Galway U 0 Derry City 3:DURING this stage of the season all that ultimately matters is pocketing points and it turned into an especially productive evening for Derry City at Terryland Park.
The Candystripes gleaned the full complement of spoils on the banks of the Corrib while also on the verge accepting a bid from Sunderland for James McClean.
Having attracted interest from a raft of cross-channel clubs McClean is on the verge of a move to the Premier League and the 22-year-old was an unused substitute during this routine win.
McClean will travel to Sunderland on Monday for a medical and is expected to complete a deal for a fee in the region of €400,000.
Only 90 seconds had elapsed when a smashing Kevin Deery delivery located Stephen McLaughlin, but Galway ’keeper Conor Winn gathered safely.
The lead goal eventually arrived in the 11th minute when a Bobby Ryan foul on Deery was followed by a precise penalty from Eamon Zayed.
With Barry Molloy and Ruaidhrí Higgins bossing the midfield exchanges Derry were rarely bothered by the raw, but enthusiastic locals.
A second goal arrived four minutes before the break as Zayed’s opportunistic header followed a clever cameo from Patrick McEleney. Though Galway were earnest after the restart Derry still were able to clip a third goal 15 minutes from time. Zayed did the spadework for strike partner McEleney, who decorated Derrys triumph with a tasty effort from just outside the area.
GALWAY UNITED: Winn; Preston-Kelly, Browne, Gaughan, Walsh; Kim, Sinnott, G Kelly, Ryan (Gilmore, 55 mins); Murphy, Caldwell (Collins, 51 mins).
DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion, Greacen, S McEleney, Friars; Deery (Harkin, 78 mins), Higgins, Molloy, McLaughlin; P (McDaid, 80 mins), Zayed.
Referee: N Doyle (Dublin).
