Galway United picked up an important victory on Friday night when they defeated Sligo Rovers, 1-0, at Eamonn Deacy Park in the first Connacht derby of the season.

A Jimmy Keohane goal in the first half was the difference, as the Tribesmen defeated the Bit O’Red for the first time at home since 2017.

In a physical affair, it was United who started the game brightly. The men in maroon pressed Sligo very high during the opening quarter, with Stephen Walsh making a nuisance of himself.

Galway’s bright start was rewarded in the 19^th minute, when Keohane finished to the back of the away side’s net. Following some good play down the left flank, the ball fell to the Kilkenny native, and he rifled a right footed effort to the back of the net.

In truth, John Caulfield’s charges should have led the game by more at half-time. Minutes after the opening goal, Ed McCarthy had a huge opportunity to double the host’s lead following good United play down the right wing. The ball fell to the Limerick man, but his effort from close-range went over the crossbar.

The home side went in ahead at the break, however to their credit; the visitors improved their performance in the third quarter. Despite some Sligo pressure during that period, United’s back four defended well.

Despite being in the lead, United continued to carry a threat and should’ve won this game by more than one goal.

Late on, John Russell’s men were reduced to 10 men, when Carl McHugh was given his marching orders in the 96^th minute.

The Terryland outfit held on after this for an important three points, and the bragging rights in the provincial derby.

Next up for United is a trip to Inchicore, where they will face St. Patrick’s Athletic on Monday night at 7.45pm.

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