Galway United picked up their first point of the season on Friday night when they drew 1-1 with Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

The visitors opened the scoring midway through the second half thanks to a Kris Twardek goal, before Harry Wood equalised from the penalty spot instantly for the home side.

In a physical affair, it was the hosts that started the brighter. However, United did look dangerous from set pieces, in the opening 25 minutes.

In truth, the first half was uneventful. However, Will Jarvis grew into the game for Shelbourne as the half went on, and he looked threatening throughout the second quarter.

Despite Jarvis growing into the contest, Arthur Parker defended superbly against the former Hull City man throughout the game.

There was some late Shels pressure late in the half but the sides went in level at the break.

It was the away side who took the lead midway through the half following a Twardek goal.

Following some brilliant United play down the right flank, the ball fell to the Canadian who finished to the net from close range.

Seconds later however, Shels were awarded a penalty, following a foul by Wasiri Williams in the United box.

Wood scored the resulting penalty, to make it 1-1.

The momentum was now with the hosts, and they started to bombard Evan Watts in the Galway goal.

Despite two crucial saves by Watts late in the half, United hung on for a valuable point, after a very good performance at Tolka Park.

United's defence was superb throughout, with Watts and Parker very impressive in particular. Substitute, Twardek was outstanding when he was introduced in attack also, in an encouraging team performance.

Next up for the Tribesmen is the Connacht derby, where they will face Sligo Rovers at Eamonn Deacy Park, next Friday at 7.45pm.

‍