Galway United suffered a disappointing defeat on Friday night, when they were beaten 2-0 by Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Goals either side of half-time from Danny Grant and Aaron Greene, secured all three points for Stephen Bradley's side.

In a physical affair, it was the league champions who started the brighter, and they had a huge chance to take the lead in the 10th minute, when Graham Burke got on the end of a long ball, but his effort from inside the penalty area was incredibly blocked by Arthur Parker.

Moments later, Adam Brennan ghosted past the United defence, however his ball across the box was eventually cleared by the away side.

United were without manager, John Caulfield for this clash as he was serving a suspension following his dismissal at Monday night's game against Waterford.

John Caulfield's charges first shot in anger came in the 26th minute, when Ed McCarthy fired an effort over the crossbar from outside the penalty box.

The home side took the lead five minutes before the interval, when Grant finished past Evan Watts in the United goal, following a cross by Brennan.

The 2023 First Division champions would've been disappointed to be behind at the break, as they defended comfortably for the vast majority of the half.

Burke came close to doubling Rovers' lead minutes into the second period, but his finessed effort just went wide.

The Connacht men introduced Frantz Pierrot and Francely Lomboto with just over 30 minutes remaining, as they went in search of an equaliser.

Matthew Wolfe came agonisingly close to drawing United level in the 66th minute, but his effort from well outside the penalty area hit Rovers crossbar.

With just under 10 minutes remaining, the men in maroon should've levelled matters, but Lee Devitt struck an effort over the bar, following a nice headed pass by Kris Twardek.

Moments later, against the run of play, Rovers made sure of the points when former Galway United player, Greene made it 2-0, when he whipped an effort into the back of Watts' net from outside the penalty box.

Next up for United is a home game in two weeks time against Derry City, to round off the first round of league fixtures.

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