REPORT | Cabinteely 0-1 Galway United

United picked up a morale boosting win against promotion hopefuls Cabinteely at Stradbrook Road.

The hard-fought 1-0 win put an end to Cabinteely’s run of 9 games without a loss.

The goal that decided the game was a thing of real beauty. Conor Barry’s lob was something only a player that was high in confidence would go for and he judged and executed it perfectly. The ball dipped narrowly underneath the crossbar with Cabinteely goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness scurrying back to his line.

The hosts enjoyed long periods of possession in the game but rarely threatened United’s goal with clear-cut chances.

United did have chances to double their lead in the game, but in the end it took a seriously hard working and disciplined performance to secure the clean sheet and three points.

The two sides traded blows at Stradbrook Road before Barry’s wonder-strike opened the scoring. Robert Manley headed narrowly over the bar from a corner kick before Paul Fox shot straight at Kevin Horgan.

United should have doubled their advantage when Marc Ludden squared the ball to Conor Melody in the box, but he blazed over with a first-time shot.

Maurice Nugent had two real chances to grab a second early in the second half. Firstly Nugent was denied by Cabinteely goalkeeper and captain Stephen McGuinness after Conor Barry had played him through.

Then the midfielder headed straight at McGuinness after Marc Ludden had swung an inviting ball into the box.

Cabinteely’s Paul Fox threatened once again for the hosts, but he could not keep his shot down.

Stephen Walsh had to be aware to block down Japanese winger Yuta Sasaki’s shot as Cabinteely pushed for an equaliser.

Cabinteely best chance to grab an leveller fell to the league’s top scorer Robert Manley, but he volleyed over on the turn.

Now all roads lead to Eamonn Deacy Park for Friday’s FAI Cup second round tie against Cork City.

Cabinteely: McGuinness; Blackbyrne (Keeley 72), Knight, Tuite, Dalton, Manley, Fox, Labutis, O’Neill (Aspil 90), Sasaki, Manahan (Clucas 57)

Galway United: Horgan; Horgan (Higgins 74), Lynch, Brouder (Murphy 52), Walsh; Collins, Nugent (Gamarra 83); Christopher, Barry, Ludden; Melody

Referee: Alan Patchell