GALWAY UNITED CLOSED the gap on table-toppers UCD with a 2-0 win in the pick of tonight’s SSE Airtricity League First Division action.
Goals in either half from Eoin McCormack and captain Ryan Connolly gave Shane Keegan’s side the edge at Eamonn Deacy Park.
With Drogheda’s 1-0 win against struggling Athlone Town enough to move them into second place, UCD’s lead at the top is now down to five points — with the Students having played a game more than Drogs, Galway and Finn Harps who are all level on 21 points.
In-form Harps missed their chance to capitalise as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Shelbourne, while elsewhere, Longford Town were 2-0 winners on the road at Wexford FC.
Eager to bounce back from Monday night’s defeat against Finn Harps, Galway were quick off the mark when McCormack put them in front on 11 minutes from a free kick.
Gary Shanahan had a chance to double the hosts’ advantage minutes later but hit the bar, and it wasn’t until Connolly struck in the 77th minute that the win was made safe, condemning UCD to just their second defeat of the campaign.
Chris Lyons scored the only goal of the game five minutes into the second half as Drogheda laboured to a 1-0 win against Athlone, who remain rooted to the foot of the table with just one point to show from 11 games.
Finn Harps — looking for a fifth straight win on the back of big victories against both Drogheda and Galway — couldn’t find a breakthrough against Shelbourne, while Jamie Hollywood and Sam Verdon earned Longford all three points in Wexford.
Cobh Ramblers host Cabinteely in Saturday evening’s game at St Colman’s Park. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
SSE Airtricity League First Division – Results
- Athlone Town 0-1 Drogheda United
- Galway United 2-0 UCD
- Shelbourne 0-0 Finn Harps
- Wexford FC 0-2 Longford Town
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“O’Dowd also scored the only goal in Ireland’s 3-1 Uefa championship qualifying round loss to Andorra.” Sweet Jesus we didn’t loose to Andorra!
No, but we did lose to them.
I grew up listening to the songs his Granda Brendan sang. Brendan sang all the Percy French songs like the west Clare Railway and Gortnamona.
His grandfather was considered the best interpreter of the Percy French songbook. Cue the gang in France singing “Are you right there, Michael?” if he scores.
What about jack Byrne. Why doesn’t he get his chance in the warm up game. I’m sure he’ll be a future star for Ireland and the experience alone would benefit him going to the euros anyone agree??
Who would Byrne replace tho? This kid who got called up is a winger which we lack.. In central midfield we have a few who have there places nailed down.. I don’t know how good Byrne is to be honest is he better than the guys we have?
Probably replace Hoolahan?
I’m not saying he should be in instead of dis young fella fair play ta him getting called up great for him and his family. Jack byrne is a smashing footballer good to have as cover if hoolahan gets injured cause theres no more creativity in the squad
Martinez just sacked!
This is a story about a young lads exciting opportunity. Martinez getting sacked can wait for 5 minutes until that story appears. Well done to O Dowda. Hope he proves himself.