LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION:THIS TERRYLAND Park collision involving two young teams was always likely to be revealing. Galway United and Bray Wanderers had suffered unfortunate opening night defeats so this Corribside contest carried much importance.
The applause that greeted Galway’s success told the tale. The home crowd were delighted with three points, crowning Seán Connor’s first home game in charge with a win.
Connor has promised to deliver a committed footballing team high on energy, and it was the enthusiastic manner of Galway United’s first-half display which impressed the locals.
There were a couple of early scares as Bray settled well, but Galway summoned a feisty response.
Bray are regarded as a thoughtful footballing outfit, and there was plenty of evidence to support this belief in the opening quarter.
Eager to move the ball swiftly, Bray’s youngsters nearly pinched the lead after 40 seconds.
Dane Massey hurled a throw into the Galway area and Shane ONeill reacted quickly to release Robbie Doyle, who thumped a right-footed effort wide from 16 yards.
Gradually Galway began to control the midfield exchanges where Gary Curran and Ciarán Foley combined nicely.
Curran enjoyed a productive 2009 in the First Division with Longford Town, and his willingness to wander into threatening areas helped Galway grab a 21st-minute lead.
Curran burst into the area, and though the Sligo native was denied by Bray custodian Brian Kane, Galway attacker Karl Sheppard reacted swiftly to steer the rebound home from close range.
Sheppard’s pace was troubling the visitors, and the former Everton reserve occupied a significant role in the creation of Galway’s second goal in the 27th minute.
Bobby Ryan’s intelligent right-wing pass released Sheppard, who evaded Dane Massey’s challenge before crossing for Derek O’Brien, who rattled Bray with a splendid finish at the back post.
Galway were in the groove, and Sheppard was thwarted by the woodwork moments later as the home side sought to seal the game.
Though Bray had leaked two goals they remained earnest, and in the 41st minute they halved the deficit when substitute Philip Knight swept a shot through a thicket of bodies, ensuring the issue was delicately poised at the interval.
Galway continued to probe after the restart, and Massey made a brilliant last-ditch intervention to thwart Sheppard, while Derek O’Brien hit the post following a precise Jason Molloy cross. In the dying embers Bray could have stolen a draw, but Barry Ryan prevented Robbie Doyle, and Galway survived.
GALWAY UNITED:Ryan; Conneely, Heary, McKenzie, Meynell; Ryan (McBrien, 76), Foley, Curran, OBrien; Molloy (Keane, 83), Sheppard.
BRAY WANDERERS:Kane; Doyle, Byrne (Knight, 35), OConnor, Massey (Georgescu, 83); Baker, Kavanagh, Shields, Kelly (Tyrell, 57); ONeill, Doyle.
Referee:A Kelly (Cork).
