A SOLITARY goal separated the sides in this National League Cup semi-final at Terryland Park last night where the home side came out on top due to the recall of Billy Clery, who scored the goal.

This is the first time Galway have reached this final since the 1985-'86 season when they went on to take the title.

Athlone Town should have taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Mark Gill sent a cross from the right which was met by the in-rushing Niall Keogh, whose looping header beat Galway goalkeeper Eddie Van Boxtel. However, Stephen Lally averted the danger for his side with a diving header.

Galway United upped their tempo after the interval. After 59 minutes Ollie Neary found himself in a one-on-one situation with John Connolly, but the Athlone Town goalkeeper was alert.

In the 67th minute Lally sent in a cross from the right which was picked up by Ollie Neary who found team mate Clery, and he headed to the net.