for the remainder of the half, the sides went in level at the break.
Caulfield’s charges began the second half well, and four minutes into the half, they weren’t far off taking the lead, but Kilkenny native, Keohane saw his effort fly over the crossbar.
Shortly after, the game started to open up with both teams looking dangerous in attack.
The Terryland outfit were then awarded a penalty in the 64th minute, after Keohane was fouled in the Louth side's box. David Hurley took the resulting penalty, but his effort went to the left and wide.
Eight minutes later the 2024 FAI Cup champions should have taken the lead, but Brandon Kavanagh's header from inside the six-yard box was saved by Watts.
In the 83rd minute Lomboto forced Luke Dennison into a smart save, following good Galway play.
Minutes later, the home side went close again, but this time Arthur Parker saw his effort from the edge of the box, deflected just over the Drogheda crossbar.
Against the run of play, the away side took the lead in the 91st minute. Following a delivery into the Galway box, the ball fell to Godden on the edge of the area, who fired the ball into the back of the net.
Despite some Galway pressure in the last few minutes, Drogheda held on for all three points.
Galway United will wonder how they didn't get at least a point from this contest, as they looked the more threatening team for the majority of the contest.
Next up for United is a trip to Inchicore next Friday night, where they will be back in league action to face St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.
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