Shamrock Rovers 2
Galway United 0
PAT FENLON’S SHAMROCK ROVERS were commanding winners at Tallaght Stadium as Galway United’s woeful record against all of the top four teams in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division continued.
Throughout the 2015 campaign Galway have failed to register a single point against Dundalk, Cork City, Rovers, and St Patrick’s Athletic which ensures the Tribesmen are in now in serious relegation bother.
The Hoops dominated the majority of the opening period, but didn’t score until first half stoppage time when Gavin Brennan netted at the second attempt.
Brandon Miele had caused Galway significant bother with goalkeeper Conor Winn and skipper Paul Sinnott both forced to make brave blocks.
Danny North was denied by the woodwork in the 37th minute, but the Hoops hit the front as the interval approached.
Gavin Brennan’s initial effort hit the post, but he reacted swiftly to score from the rebound as Rovers’ supremacy was reflected with a goal.
Galway were fortunate to escape at the break only trailing by one as Winn subsequently made a fine save to thwart Miele.
Three minutes after the restart Conor Barry was unfortunate not to connect with a Gary Shanahan cross as Galway briefly threatened.
At the opposite end Michael Drennan and Patrick Cregg went close before North edged Pat Fenlon’s side further ahead following smart approach work by Gavin Brennan, who outfoxed Kilian Cantwell.
Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy; Simon Madden, Maxime Blanchard, Conor Kenna, David O’Connor; Gavin Brennan, Patrick Cregg, Ryan Brennan (Stephen McPhail, 80), Brandon Miele (Damien Duff, 80); Michael Drennan, Danny North (Gareth McCaffrey, 86).
Galway United: Conor Winn; Cormac Raftery, Samuek Oji, Kilian Cantwell, Colm Horgan; Jake Keegan, Paul Sinnott, David O’Leary, Gary Shanahan (Conor Melody, 74); Conor Barry (Tomi Saarelma, 60); Enda Curran (Andy O’Connell, 69).
Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).
