Galway Utd0 Bohemians2

TEAMS WITH contrasting seasonal objectives collided at Terryland Park on a night when Bohemians’ title credentials received a stern examination.

That the Gypsies answered all the provocative questions Galway posed ensured the Dubliners skipped home heartened.

Having taken only three points from a possible 33 on the banks of the Corrib, Galway required a vast improvement against a Bohemians outfit that excels on the road.

Pat Fenlon’s efficient charges have won 10 of their 12 away tussles.

Unsurprisingly the table toppers matched substance with style early on, and pinched a seventh-minute lead courtesy of former Galway midfielder Gary Deegan.

John Paul Kelly created the chance for Deegan, who provided an ice-cool close-range finish as Bohemians began the contest with intent.

Galway showed admirable battling qualities in a lively opening, forcing half-a-dozen corners, but the visitors possessed a more liberal sprinkling of attacking craft.

That was underlined in the 41st minute as Mindagus Kalonas lashed home an opportunistic second.

After the Bohemians pair of Anto Murphy and Stephen O’Donnell were dismissed for second cautions on 51 and 66 minutes, Galway enjoyed a burst of pressure.

A flurry of opportunities were carved, but Brian Murphy made a raft of smashing saves as Bohemians edged 10 points clear of St Patrick’s Athletic.

GALWAY UNITED: Rogers; Conneely, Kenna, Fitzgerald, McCulloch (Molloy, 68); O’Shea, Foley, Murphy, Russell (Glynn, 57), Daveron; Jorgensen.

BOHEMIANS: B Murphy; A Murphy, O Heary, T Heary, Rossiter; Kelly (Byrne, 72), Deegan, O’Donnell, Brennan; Kalonas (Burns, 53), Crowe (McGill, 83).

Referee: R Winter (Wicklow).