THERE WERE JUST two games in the Airtricity League First Division this evening, with Wexford Youths travelling to Waterford for the latest instalment of the South East El Clásico, while Finn Harps entertained Galway FC.
Tonight’s results don’t mean any changes to the order of the First Division table.
Here’s how both fixtures went:
Waterford United 0-3 Wexford Youths
The Youths welcomed Aidan Keenan and Kilian Cantwell back into their starting team for the visit to close rivals Waterford, but this game was all about striker Danny Furlong.
The former Cork frontman, who spent part of 2013 on loan at Waterford, fired a hat-trick at the RSC to guide Shane Keegan’s side to victory. Furlong headed in his first after just 12 minutes, then doubled the Youths’ lead 14 minutes later.
His sensational hat-trick was completed in the 30th minute as he smashed into the top corner of Kevin Burns’ goal. United did improve thereafter, but couldn’t find the back of the net on a dismal evening.
Furlong’s treble drove the Youths to their eighth win of the league season, while Waterford remain on five victories.
Finn Harps 0-0 Galway FC
Sean McCarron’s second-half strike against the crossbar was the closest Finn Harps came to securing a win in their clash with Galway in Donegal. The visitors arrived with confidence after their 5-0 success over Shelbourne last weekend, but failed to break the deadlock.
Galway’s Stephen Walsh did have a penalty claim in the first half, but his appeals fell on deaf ears. Jason Molloy had a strong chance too in the second half, as he ultimately failed to capitalise on Ryan Connolly’s fine work.
Finn Harps’ McCarron had a trio of efforts on Ger Hanley’s goal late in the second period, including that rasping drive against the woodwork, but the sides had to share the spoils in the end.
