League Report: Waterford 0 - 1 Galway Utd

John Caulfield's team dug out a later winner for him on Friday night

John Caulfield's Galway United took all three points on their travels on Friday Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

Galway move back level with Cork City as they overcame Waterford at the RSC on Friday night. An early goal from Manu Dimas proved to be the difference between the two sides as they kept up their title challenge.        

It was another set-back for Waterford though. Despite having much of the better play, they failed to really test Conor Kearns in goal. They managed to hit the post twice in succession but lost further ground on those above them in the table.

Waterford made one change from their impressive display down in Cobh last weekend. George Forrest was the player to make way. Galway also made just the single alteration. Ed McCarthy dropped out to be replaced by David Hurley.   

Both sides began in tentative fashion as they sought to size each other out. Waterford were seeing plenty of the ball without really creating anything of note. Galway had possibly the first real clear opportunity in the game as Stephen Walsh flashed a header just wide from a Phoenix Patterson corner. That came after an enterprising attack involve Walsh, Manu Dimas and Wilson Waweru.  

It was still a surprise though when Galway struck for the opener. Waterford lost the ball in midfield and it found its way to Alex Murphy. He laid an excellent ball into the penalty area where Dimas was able to slot home.

The home side seemed to be knocked back by this and struggled to get into their routine. Shane Griffin tested the back-line with a dangerous free-kick that was cleared eventually. A better opportunity arrived when Patterson set up substitute Roland Idowu. His first time shot forced a good save from Kearns. Griffin then had another chance from a set piece that was parried by Kearns. He managed to take it on the second attempt.

Galway still posed a threat at the other end. Killian Brouder found Walsh with a precise cross. He was just unable to make proper connection with it. Richard Taylor advanced up from the back to try and get the blues level before the break. He saw an initial effort blocked before shooting goal-wards. It drifted just to the right at the end.

Waterford continued to strive for an equaliser as the second half commenced. Idowu was unable to meet a cross from Patterson after a decent build-up, while Taylor’s through-ball was too strong for Cian Kavanagh. This seemed to be a characteristic of much of the Waterford attack in this period; seeing much of the ball but overplaying the final ball.

Changes were made by Ian Morris in an attempt to inject some energy and creativity into his side. It started to pay dividends as Galway were forced back deeper. Griffin continued to cause problems with his delivery. Kavanagh fired narrowly wide from a ball played infield while Taylor was unable to trouble Kearns with his header shortly after.

Galway seemed content to play on the break but were almost caught out. Patterson swung a corner in from the right and Kavanagh smacked the post with his header. Incredibly Killian Cantwell also managed to find the same woodwork on the rebound. Galway just about getting it away.



They eventually ran out of steam as Galway recorded another important away victory. They welcome Bray Wanderers to Eamonn Deacy Park on next Friday. Waterford have a massive Munster derby at home to Cork City on Monday afternoon.      

Waterford: Brian Murphy (c); Kevin Joshua, Killian Cantwell, Darragh Power, Richard Taylor; Shane Griffin, Yassine En-Neyah (Louis Britton 57), Niall O'Keeffe, Phoenix Patterson, Junior Quitirna (Roland Idowu 20); Cian Kavanagh (Tunmise Sobowale 81).
Subs not used: Paul Martin, George Forrest, Jeremie Milambo, Callum Stringer, Nigel Aris, Eddie Nolan.
Booked: Niall O'Keeffe (35)


Galway United: Conor Kearns; Killian Brouder, Alex Murphy, Conor O'Keeffe, Diego Portilla, Stephen Walsh; David Hurley (Charlie Lyons 90), Conor McCormack (c), Wilson Waweru (Max Hemmings 90); Manu Dimas (Gary Boylan 77), Mikie Rowe (Edward McCarthy 60).
Subs not used: Matthew Connor, Evan O'Connor, Francely Lomboto, Ronan Manning, Jordan Adeyemo.
Booked: Diego Portilla (73)


Referee: Alan Patchell
Attendance: 1,464
extratime.com Player of the Match: Conor McCormack

    About Philip Morrissey

    Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile