SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

St. Patrick’s Athletic 1-0 Galway United

On a lovely evening for football in the capital, United were narrowly defeated by St. Patrick's Athletic on Monday night.

A late goal from Kian Leavy was the difference between the sides in Inchicore.

It was the home side that started the game brightly and their first chance of the game came in the 7th minute, but Sean Hoare saw his header fly over Evan Watts' crossbar following a free-kick from the hosts.

Moments later, Barry Baggley saw his left footed free-kick just go wide of the United post.

Arthur Parker almost opened the scoring for the tribesmen in the 37th minute, but his shot was saved following a brilliant mazy run.

The home side dominated possession for the remainder of the half but the teams went in level at the break.

The saints began the second period strongly and Ryan Edmondson went close to scoring early in the half, but his effort was smartly saved by Watts.

The hosts started to turn the screw in the third quarter, but United defended well to remain level with 25 minutes remaining.

Stephen Kenny's side created some half chances in the final quarter, including a long-range effort from substitute, Aidan Keena.

The home side did eventually open the scoring in the 90th minute however, when the ever impressive Kian Leavy rifled a left footed effort past Watts, to make it 1-0.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser in additional time but the hosts held on for all three points.

United's defence were excellent all evening, with Aaron Bolger also performing well in midfield.

Despite the narrow defeat, the westerners can be proud of their performance on Monday night, in a game they possibly deserved a point in.

Next up for United is a home game against Dundalk on Friday night at Eammon Deacy Park.

‍

‍