SOCCER: Galway United 0 UCD 0:HAVING DELIVERED two gutsy performances without registering a result Galway United were aware that last night's Corribside encounter with UCD carried added significance so this draw didn't thrill a reasonable Terryland Park audience.
While Seán Connor is deservedly held in high regard by Galway regulars and a late flourish could have yielded a goal only for UCD’s goalkeeper Ger Barron thwarting Karl Moore this was a 90 minutes that confirmed the Tribesmen need to remain patient.
An interesting opening period featured chances at either end as Galway overcame a shakey start in which the students provided glimpses of their passing style.
Midfielder Robbie Creevy was eager to support his attacking colleagues and nearly ended a sweet move that involved Graham Rusk and Dean Marshall with a smart sixth-minute strike, but Galway custodian Greg Fleming saved.
Galway went close themselves in the 10th minute when an Alan Murphy free-kick from 30 yards struck the woodwork.
Creevy’s willingness to wander was disturbing Galway early on and a 14th-minute effort from the former Shamrock Rovers youngster examined Fleming’s reflexes again.
On the stroke of half-time Moore fed Joseph Yoffe, who forced a splendid save from Barron as UCD went in at the break on terms.
Two minutes after the restart UCD were awarded a penalty when Fleming fouled Darren Meenan, but the Galway netminder saved Graham Rusk’s spot-kick. Goalmouth action was scare thereafter as Barron ensured the students nicked a point.
GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Sinnott, Maher, Feeney (Cash 10 mins, E Curran 82 mins), Walsh; Ryan, Sean Kelly, G Curran, Moore; Murphy, Yoffe (Smith 67 mins).
UCD:Barron; OConnor, Boyle, Leahy, Nangle; Marshall (Haro 68 mins), Corry, Creevy, OCallaghan (Ledwith 46 mins); Rusk, Meenan.
Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).
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