Composed St Patrick's Athletic spoil Galway United's top flight return

Galway United 0 St. Patrick’s Athletic 1

After a turbulent week off the field, Galway United finished with a disappointing game on it. They fell to a composed St. Pat’s side who had a dream start.

Inside three minutes, Jamie Lennon capitalised on indecision in the United rearguard. A Chris Forrester corner spilled in the area. Lennon attacked the loose ball and drove it in to the top corner.

There were wild celebrations from the Pat’s fans in the stands and on the field after this goal. That passion wouldn’t spill over again as both sets of supporters endured a game devoid of quality, made extremely difficult by the underfoot conditions.

Kian Leavy managed to glide on the surface at times however. He threatened to hammer home the visitor’s advantage with a superb solo run midway through the half. The tricky winger drove to the edge of the box but his shot careered just wide.

On the opposite flank, Jake Mulraney showed poise and pace to prise an opening five minutes later. He just couldn’t get his shot off.

Galway United enjoyed some territory as the half progressed. They relied on set-pieces to try and get back on terms but a determined and organised Pat’s defence was equal to their efforts.

Vince Borden had an effort from a free-kick blocked and Ed McCarthy’s long throw-ins were easily dealt with by Joe Redmond and company.

United’s only shot on target emanated from their best piece of play. Colm Horgan defended well from Leavy. His switch found Regan Donelon who curled a cross that Ed McCarthy’s glancing header couldn’t convert.

The football was even further hampered in the second half by the driving rain and a soft pitch. Indeed, conditions continued to deteriorate as the night progressed. This contributed to a