A brace from Stephen Walsh sealed all three points for Galway United as they defeated Derry City at Pearse Stadium in front of 3,101 spectators.

And while Galway tested the patience of their followers against Derry at times, they delivered the goods to pick up all three points.

It was a historic night for Galway United as they played their first game at the home of Galway GAA.

The Tribesmen are playing a number of games at the GAA stadium, due to pitch renovations taking place at Eamonn Deacy Park.

In this physical affair, the hosts started brightly, with Mattie Wolfe seeing his long-range effort smash off the Derry crossbar just minutes into the game.

In the 24th minute, Galway hit the front through Walsh.

The attacker headed the ball home from close range, following a delightful cross by Ed McCarthy.

Five minutes before the break Walsh had a gilt-edged chance to double United’s lead, but his glancing header was off target.

The striker didn’t let that miss affect him, though, and four minutes into the second period, he grabbed his second goal of the game after he was picked out by David Hurley.

Despite introducing James McClean minutes later, City struggled to hurt Galway for the remainder of the third quarter.

In the 88th minute, the visitors grabbed a consolation goal from the penalty spot. Following a handball in the Galway box, Michael Duffy scored the resulting penalty to give his side hope.

Despite Derry pushing late on for an equaliser, the home side held on for all three points.

Both teams’ next games are away to Shamrock Rovers. Derry travel to Tallaght on Monday, while the men in maroon head to the same venue next Friday.

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