Drogheda U 1 Galway United 0:AFTER THE final whistle last night and another defeat, the Galway United Management Committee announced they had passed a vote of no confidence in manager Sean Connor, adding to the turmoil at the troubled club.
They had seen their relegation rivals Drogheda take a giant step towards securing their place in the Premier Division next season with a win that moved them nine points clear.
Mick Cooke’s side deserved the win, but, their inability to convert a host of chances over the hour-and-a-half would have to give cause for concern.
On the basis of the opening exchanges Galway didn’t look like a side that conceded eight a week ago as they enjoyed much the better of matters against an edgy home side.
Bobby Ryan drew a fine save from goalkeeper Steven Trimble, and when Stephen Quigley gave possession away all too easily Jinlu Kim darted into the box before setting up Alan Murphy who was also denied by Trimble.
Somewhat against the run of play, Drogheda took the lead when Quigley, making amends for his error, sent a pass through to Tiernan Mulvenna who slotted the ball under Conor Winn.
Buoyed by their lead, Drogheda finished the half strongly with Mulvenna volleying over and Dinny Corcoran meeting a Peter McMahon free only to see his effort flash just wide.
For Galway, a Stephen Walsh free was crying out for the slightest of touches early in the second half but unfortunately there was no assist.
Mulvenna then showed great awareness to allow the ball pass him to McMahon who sent it out right to Brian Gannon. His shot was pushed out by Winn to Jordan White who couldn’t direct his header on goal.
Just past the hour Mulvenna was on the end of a Gavin Brennan delivery only to see his header pushed into the air by Winn and a second effort sail wide.
It was all Drogheda at this stage as Alan McNally somehow managed to lift the ball over the bar from close range.
Galway were reduced to 10 men on 71 minutes when debutant Yob Son received his marching orders for a dangerous challenge on Brennan.
With their numerical advantage the home side turned the screw, but their finishing left an awful lot to be desired.
Gannon’s powerful strike was blocked by a defender, Hand and Mulvenna combined once more only for the latter to send his shot wide.
DROGHEDA: Trimble, McMahon, Rodgers, Gannon, McNally, Lynch, Brennan, Quigley, Corcoran (White 50 min), Mulvenna, Hand.
GALWAY: Winn, Kelly, Browne, Walsh, Son, Sinnott, Ryan, Kelly, Kim, Murphy, Cauldwell.
Referee: P Sutton (Clare).
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